Problem with the topic of religion is that most of the original texts are old and probably written in languages other than English. When one attempts to teach sth like that, they will have to rely on texts which have been translated, which means there is already one layer of interpretation. Then, as the texts were probably written hundreds/ thousands of years ago, new texts often try to reinterpret them in modern context. And, if you studied history, you might realise that every attempt at presenting it is a form of reinterpretation, in which the writer, teacher, etc inputs his or her own perspective. This is not to say that they edit what happens. The differences come from what they emphasize, and how they illustrate. The same might apply to a religion class and end up bias towards anyone religion. However, such biasness often come from an attempt to make a pt. Hence, it might be possible on a general level, as an introduction to the 'world religions', where the idea is just to provide a basic outline for each religion. This is probably already a common module available at university level. Never taken it personally, but I suppose if each religion is treated individually with no comparison, the class should work out fine, assuming that students attend it with an open mind.
So what's the big deal with Jesus??? Heard he walks on water and looks like a hippie. I'd like to learn more about him.
No. If they are only teaching the bible, what about other religions? Shouldn't they also teach that too? I know Chrisitianity is a huge religion but teaching the bible would be out of the line.
Someone mentioned the the tora a little while back, tora is the old testament of the bible. teach the whole bible, youve also taught the tora. Christianity should be taught at home, its the resonsibility of the parents or guardians, its a fact that America is not a Christian country though they claim it. with that in mind, you would be silly for expecting Christianity to be taught in schools. The best you would probably get from schools is a secular version of the religion which includes Santa clause, the bunny rabbit and the American favourite, Pagan Halloween. So, should they teach the bible in American schools (or any school anywhere)? yes, if its a Christian state or a proper Christian school which is something i've never seen before (Roman Catholic Schools, yes, Christian Schools, No). but for America this in not the case. Christianity is not a very large religion, the largest religions are Islam and Roman Catholicism. The vast majority of Roman Catholics do not know the bible because they do not teach it. they have their own religious text with its own set of commandments etc (they did try to destroy all bibles at one point remember). Jesus did not look like a hippy as someone said, im sure you were messing about but you must remember that youve only seen pictures that were drawn by men who have never seen Jesus. Long feminine hair, frail weak frame, almost sickly looking. That aint Jesus my friend, Jesus was a carpenter, back then they never have electricity, no power tools etc, he would have to be very strong for such a job. And the blasphemus long hair that he himself forbids on men, Nazerian law forbade men from having long hair, Jesus did not have long hair. i feel sorry for those who look at them pictures as being Jesus cus when he returns they will be in for a big supprise.
@Master_g: I am kind of surprised that you don't think it's advisible to have the national board of education incorporate bible into the system... But it is true, there are few Christian school (relatively to school of other religions)
Yeah, as i said, if it was a Christian school or a Christian state (which doesnt exist) then it should be taught. but in a secular environment, maybe not. BUT if that school wishes to teach then no one should stop them. As long as its real Christianity and not a secular watered down version as i mention earlier.
^ The likelihood that the "real" Christianity is being taught is extremely unlikely... unfortunately for you.
not so, some seem to think that Christianity is a set of rules etc and is dependant on you reading a certain version of the bible that has its words placed in a particular formation. ultimately the bible conveys a message, not a pattern, real Christianity is a relationship with God AND by trying to live by Jesus' example. Some would like to think that there is a early Christianity which excludes judgement, hell, having to know Jesus etc. but then again, if i was a man of the world i would probably be one of those hoping for that too. of course there are man made interventions which we call denominations but thats another story.
I don't know about enforcing Christianity or bible studies in school since everyone has a different god, religion etc so in that respect some type of moral teaching would be a better good idea. It seems there are too many people lacking morals now days. Obeying societies laws is not enough in my books because there's too many loopholes.
Even though I'm Christian, I would be against the idea. The adults at my church would probably want that because they want as many people to be "saved" as possible. However, I've always learned that even if people don't share the same religion as me, I should still respect their religion. I feel that forcing a religion is not the right way to save people. I wouldn't want another religion to be forced onto me.
