Teaching of Christianity 'lacks intellectual development'

[mookiemookie]

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

Brace yourselves....

I see no reason that religion should not be taught regarding its impact on historical events. The Inquisition, Crusades, Jihads, even the Buddhist uprising of 66 - all have important historical impacts. Understanding the motivational foundations for how/why societies have acted is necessary to understand and learn FROM history. Thus, basic information about the various faiths - without preference or bias - is necessary.

Yep - that means when your talking Islam or Christianity, you can state simply that both are monothiestic faiths that recognize various historical figures as religious leaders in various forms. You can discuss how each sees the other as a "false" theology, and each has or currently does allow for / promotes violence to achieve its increase in power DEPENDING on the interpretation. If a student wants to investigate a specific faith, they can do so outside the instructive setting of the course. Nor would various interpretations of individual faiths be necessary or fruitful. In essence - treating religion as part of the overall subject - not the subject itself.

Agree 100%. Religion has shaped so much of human history and the two are so intertwined so as to be inseparable. One doesn't have to advocate or denigrate religion in order to recognize and teach about it's significance in history. Just treat it matter of factly and I don't see the problem.