Why Religion Should Be Included in Public School Education

Abstract

One of the greatest ironies of our intellectual life in the Unites States is that though we are the world’s most religiously diverse nation we are also its most religiously illiterate. Because the two primary sources of information about religion are the media and people’s own faith traditions (or none), relatively few people possess even a basic understanding of the tenets of the world’s religious traditions, let alone an understanding of the complex ways that religion influences and is influenced by social, cultural, and historical forces. Public debates about religion are often painfully misguided and/or superficial because relatively few people possess the knowledge to critically assess sectarian claims or to intelligently challenge those who dismiss religion altogether as the product of blind naiveté or fanaticism. The quotes cited at the beginning of this chapter are typical of students, friends, and professional colleagues (outside of religious studies). Very few (if any) of the authors of these statements would make similarly unqualified pronouncements about any other topic, yet when engaging issues related to religion they speak with unfettered confidence as though their assertions were self-evident.

“Islam promotes violence and discrimination against women.”

“Hinduism is a cult.”

“America is a Christian nation.”

“Homosexuality is a sin.”

“In their heart of hearts, all Muslims are terrorists.”

“Buddhists aren’t violent.”

“Mormons aren’t Christian.”

“Religion and reason are incompatible.”

“Christianity is a peaceful religion.”

“Jews killed Christ.”