Quote:I have been asked to write an essay on whether theists should learn about religions other than their own.
NO
'Should' is a moral imperative. I do not have the right or the arrogance to suggest people ought do anything on the basis of my personal moral values.
There are pragmatic reasons comparative religious studies are good idea,just as teaching children critical thinking skills are probably pragmatically useful.However, looking at leading clergy and politicians,that's arguable..
I think the question implies that human beings are essentially rational and reasoning animals,or at least capable of being so with training. I've seen no evidence that this is true in principle. In fact, my perception is that our most consistent behaviour demonstrates the opposite. To quote the cliche "humans are not so much rational as rationalising animals"