Should comparative religion be taught in all public schools? Why or Why not?

Comparative religion is a very important lesson. It takes away many of the misunderstandings we see in todays society. As long as it isn't used to promote one religion over another, then it should be taught.

A very interesting question.

Personally, I'm against religion being taught as a subject in public education, but it's possible that it could be an "elective" subject.

Comparative religion could certainly be taught the same as any history class - which obviously teaches a variety of political philosophies.

In the Public Schools in Australia Scripture is taught once a week for 30 minutes and it is all denominations, Catholics, JWs, Baptist, etc,A Scripture Teacher from each Religion teaches a child of that faith

God Bless You

I don't think teaching it from an ACADEMIC stand point can hurt. The line between teaching it from that stand point and one of preaching would be a very tenuous, scary proposition for teachers to face I suspect. We were taught comparative religions as part of what we learned about nations in history class. Ignorance of other beliefs is never a good thing.

It takes 18 years for a religion to fully sink its claws into a child and letting a child think and question makes the assimilation process more risky and difficult. It is only offered in colleges when the people are fully brainwashed into a particular religion.

Sure, then maybe people wouldn't think their's was the only religion and might understand that there are many parallel myths in different cultures.

No. The curriculum is too jam packed to begin with. I see too many kids graduating high school unable to read, write and do basic arithmetic.

Certainly, so long as all churches give a short course in algebra .

Nah, taxpayer money and children's time should be used to learn more important things nowadays.