RE studies 'should cover atheism'

Non-religious beliefs should be taught as part of compulsory religious education, a thinktank report suggests.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/3486537.stm

Discuss!

[Pierre]

I agree.

I believe religion is a very personal thing and a choice that should be made in later life.

Being indoctrinated into a faith/ religion etc just because you are born into a family that has that religion is unfair and damaging.

I was "born" a Roman Catholic, and during school and younger life I was dragged to church which to anyone young is probably the most boring thing in the world. Catholic mass does not lend itself to the younger generation - I hated it. As soon as I was old enough to tell my parents I did not want to go to church or become a practising catholic I did.

I'm sure I am not alone in that story. I do not think schools should have any religeous links. They should teach all faiths about all faiths and also that it is ok to not have a faith if you don't want one.

Then you can make an informed decision about religion you want to follow, if any.

[Nor]

Was in exactly the same position as you Pierre. But the guilt in not going was horrendous. I don't really believe any religion should be taught in school now, kids should goto a sunday school if their parents want to to be taught religious education.

Then we wouldn't have segretated schools. I never understood why I couldn't goto the same school as my friend, and although he was my best friend we ended up spending 12 years at seperate schools. Would also go a long way to helping solve the sectarian problems up here.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Pierre

I was "born" a Roman Catholic, and during school and younger life I was dragged to church which to anyone young is probably the most boring thing in the world. Catholic mass does not lend itself to the younger generation - I hated it. As soon as I was old enough to tell my parents I did not want to go to church or become a practising catholic I did.

Yep, I had all that too. It was drilled in to me that Catholicism was the only way, don't question what you're told, just do it etc - thankfully I found Christianity!

I disagree about atheism being taught in RE lessons - there's enough of that in the world as is. One thing I don't have a problem with however, is teaching about other faiths in these lessons. It would surely be beneficial if people learned one or two things about all religions, instead of relying on the usual "pub-level knowledge".

[ZrByte]

Originally Posted by Russ D

Yep, I had all that too. It was drilled in to me that Catholicism was the only way, don't question what you're told, just do it etc - thankfully I found Christianity!

I disagree about atheism being taught in RE lessons - there's enough of that in the world as is. One thing I don't have a problem with however, is teaching about other faiths in these lessons. It would surely be beneficial if people learned one or two things about all religions, instead of relying on the usual "pub-level knowledge".

There are many types of Athiesm, and from what I gather from what you have said you are reffering to Evolution theory. This Ignorance to athiesm in itself is an example of why athiesm should be taught in Schools, and I can think of no better subject than religious studies.
Athiesm is far too complex to be taught as a whole but it is an opposing view to the many religions out there and such is deffinatley related, and as many of you religous folks insist that there is no more proof for Evolution than creation that makes athiesm just as much a faith as christianity or Judaism.
(Not that I agree with that, I think there is way more evidence but this isnt the time or place to discuss that )

[Russ]

There are many types of Athiesm, and from what I gather from what you have said you are reffering to Evolution theory

No.

This Ignorance to athiesm in itself is an example of why athiesm should be taught in Schools

I don't have a problem with that, just not in RE lessons.

Athiesm is far too complex to be taught as a whole but it is an opposing view to the many religions out there and such is deffinatley related

Agreed.

and as many of you religous folks insist that there is no more proof for Evolution than creation that makes athiesm just as much a faith as christianity or Judaism.

No there's a difference - those who believe in evolution tend to be the types who require proof and evidence. People who go for creationism rarely require it.

[ZrByte]

Originally Posted by Russ D

No.

Well you said there is enough of that in schools allready, the only example of athiesm that I know of in schools is Evolution Theory

Originally Posted by Russ D

I don't have a problem with that, just not in RE lessons.


Agreed.

If you agree it is an opposing view than sureley it is related subject matter and as such can be included under the same subject.
For someone to form a fair opinion about anything you require views from both sides, excluding Athiesm basicly implies that it is not an option.

Originally Posted by Russ D

No there's a difference - those who believe in evolution tend to be the types who require proof and evidence. People who go for creationism rarely require it.

However since the main arguement against Evolution theory is our proof wich many creationists claim is flawed or doesnt exist, this means you percieve evolution as a faith (Or at least see it as a faith when its convenient, it would appear)

[Russ]

Well you said there is enough of that in schools allready, the only example of athiesm that I know of in schools is Evolution Theory

Hang on, did you say I was displaying ignorance...?

There are plenty of other forms of atheism in the world. Try this as an education for you

If you agree it is an opposing view than sureley it is related subject matter and as such can be included under the same subject.

I see what you are saying but the subjects are too opposing for it to work IMO. In RE you would be taught that Christianity says Jesus is the ONLY way, then when atheism is taught it would basically contradict it. Unless taught exceptionally well, I cannot see this being practical. By all means have atheism in schools if you must, but make it a different subject to RE.

However since the main arguement against Evolution theory is our proof wich many creationists claim is flawed or doesnt exist, this means you percieve evolution as a faith

Again I can see what you're trying to say, but I have never heard of an atheist refer to their stance as a 'faith'.

[Nor]

The problem I see with religion, is kinda like what Graham was talking about in the organ thread. Its opt out rather than an opt in. Our religion isn't really a choice. It gets drilled into us when we are children and vulnerable to suggestion. We're educated as if God and The Bible are fact when it isn't fact at all.

I just think its so completely wrong brainwashing kids when they are at vulnerable age into believing specific religions. I think people would be alot more skeptical of religion if they didn't have years of threats of eternal damnation and guilt drilled into them should they reject it.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Nor

I just think its so completely wrong brainwashing kids when they are at vulnerable age into believing specific religions. I think people would be alot more skeptical of religion if they didn't have years of threats of eternal damnation and guilt drilled into them should they reject it.

Totally. Unless the child specifically goes to a religious school, they should be taught about all options in religion (including the option of not having one) and it should be down to the parents to guide the child where he/she grows spiritually.

Might cause a few problems when it comes to Nativity plays in Primary schools though....

[ZrByte]

Originally Posted by Russ D

Hang on, did you say I was displaying ignorance...?

There are plenty of other forms of atheism in the world.

I never said evolution is the only form of Athiesm, however this is he only one wich I ever even heard about during my time at school (I only left 3 years ago) this was not a religous school either allthough it did have a very strong christian undertone.

Originally Posted by Russ D

I see what you are saying but the subjects are too opposing for it to work IMO. In RE you would be taught that Christianity says Jesus is the ONLY way, then when atheism is taught it would basically contradict it. Unless taught exceptionally well, I cannot see this being practical. By all means have atheism in schools if you must, but make it a different subject to RE.

Doesnt that mean that Islam, Bhudism, Paganism and other forms of religions should not be included as they contradict the Jesus bit?

Originally Posted by Russ D)

Again I can see what you're trying to say, but I have never heard of an atheist refer to their stance as a 'faith'.

No Athiest I have ever met has , I have been told however by many many Christians & Catholics that since our Evidence is apparently 'flawed' that the only thing I have to go on to believe in Evolution is faith (I dissagree 100% but that is irrelevent ). My point being that a lot of Religious folks claim my form of athiesm relies pureley on faith, something wich most religious folks also choose to ignore when it suits.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by ZrByte

Doesnt that mean that Islam, Bhudism, Paganism and other forms of religions should not be included as they contradict the Jesus bit?

No because they are all recognised 'religions' - ie Religious Education. Atheism AFAIK is not officially classed as such.

[ZrByte]

Originally Posted by Russ D

No because they are all recognised 'religions' - ie Religious Education. Atheism AFAIK is not officially classed as such.

It is a Religous option though. The choice not to have religion is as much a valid choice as the option to have one, and as such deserves equal attention during religious studies.
And your only reason above for Excluding athiesm is that it would contradict studies of Jesus and such, since all of these do aswel, Recognised or not then sureley they should be excluded too by your logic?

[Russ]

Originally Posted by ZrByte

It is a Religous option though. The choice not to have religion is as much a valid choice as the option to have one, and as such deserves equal attention during religious studies.
And your only reason above for Excluding athiesm is that it would contradict studies of Jesus and such, since all of these do aswel, Recognised or not then sureley they should be excluded too by your logic?

No, because Atheism is not an officially recognised religion!!!!

Look at it this way. Paganism etc are religions. Religious studies are there to teach and educate about religion. Atheism is not officially recognised as such by the school curriculum.

So why should it be part of Religious Education? As I've said, by all means teach it if you feel it neccessary, but as a separate subject.

It's like saying some aspects of a History lesson provides you with alternatives to religion, so why not teach History as part of RE??

[Nor]

It should be part of religious education because without it you are assuming there is no other possibily than God exists. In order for people to make a reasoned choice as to which religion they believe surely you can see its important to include an option that he doesn't exist ?