1. Does Religion Belong in Education?
It doesn't "belong" in public education, but there's a lot to learn from different religions. There should at least be the option. I agree with Marlene and SydneyFan. As long as it's for educational study purposes and the beliefs aren't imposed on you.
2. Should taking Religion be mandatory? Specifically for non-public schools
Yes. What do you expect from a Catholic school, for religion to be optional? It kinda defeats the purpose. I'm tired of my classmates who bellyache about having to take religion when they're
in a Catholic school. They're not being forced to be Catholic. They're choosing to go to a Catholic school (with the exception of those who are forced by their parents). People don't go to medical school to study astrology. Religion isn't taught in religious schools to enforce abstinence. It's meant to give a deeper understanding of religion, to look below the surface. Of all things, it should give you a more open mind of the world instead of give you a list of rules to follow. Typical classes are Old/New Testament, Church History, Sacraments, World Religions, Morality, Social Justice, and Catholic Lifestyles. I really enjoyed my Old/New Testament and World Religions classes because there was so much I didn't know about my own religion as well as others.
3. Should all religions be represented in education. For example: in Ontario we have the Roman Catholic School Board. Should every religion have this opportunity?
It would probably be impossible to have
all religions represented, but they should have the opportunity.
And I've posted about this before, so some of you may be hearing a repeat. Not all religious schools are like people imagine them, with nuns walking around, priests teaching, and beliefs being shoved down your throat. I've been in a Catholic school since the 3rd grade, and high school especially is very inclusive of all beliefs. While our religious studies are based on the assumption that students are Christian, it's still for educational purposes. Spiritual growth is like an option for the Catholics who want to take their education further and practice their beliefs (there's a countless number of Christians who are "labeled" Christian but don't act like it). There are prayers, but you're not forced to participate in them. You just have to respect those who do, aka don't yell while worhipping. You have to attend Mass, but again, you don't have to believe, just respect. There aren't really limitations as one would expect. In my school, and I imagine most Catholic schools (Christian schools not included), evolution
is taught. And in my school, there's a great diversity. It's made up of minorities--African Americans, Koreans, Filipinos, Hispanics, and a few Middle Easterns and Europeans. People come from a wide range of backgrounds. There's atheists and Muslims, including teachers. It's probably not as diverse as a public school, but that's for a simple reason--private schools aren't as large.
But ultimately, it depends on the individual school. Maggie, for example, goes to a school with closed-minded nuts.
Sarah Jan 31 2004 said:
1. Does Religion Belong in Education?
I think that it doesn't. At my school, religion isn't offered, and that's just fine.
2. Should taking Religion be mandatory? Specifically for non-public schools
Like I said, it's not even offered here. If you want to learn about religion, go to church.
Not all churches offer Bible study. Your school doesn't offer religion, fine for you, but what about those who want it? What about the Christians who can't afford a private school? Church isn't a school--it's a place of worship, where the priest reads from the Bible. How about the interpretation, analyzation, and study of the Bible and other religions?
