Humanists to teach in religious instruction classes

[lionking]

Much to the dismay of many, the previous and current Australian federal governments have decreed that 30 minutes a week must be provided for religious instruction in state primary (elemental) schools. This is despite our constitution stating that education was to be free and secular. While parents can decide that their children can opt out of classes, the alternative often is for the child to go to the library or even wait in the corridor.

So, while this ridiculous rule is in place, we have this response.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/religion-in-schools-to-go-godfree-20081213-6xxs.html?page=-1

This of course, has resulted in a hail of criticism from christian "educators" and calls to talk-back radio like "I don't see anything wrong with religion taught in state schools. Just recently my child brought home a booklet about Noah's Ark".

But something I really liked was a radio interview of a spokesman from the Australian Humanists by someone opposed to the teaching of humanist ethics. The statement was made "Atheism should not be taught because it's not a religion". The spokesman replied "So would you deny Buddhists the opportunity to teach in these classes?" "Of course not" replied the radio interviewer." "Well Buddhists are atheist". Followed by silence.

What do others think? Should Humanists try to fight fire with fire like this, or just keep fighting for removal of religious instruction in state schools?

[ImaginalDisc]

What do others think? Should Humanists try to fight fire with fire like this, or just keep fighting for removal of religious instruction in state schools?

Is this religious indoctrination, or an education in the dogmas, texts, creeds, and demographics of various religions?

[lionking]

No it's indoctrination. "Comparative religions" has been taught for quite a while. This "subject" is spent teaching children the bible, how to pray etc.

[ImaginalDisc]

No it's indoctrination. "Comparative religions" has been taught for quite a while. This "subject" is spent teaching children the bible, how to pray etc.

I can't speak for other non-theists, but I'd rather gouge out my own eyes with shishkebob skewers than inflict religion on children in such a manner.

[Silentknight]

I can't speak for other non-theists, but I'd rather gouge out my own eyes with shishkebob skewers than inflict religion on children in such a manner.

I'd much rather save the shishkabob skewers for the eyeballs of whichever religious nutjobs thought this kind of indoctrination was a good idea. But anything I used the skewers for afterwards probably wouldn't taste very good.

To answer the question in the OP, both. It's more fun that way.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Religion, whether the secular teaching of it or the religious teaching of it, should be kept out of public schools. I wouldn't mind any child of mine being educated about it, whether I decide to raise my children Catholic or not, but it's simply too big a can of worms to open.

If it's taught in schools, it should be in the context of history. That's how I learned about Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and other faiths.

[Hokulele]

I'd say that the state should be required to bring in a Satanist to lead the session once a month.



What?

[lionking]

I'd say that the state should be required to bring in a Satanist to lead the session once a month.



What?

Believe it or not, this was one of the arguments from a christian group against this move. "What next, satanists?"

[quixotecoyote]

Believe it or not, this was one of the arguments from a christian group against this move. "What next, satanists?"

To clarify: Against letting the evil humanists teach, not against letting the righteous Christians speak.

[wafonso]

Believe it or not, this was one of the arguments from a christian group against this move. "What next, satanists?"

To which my immediate reaction was "well, why not?"

[arthwollipot]

No it's indoctrination. "Comparative religions" has been taught for quite a while. This "subject" is spent teaching children the bible, how to pray etc.Hmm. My kids are not being subjected to any mandatory religious education. I was, when I was in 4th grade, but that was more than thirty years ago. There are several children of muslim parents and at least one of hindu upbringing in my son's class. I would have thought there would be a bit of a stir if this was going on.

Is it perhaps only a Victorian thing?

[lionking]

Don't think so, because it was a Howard decision, but will check.

[Miss_Kitt]

I think you should immediately contact the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster ( www.venganza.org ). I bet there are some Pastafarians even in Oz, and I'm sure the kids would love having someone dressed as a pirate come in, speak about how they were touched by His Noodley Appendage, and preach the gospel. (RAmen, brothers!)

The Church of FSM was first organized as a response to an American state trying to mandate Creationism in the classroom, so there is ample precedent for this. Not to mention that perusing the website will improve your mood even if the government is being idiotic down there.

Make mine alfredo, Miss Kitt