Why in high schools there isn't more emphasis on world religions, current affairs, world geography, and world politics?

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Comments

• Interesting point in that "they teach you more WHAT to think, instead of HOW to think." It's very true, and sad. Reminds me of someone asking the question yesterday on here "why do I need math". It's not what so much of what formula do I use to solve it that matters (you can look that up in a book), it's more how did I know which formula to use and how do I use it. That kind of problem solving and logic is what will help our children become successful.

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  by Drublic on December 3rd, 2006

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Comments

• Drublic, do you differentiate between being taught ABOUT different religions (this religion was founded on this date and believes this) and being actually taught the religion (God says you must do this, this, and this)?

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  by AntigoneRising on December 3rd, 2006

• I don't believe either has a place in our teaching system. I could see teaching ABOUT religions, but you could never cover all of them with equal time to get rid of the 'favortism' problem. Also, by opening up this discussion in class, you would sooner or later run into teachers that would take the opportunity to favor their beliefs and try to bias their students for and against certain religions. When teaching about history, such as the Holocaust, I can see mentioning the Jewish religion, but not teaching about what it stands for to any great extent.

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  by Drublic on December 3rd, 2006

• Fair point...but if someone graduates from high school and doesn't know the basic history and philosophies of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, can you really consider them to be educated members of society?

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  by AntigoneRising on December 3rd, 2006

• Functioning members yes. Educated members? In what sense? I'm an atheist and know more about the Bible and Christianity than most Christians. But I don't think it's necessary knowlege in order to live a productive life.

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  by Drublic on December 3rd, 2006

• Given the increasing impact of globalization, I can say that I need to have some working knowledge of beliefs in order to manage not to offend someone.

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  by AntigoneRising on December 3rd, 2006

• If you are speaking in a professional sense, then isn't that the kind thing you could learn in college? It may be useful information for some people, but not everyone that graduates high school is going to be involved in international business.

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  by Drublic on December 3rd, 2006

• It isn't as if it has to be international business. Many companies offshore customer support, people immigrate from country to country. We are exposed to the entire world on the internet. Btw, I've tried to rate you, but it won't let me. Apparently, I've patted you on the back too many times this week.

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  by AntigoneRising on December 3rd, 2006

• I agree that everyone deals with people of other countries, races, and beliefs like in customer support and such, but there isn't an intimate relationship being built that would ever have cause for someone being insulted. In cases like that, normal manners will suffice, and those are generally taught in your upbringing. Unless you are going out to dinner with someone or sitting in a meeting with someone, there's not much opportunity to offend. I'm not saying it wouldn't be nice if we all didn't understand each other's religions or lack there of, I just don't think it should be required reading. PS, thank you for the ratings.

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  by Drublic on December 3rd, 2006