Should Religion be Taught in Schools

In K-12, I don't think it's a good idea.

Children are very impressionable, and would likely get confused as to how they could use the information given. Like with anything in childhood and adolescence, they will use any knowledge to make them feel better about themselves. They're not mature enough to handle the information. It would likely become the same thing as "the latest gossip" where they would use it against people, which is completely contrary to the point of learning about all different religions.

Also, as pointed out earlier, any bias would come out, intentionally or unintentionally.

I think religion classes should be left to colleges, where the professors who teach these classes have (hopefully) specialized in it. I know my World Religions teacher is very passionate about finding all the commonalities. And he's great too

Religion is a subject in Swedish schools. I think the subject is rather necessary. I have little opinion on when to start. From the very beginning kids should be made aware that there are different opinions, and that you should respect one another's views. The very first years, getting acquainted with the holiday customs of the major global and important locally represented religions might be a good start.

From grade 7 it's grouped with history, social studies and geography. Teachers for this group work together. There may be projects where for example the history and religions of India is illustrated by finding out which areas are dominated by what, and what the effects on social structure might be. (I went to school several years before the current system of 1969 was introduced, so my view on how it works is mainly from heresay and Google.)

Already grade 5 is IMHO suited for going more into detail. Teachers should have had university education in the religions they teach. For Sweden, I think a standard selection of Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient Nordic belief would be a fair starting point. For a broader view, and considering that the OT for some reason still is important in Christianity, it might be useful to mention Judaism. At least in the three largest cities, where there are Sikh Gurdwaras, I think there's enough reason to include Sikhism. Atheism would be discussed.

At the very latest in high school, I hope Orthodox Catholicism, Saami religion, varieties of Animism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto as well as selected varieties within the world religions mentioned will be included. For added flavour, Jainism and Zoroastrism may be useful.

Bias is a minor problem. Teachers will know when starting their studies that they have to follow the national curriculum, which by definition is religiously and culturally neutral, and any cases of overstepping limits could probably lead to banning them from teaching the subject.

Governmental inspectors check that the curriculum is adhered to even in schools with a religious slant. They can even revoke primary school charters if boys and girls aren't allowed to play together during breaks.

Comicaze247 said:

In K-12, I don't think it's a good idea.

Children are very impressionable, and would likely get confused as to how they could use the information given. Like with anything in childhood and adolescence, they will use any knowledge to make them feel better about themselves. They're not mature enough to handle the information. It would likely become the same thing as "the latest gossip" where they would use it against people, which is completely contrary to the point of learning about all different religions.

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You seem to have a very low opinion of children.

Also, as pointed out earlier, any bias would come out, intentionally or unintentionally.

I think religion classes should be left to colleges, where the professors who teach these classes have (hopefully) specialized in it. I know my World Religions teacher is very passionate about finding all the commonalities. And he's great too

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Well, if you've followed the other thread, I support teachers specializing in whatever field they teach.

BalanceFx said:

Comparitive religion has a lot of merit. Compare holidays, the origin of each and various gods the masses pay homage too. A big homer sized pie slice of tolerance might end up being enjoyed.

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I remember my ex-girlfriend's sister telling us about the "Comparative Religion" classes she had at her public-funded Catholic high school. Apparently, it ended up being a "How Each World Religion is Inferior to the Roman Catholic Church" class.

Storm said:

You seem to have a very low opinion of children.

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I would like to disagree, actually. I believe all children are good, but they all go through the same kinds of phases. Not always in the same ways, but the same phases nonetheless. And I'm talking generalizations, I know there are many who don't fall into that category.

I'm thinking it's best taught to young adults, who, though they may possibly still be in the desperately-seeking-an-identity-so-I'll-latch-onto-anything-I-can phase, they're more mature, and can process things better. Again, I'm not saying this is all teenagers. Younger children, on average, can quite literally think only within their immediate spectrum, so it may very well be too much for them.

An interesting question.

To a degree (at least here in New York), we do receive some multi-faith education through our world history courses. As you said, the religions of the world have had a significant impact on the history of humanity.
As such, I would definitely be in favor a complete course dedicated to the subject, provided it held to an observational and historical point of view (i.e. This is what this group believes, here are the major historical events, figures, etc. that centered around this group). I believe it could give insight into the actual beliefs of other faiths and even facilitate understanding and common ground between groups.

That said, such a course would have to be rigorously monitored. The curriculum must assess the beliefs, contributions and effects of the major religions (and in my opinion, even minor religions and the non-religious movement) fairly and in an objective and impartial light. Such courses are easily susceptible to bias. Also, teachers would also have to be carefully watched to ensure they don't insert their own bias into the classroom. I've seen the effect such educators can have on young minds and it's counterproductive to say the least.

In the Uk we have Christian, Jewish and Islamic Schools. While they have strict guidelines about intake and
curriculum. they are free to teach their respective religions. There are very many more Christian schools, especially Anglican ones, as in many cases these were set up before free education was the norm.
All schools are required to start the day with an act of worship, however in many cases this is now reflected in a token morning assembly with no religious content..