(December 18, 2024 at 5:38 pm)TheWhiteMarten Wrote:

(December 13, 2024 at 1:54 pm)Paleophyte Wrote: It should be required reading throughout high school. I can think of no faster way to kill a religion

Now *that* would be a fun theory to test out.

It’s not a theory, Weasel. Maybe you should take some time to learn what English words actually mean. Fuxxake, you’re stupid.

Boru

(December 18, 2024 at 5:38 pm)TheWhiteMarten Wrote:

(December 13, 2024 at 1:54 pm)Paleophyte Wrote: It should be required reading throughout high school. I can think of no faster way to kill a religion

Now *that* would be a fun theory to test out.

The problem is that, to be fair, you would have to read the Bible along with all of the major texts of the other world's religions as well.  That kind of study is available on a college level for good reasons.

The biggest problems with Biblical studies are that so many people read the Bible without background information and in social situations in which they are encouraged to believe.

(December 18, 2024 at 5:43 pm)Alan V Wrote:

(December 18, 2024 at 5:38 pm)TheWhiteMarten Wrote: Now *that* would be a fun theory to test out.

The problem is that, to be fair, you would have to read the Bible along with all of the major texts of the other world's religions as well.  That kind of study is available on a college level for good reasons.

The biggest problems with Biblical studies is that so many people read the Bible without background information and in social situations in which they are encouraged to believe.

That's not a problem, just don't teach them if they aren't relevant; for most American populations, particularly outside of cities, they aren't.

I agree - it's why so many atheists claim to have read the Bible despite only reading 5-10 lines that fit their notions - that's why I would love to see it put back in school.

(December 18, 2024 at 5:46 pm)TheWhiteMarten Wrote:

(December 18, 2024 at 5:43 pm)Alan V Wrote: The problem is that, to be fair, you would have to read the Bible along with all of the major texts of the other world's religions as well.  That kind of study is available on a college level for good reasons.

The biggest problems with Biblical studies is that so many people read the Bible without background information and in social situations in which they are encouraged to believe.

That's not a problem, just don't teach them if they aren't relevant; for most American populations, particularly outside of cities, they aren't.

I agree - it's why so many atheists claim to have read the Bible despite only reading 5-10 lines that fit their notions - that's why I would love to see it put back in school.

I would support teaching the Bible in schools, provided that a passing grade in a Critical Thinking course was a prerequisite.

Boru

(December 18, 2024 at 5:46 pm)TheWhiteMarten Wrote:

(December 18, 2024 at 5:43 pm)Alan V Wrote: The problem is that, to be fair, you would have to read the Bible along with all of the major texts of the other world's religions as well.  That kind of study is available on a college level for good reasons.

The biggest problems with Biblical studies is that so many people read the Bible without background information and in social situations in which they are encouraged to believe.

That's not a problem, just don't teach them if they aren't relevant; for most American populations, particularly outside of cities, they aren't.

I agree - it's why so many atheists claim to have read the Bible despite only reading 5-10 lines that fit their notions - that's why I would love to see it put back in school.

So how would you teach the Bible?  As cultural mythology?  As the central text of several related belief systems?  As history?  As the truth?  

The idea of teaching the Bible in American high schools is a non-starter from my perspective, unless you want to start a new culture war.

Quote:So how would you teach the Bible? As cultural mythology? As the central text of several related belief systems? As history? As the truth?

Edit - shortest answer I can give, "Idk, I'm too stupid to have an amazing answer" - I won't hold it against anyone who stops there lol.

((I want to put this statement before all others; I realise that some people will teach the Bible as *they* want to in a classroom -as a means to proselytize to the students - and I think that should carry consequences such as being fired or even fined/arrested for child abuse or abuse of power so long as it could hold up in court.

My position is and will remain, "screw those people, I get where they are coming from but it's not their place and there should be consequences."))



I would disagree with teaching it as "truth" in a school setting for sure, particularly in regards to the legalistic texts, origins stories, Revelations, stuff like that... the only reason I think it even has a place in school is that it is a fundamental work upon which Western culture and history cannot be detached from and makes no sense without understanding... and yet we teach it neither in school nor at the home.

(My personal preference is 100%, "teach it at home" and spread through monastic orders and mendicant teachers - and bringing it into schools creates far more problems than just handling at home - problem is that modern economic models and social trends make that impossible.)

Quote:That's not a problem, just don't teach them if they aren't relevant; for most American populations, particularly outside of cities, they aren't.

Nope learn them all period

Quote:I agree - it's why so many atheists claim to have read the Bible despite only reading 5-10 lines that fit their notions - that's why I would love to see it put back in school.

We have read the whole book, you just don't like the conclusion we make from reading it.

Quote:We have read the whole book you just don't like conclusion we make from reading it.

The "fact" that your illiterate ass has even read Dr. Seuss is laughable.

Quote:The "fact" that your illiterate ass has even read Dr. Seuss is laughable.

Buddy, I can read English just fine, thank you. I like to see you read any of the languages I know.

As an historical document, the bible is quite interesting to read, aa it gives you a look into the mindset of the people.

As for the rest of it, historically, it's a ridiculous book of bad fantasy.

Aa a guide to morality, it fails completely.

As a book of utter fiction, it needs better writers and editors.