7 Reasons It’s a Mistake NOT to Teach Religion in School (it's not what you think)
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it” ~Aristotle
Discussing religion is uniquely divisive. That’s why I need to talk about it. Fostering beautiful minds means encouraging empathy, compassion, and deep thinking on how to serve and create a better world. Discussing faith (or lack of faith) is necessary to understand what it means to be human.
We are a multi-faith household with both Eastern & Western religions represented. Maybe one day, I’ll describe our faith. Until then, let’s talk about what may be my most controversial opinion.
7 Reasons Why It’s a Mistake NOT to Teach Religion in School
Cultural Literacy: Religion has played a significant role in shaping cultures, histories, and societies across the world. Teaching about religions helps children understand the cultural and historical context of different societies. Many historical events and social movements are deeply connected to religious beliefs and motivations. Without an understanding of the faith systems involved, children miss out on much of the nuances of unique and beautiful cultural differences and historical events.
Promoting Tolerance and Understanding: Learning about different religions fosters empathy, tolerance, and respect for diverse perspectives and beliefs. This understanding can help counter stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Mental Health Benefits: Studies have shown again and again that people of faith are less likely to have anxiety and depression. Religious rituals like prayer/meditation and being part of a community boost mental health. Even if you aren’t a deist (belief in God(s)), adopting strategies like meditation have proven psychological benefits that should be examined and discussed in an open and respectful way.
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Studying religions encourages critical thinking by examining belief systems, rituals, and ethical codes. Children learn to analyze and evaluate complex ideas, many of which have no “clear” answer. Discussion about faith is a great way to introduce philosophy. Comparing and contrasting other religions helps one understand universal truths about humans. Why is it that so many people for thousands of years have had a belief in God(s)? What does this tell us about what it means to be human? Finally, learning about other faith systems, allows those of faith to have a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and how they contrast or are similar to others.
Global Citizenship: In our interconnected world, understanding different faith systems is essential for global citizenship. It equips children to communicate and collaborate across cultures. Exposure to different religious worldviews can help children explore their own beliefs and values while encouraging them to question and contemplate life's deeper questions such as: Why is it important to be ethical?
Ethics and Morality Education: Religious teachings include ethical principles and moral values. Learning about these, especially those that all faiths have in common (including atheist and non-theist systems of belief), can provide a foundation for discussions on ethical dilemmas and societal norms. How does one become an honorable person that contributes to the benefit of society? These questions are rarely evaluated in school.
Promoting Religious Freedom: Teaching about multiple religions supports the principle of religious freedom, helping children understand their own rights and responsibilities as well as those of others. Asking children how would they feel if they had to believe or not believe in a specific system? What should we do as a society to ensure all people feel heard and acknowledged?
My homeschool children will grow up with a deep understanding of not only their faith but the faiths of others as well as an understanding that not all people share a belief in God(s). I believe that this will make them better stewards of society, compassionate and empathetic adults that will stand up for the rights, beliefs, and values of others.
I’m not asking you to do the same but rather to consider doing the same.
As Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it.”
Teaching multi-faiths to children does just that.
~Claire Honeycutt
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Your takes are usually very measured, balanced, and meaningful. So I'll run with this. So accepting the premise that we are teaching in a classroom, individually or together, how would this be done in a balanced fashion? And for all grades, or just some? Or do we skip some as being not mature enough to understand (probably not, but, we have the fact that there are already too many children in each classroom, so we have to accept that variable), or does the presentation of the material just change based on the age or grade?
On a smaller scale with less than ten students, I can see this happening more easily.
In a college classroom, I understand that in can be done, but in k-12, there are also political interferences that may get in the way, so if we are going to do this, which would be valuable for critical thinking, some things have to be confronted.
This is a great post!