Religous Instruction
By Kylalynn
@Kylalynn (1771)
South Africa
April 13, 2007 4:05pm CST
Do they still teach religous instruction in your country. Here in S.Africa, most schools have dropped the subject due to diversity of all the different cultures and religons. My grandchildren are of average to intelligent intellect but what they know about all the bible stories is what they have learnt at home or read about in their illustrated bibles. Two of my grandchildren attend a catholic school and they know far more about the bible than what the other 2 do, even though they attend private schools as well.
2 people like this
4 responses
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
13 Apr 07
Private schools in the United States still teach religion, but in public schools it's not allowed. I'm really happy about that, because when I was younger I was punished for not taking part in religious activities that weren't of my religion. I wish I had known then that it was illegal for my school to do so.
Personally, I'd rather not have my child learn religion at school, but have him learn from me or religious organizations that I choose. There are so many religions that teach "only my way is valid" and I want my child to learn to respect everyone's beliefs. My husband and I plan to teach him about both of our religious beliefs, and also about the beliefs of other people around the world.
2 people like this
@Kylalynn (1771)
• South Africa
15 Apr 07
That's not very nice for being punished for not attending RI. There are a lot of religions that teach 'my way is right' and I do disagree with that. I believe in one supreme being, but cannot see the harm in children learning bible stories. They can only learn from them!
@Galena (9110)
•
14 Apr 07
in the UK, we don't have (thankfully) Religious Instruction.
We have Religious Education.
pupils are taught ABOUT religions, and a variety of them at that.
no religion is taught as the right one, it's not INSTRUCTION. it's not telling people what to beleive in. it's telling people what different people beleive in, and it's up to each pupil to decide if they beleive that or not.
after all, no one really has the right to make spiritual choices on anothers behalf. even a child should always be allowed to make their own religious choices.
1 person likes this
@Kylalynn (1771)
• South Africa
15 Apr 07
When I was at school in the UK it was called Religous Instruction. They have probably changed the name to Religous Education since I left UK. Although is there really a difference? You say children are being taught about the different religions people believe in. Well, that is more than what is being done here at our government schools. No one can make spiritual choices for others, but children have to grow up and choose forthemselves before making choices. Small children are too young to make their own choices. That is why I advocate the teaching of bible stories etc. No-one is forcing the issue.
@Galena (9110)
•
16 Apr 07
well that's just it. a Child should be atheist by default, until they make a choice one way or another.
I'm all for children being taught bible stories, so long as they are taught stories from other religions too, and taught that they can beleive any they want, and they don't HAVE to beleive in any of them if they don't feel they are right.
you'd be surprised how young a child can make their own way in religion.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
14 Apr 07
I too am in the US where religion is not allowed by law to be taught in public schools but is in private schools which are for the most part very very expensive. Most average people teach their children at home or through a church affiliation.
@Kylalynn (1771)
• South Africa
15 Apr 07
I cannot see the harm of children of all religions listening to bible stories. They are very interesting. I think the bulk of the teaching has to be done at home or church though! I just feel all children are missing out on something really interesting!
@zahoor007 (273)
• India
15 Apr 07
leaving region is a big problem as i can tell you that in your country ----- cases are more not only that It Is No 1 in a bad disease which this website is not allowing me to type, people kill each other brutally for money and similar reasons. So your country is leading towards atheist, and Almighty is Patient these things hardly matter for him, he will select only those people who are patient and will control there desire
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