Ace -
History is taught in schools. In school, people also (although not often) learn about cultures. In both cases, this may often involve learning about things like what a historical figure did and why, and how people in different cultures behave and why. And in both cases, this may often involve learning about points of view which may or may not be rational, or logical, but people are still told about them. Educating people about the real world involves teaching them what's going on in it. In the real world, there is a huge variety of beliefs. So from an educational point of view, religion is a very useful subject to be aware of, and even more so since it is so popular. So in that sense, teaching people about religion is just like teaching them about history and culture. All three are about the world, and viewpoints. If you feel strongly against people being told about religion then how is that any different to history and culture? The only difference is if it was done in a preachy way. But firstly, it needn't be done like that, and secondly, even if it was, it wouldn't be the end of the world anyway because as we agree, religion is a great deconverter, as well as a converter. I think it's fine to teach about religion, why not have it taught by atheists too? How's that for a spin on the subject. Would that make it fairer for you? It would certainly be educational as kids would not only learn about religion (at lest for informational purposes, general awareness), but they'd also learn about different opinions on religion.
History is taught in schools. In school, people also (although not often) learn about cultures. In both cases, this may often involve learning about things like what a historical figure did and why, and how people in different cultures behave and why. And in both cases, this may often involve learning about points of view which may or may not be rational, or logical, but people are still told about them. Educating people about the real world involves teaching them what's going on in it. In the real world, there is a huge variety of beliefs. So from an educational point of view, religion is a very useful subject to be aware of, and even more so since it is so popular. So in that sense, teaching people about religion is just like teaching them about history and culture. All three are about the world, and viewpoints. If you feel strongly against people being told about religion then how is that any different to history and culture? The only difference is if it was done in a preachy way. But firstly, it needn't be done like that, and secondly, even if it was, it wouldn't be the end of the world anyway because as we agree, religion is a great deconverter, as well as a converter. I think it's fine to teach about religion, why not have it taught by atheists too? How's that for a spin on the subject. Would that make it fairer for you? It would certainly be educational as kids would not only learn about religion (at lest for informational purposes, general awareness), but they'd also learn about different opinions on religion.
