Religious education in schools is 'a priority' say MPs

[Mysturji]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17068153

Unfortunately, they don't say what KIND of religious education.
The following passage stands out for it's non-sequitur-ness in the context of the rest of the article:

Stephen Lloyd MP who will chair the group said the group would provide a real insight into the value of RE.

"In today's world where our children can be open to an enormous amount of misleading information I believe it is absolutely essential they are taught about different cultures and religions by trained, experienced RE teachers, allowing children to make informed choices," he said.

So, are they advocating teaching about religion in a modern anthropological and/or a camparitive sociological/cultural context, or are they promoting brainwashing kids to believe in their favourite imaginary friend?

[Gawdzilla Sama]

"Okay, kids, put down your chemistry textbooks and pick up your voodoun manuals."

[Thinking Aloud]

Hmm. Yes, the "informed choices" is the bit that grates. Here, kids: all the world's religions! You must choose one (and we recommend...)

[Rum]

Current religious education (it is compulsory) in state schools is more or less 'comparative religion'. Even atheism is discussed. However because it is not a seriously tested subject it does depend a lot on the teacher and what they decide to do.
Given its large part in our history and culture I think it is probably a good thing even if it isn't delivered in the way your average ranting radical atheist might wish.

C of E and Catholic schools are a different matter of course.

[Pappa]

As long as it's taught comparatively / anthropologically, I think it's a good idea.

[Mysturji]

As long as it's taught comparatively / anthropologically, I think it's a good idea.

Me too, but why do I think it won't be?

[Mysturji]

I've left a comment for the BBC saying this is bad reporting and asking them to clarify.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

As long as it's taught comparatively / anthropologically, I think it's a good idea.

Me too, but why do I think it won't be?

Because religion poisons everything?

[klr]

I've left a comment for the BBC saying this is bad reporting and asking them to clarify.

Let's see how quickly the BBC moderation lets it through.

[Jesus_of_Nazareth]

IMO Religion should be taught in schools - in a historical context.........starting from Sun worship - moving slowly through the ages into the current stick worship.......and exams to reflect that breadth.

Kids don't have to be provided with enough knowledge to become high priests of any religion - just enough to drown the current religions in a sea of knowledge and to show that the current religions are on a par with the old ones (which most folk have no problem as discounting as historical nonsense).

Of course will probably create a rise in Egyptian based Cat Worship........

[Audley Strange]

What we need is someone to cross reality T.V. with Lady Gaga or that plump chick who won all the grammys in some kind of hybrid FPS/farmville facebook game. Then religion will be entirely irrelevant.

[Mysturji]

I got a reply from the BBC:

Dear Gordon,
Thanks for the comment and request for clarification. I think the answer
is in your own question!
Logically if children are taught about different "imaginary friends"
that automatically puts all the "imaginary friends" into a " comparative
sociology context" !!
Cheers
Judith

-----Original Message-----
From: NewsOnline Comments
Sent: 17 February 2012 12:31
To: EducationNews (NewsOnline)
Subject: FW: Feedback [NewsWatch]



-----Original Message-----
From:xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
[mailto:xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx]
Sent: 17 February 2012 11:47
To: NewsOnline Comments
Subject: Feedback [NewsWatch]


From: Gordon Xxxxxxxxxxx
Email address: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
Country: UK

COMMENTS: This is bad reporting.
WHAT KIND of religious education are they talking about? Re: This quote
from the story...
"Stephen Lloyd MP who will chair the group said the group would provide
a real insight into the value of RE.

"In today's world where our children can be open to an enormous amount
of misleading information I believe it is absolutely essential they are
taught about different cultures and religions by trained, experienced RE
teachers, allowing children to make informed choices," he said."

Is he talking about teaching religion in a modern anthropology or
comparative socioloy context, or promoting even more "misleading
information" about imaginary friends?
Please clarify.
Gordon Xxxxxxxx, UK

URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17068153

So why do I feel like one of those children who's just been fed some "misleading information"?
The news article hasn't been updated.

[Jesus_of_Nazareth]

Nice to get a response - my guess is that they forgot to ask the MP!

Be nioe to think that the Tory MP was on the same page and was using his apparent support of RE as a school subject as a devious way of subverting it as part of an Atheirst plot. But that is probably too much to hope for.