Agnostics,Atheists and Theists of all Faiths-Religious Studies in School?

Basically I have no problem with any of these, so long as they are not just religious indoctrination disguised as scholarly study. In fact I don't even have a problem with religious indoctrination, in its place. When religious doctrine is taught as 'science' or 'history' or 'comparative religions' that's where I have trouble.

The Kevin character on 30 Rock says "I really loved science class in school. Especially the New Testament!" 8^)

Religion, including religious history, religious philosophy, origins, theories, etc. etc. are actually important to study. Christianity, like it or not, is one of the pillars that support all of Western Civilization. The Bible is some of the most important and basic literature of all the Western cultures. So long as you see it as literature.

It really depends. First,

Anthropology

Architecture

Archeology

Music

are sciences and arts, not religion, and would not typically be taught in a religion course. Anthropology is typically taught in an intro to social sciences course; architecture is taught (to an extent) in drafting/tech courses; archeology is taught, again, to an extent, in history courses.

Now, what should be taught depends on the type of course. If you're talking a mandatory course (in public schools), I don't believe any religion should be taught as a mandatory course.

If you're talking about a world religions type course, I believe the following are important:

Origins of Religions

History of Religion

Demographics of Religions

Theories of Religions

If you're talking about university/college level courses, then you can include any of them, really. And, if it's at a religious school, then theologies, origins, etc. can be taught, however, I have mixed feelings about religious schools.

if school is required by the state, then religion should only be mentioned as part of history

no matter how it is taught there is some bias and somebody will be offended or supported

in voluntary schools like universities the school determines the topic

you can spend a lifetime learning about religion

I think origins of religion, comparison and history of religion should most certainly be taught in schools. I have no problem with religion as long as it is any educated choice. Unfortunately it usually is not.

in a public school, psychology of religion, demographics worldwide, origins, and history.

in a private school add to that philosophy of religion and theories of religion, but only if multiple religions are taught about.

oh and comparison. forgot about that. that goes for public and non.

Religion shouldn't be taught in school what a waste of money, so you finish your religious studies and do what with your life? pray? don't make me laugh/

I'd be a lot happier if the schools got reading, math, and science right before we start giving them other things to worry about.

Maybe history, though I'm not sure theists would like to discuss that. coughcoughspanishinquisitioncoughcough

Evolution and Physics!

We already have all of these. It's called "humanities". If your high school didn't offer this course, you should petition to have one instated.