[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

Teaching several religions in schools gives children a choice, but instills the idea that a choice should be made.
I compare it to being offered a rotten apple and a mouldy pear - 'which one are you going to eat?' - the option to refuse both doesn't arise.
They should also be advised that opt out is also acceptable.

Religion is taught in schools in the same way that every other subject is taught. There is no implication that a child must choose to follow one of the religions they learn about. Just because a child is taught mathematics doesn't mean they will become a mathematician, or being taught chemistry doesn't mean they are going to end up being a scientist. It's all theoretical at that stage. They just learn that "This is what some people believe and how they go about practicing their religion" - NB they are also taught that some people choose not to believe anything.

Originally Posted by cashman

theres many different types of mathematics may as well give em the choice to opt out of that as well.

Maybe they should be able to opt out of geography too - after all this is Britain, don't want to contaminate their minds with the idea that there are a lot of foreign countries out there!

Originally Posted by blazey

I'm just getting offended by this topic now so I'm just going to leave it for other people to argue because sometimes there is just no compromise with some people. It's either their way or it's wrong, and i'm not willing to discuss things that mean a lot to me with close minded people.

From this conversation you have made me feel like I am wrong for being the way I am, and that is no different than those who pressure religion onto other people, so you have more in common with them than you think.

I agree. Some people take atheism to such an extreme that it actually becomes their religion and they try to force it onto others whilst complaining that they are having religion forced down their own throats. There is nothing more forceful than an opinionated atheist IMO.

Originally Posted by jambutty

Unfortunately children are introduced to their parent’s religion from the day they are born. They get taken to the church as babes, then toddlers and go to a church school. They are in effect brain washed to believe in that religion. Don’t forget that in the first five years of life and beyond children are like sponges and will believe everything that is told them, because they know no different.

The religious message is reinforced in church schools with prayers during morning assembly and a period of RI at least once a week.

By the time that the kids reach their teens many see through the religious charade, rebel and throw off the shackles. But the initial teaching is so well embedded that even in later life they can still remember their religious upbringing even if they no longer follow it.

I was the opposite. My parents didn't go to church and I didn't go to a church school. I didn't go to Sunday school but rebelled at a very young age because I didn't believe everything I was told. So my initial teaching wasn't very well embedded at all because I made my own choice in adulthood.

Our church doesn't have its own schools. My children attended/attend state schools where they had/have RE classes where they are taught about other religions. Our own denomination is never featured because the schools know so very little about it. So my children are taught to question and compare and make their own minds up. In our church they are encouraged to do the same.