Do American Schools have Religious Education?

Question

Here in the UK, our schools have a dedicated lesson on religion where a host of mainstream religions are taught.  These range from Christianity through Islam and to Hinduism (Don't think my daughter has done Buddhism yet).  I was just reading about how religion should be kept out of American public schools and was wondering if they have a dedicated lesson like we do in the UK which teaches all the different religions available (or at least the most common ones)

Whilst I am an Atheist, I feel that it is important for children to learn about the different cultures and beliefs that they may encounter in their lives.

Many thanks.

drip · Accepted Answer

In US public schools religion of any kind is not taught.  During a lesson on, for example, Egypt, a teacher may tell the class what religion is there, but not explain the doctrine of the religion
 In college a student can take religious classes or class on different religion.

misswinchester · Answer

In most public schools religion is not taught. However, in my school district, a class on Bible studies is taught as an elective in high school. This made big news in our area, but because we live in the Bible Belt ( arkansas ) it was accepted and not much was made of it by the citizens.  

Private schools in my area are religious and only teach one religion.

Donald B · Answer

Theoretically Comparative Religion can be taught in public schools in the US as long as it is taught from an academic point of view.  However, in practice it is rarely taught because there is so much controversy about what might be taught.  It is routinely taught in colleges however.

? · Answer

I don't know anything about how religion is taught in schools in the US but I just wanted to express strong agreement with what you said. Children do need a basic knowledge of all the major religions for this very reason.

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Do American Schools have Religious Education?

4 Answers