I would love to see religious / moral values taught in the schools in a manner that is not insulting and coercive. I’d love to see all religions included, comparatively but not competitively.
Here in Germany (I´m an ex-pat and teacher), schools offer religion classes (only two to choose from) but also (very popular) "Ethics" which teaches all of the major religions. Some offer only Ethics now. Good idea.
When I was young and in Bible Study we were taught the story of the Good Samaritan. At the time, Bible Study wasn't just a reading of the Bible, it was history through the eyes of the Catholic Church, passages weren't just plucked from the Bible left to stand alone, they were given historical context, which seems to be seriously lacking from the bible (sic) thumpers' interpretations of today.
The story is called the "Good" Samaritan for a reason. Samaritans were not known for their kindness! It is clearly not a wholly true statement as evidenced by the individual at the center of the story, but is a reflection of the true importance of the story and the Bible, and other religious writings, and the full context, meanings, and implications of each individual story and the writings as a whole.
I am being drawn back to organized religion more and more these days. Two stand out for me, Eastern Orthodox and Judaism, both for the same reason, their teaching and study of the Word of God, and their writings on living a proper life. I can't shake the "indoctrination" I underwent into a mystery religion which is why I have not committed.
Here in Germany (I´m an ex-pat and teacher), schools offer religion classes (only two to choose from) but also (very popular) "Ethics" which teaches all of the major religions. Some offer only Ethics now. Good idea.
When I was young and in Bible Study we were taught the story of the Good Samaritan. At the time, Bible Study wasn't just a reading of the Bible, it was history through the eyes of the Catholic Church, passages weren't just plucked from the Bible left to stand alone, they were given historical context, which seems to be seriously lacking from the bible (sic) thumpers' interpretations of today.
The story is called the "Good" Samaritan for a reason. Samaritans were not known for their kindness! It is clearly not a wholly true statement as evidenced by the individual at the center of the story, but is a reflection of the true importance of the story and the Bible, and other religious writings, and the full context, meanings, and implications of each individual story and the writings as a whole.
I am being drawn back to organized religion more and more these days. Two stand out for me, Eastern Orthodox and Judaism, both for the same reason, their teaching and study of the Word of God, and their writings on living a proper life. I can't shake the "indoctrination" I underwent into a mystery religion which is why I have not committed.