The Round Table (Rational Pagans Forum)

Basic freedoms challenged by religious course

Calgary Herald - An authentic course in comparative religion examines the major faiths as a scholarly exercise and from a neutral vantage point. It is also inevitably an option course, not part of any core curriculum, except perhaps in specialized theological studies, such as in divinity school or for a university degree in religious studies. The mandatory nature of Quebec's new Ethics and Religious Culture course, strongly suggests there's more to this curriculum than an innocent overview of religious pluralism.

Thousands of Quebec parents are rightly furious they cannot have their children opt out of the course, which was introduced into public and private schools last fall. The course examines the major roles Catholicism and Protestantism have played in Quebec and Canadian society, but it places everything else on equal footing with these two predominant faiths, including Wicca and Raelianism--the bizarre cult that was in the news a few years ago when its members erroneously claimed to have cloned a human.The whole thing reeks of a politically correct, value-equal smorgasbord that encourages children to pick and choose from among religions and cults as if making a choice is as trivial as whether to take the tuna sandwich on white or on whole-wheat. The underlying message being sent to malleable children, who are still in the process of having their identities and faiths shaped by their families' religious and cultural milieux, is that all religions and ethics are equal, and without regard for history or parental teachings, you can choose to be anything you like. Be a Catholic or be a Jew. Be a Muslim, follow aboriginal spirituality, practise Wicca, become an animist or join the Raelians --it's all the same.

According to Education, Loisir et Sport Quebec, the course allows children to "explore . . . different ways in which Quebec's religious heritage is present in his/her immediate or broader environment,"and "learn about elements of other religious traditions present in Quebec." That sounds fairly innocuous--except that the underlying agenda has been revealed in comments such as that from one of the course developers who said, "Students must learn to shake up a too-solid identity." Huh? Since when do parents pay taxes and send their kids to school for that?

...

_________________
If you can't stand the heat, don't tickle the dragon ...

I think that's a good idea overall, people (and that inclludes childrenn) should be aware of viewpoints other than what they've always known. it encourages growth.

I think that it should be an opt-in or out thing...well, maybe not, I'm not sure on that part yet.

I'm not sure about including Raelianism is such a great idea, unless it's a part of the course that covers cults in general.

_________________
The Trilogy of Truth: Google, Wikipedia and YouTube.

you see, there's a fine line between having an open mind and having your brains fall out...

like Scientology.

As much as I'd like to welcome all beliefs here, I have issues with that one...

_________________
Chloride and Sodium: Two terribly dangerous substances that taste great together!

What actual harm is there in learning about other religions? Even the kooky ones? As long as they don't try to convert people and they present things in a factual manner, I'd send my kid in a heart beat. Of course, I don't have any children.... Well, it's a class I'd go to.

I don't think there's harm in learning about other religions, places, customs, etc..., I just wonder about including the Raelians because it's so out there & obscure. There's dozens of religions, how'd they come up with that to use in the course? Unless it's a study of extremes

_________________
The Trilogy of Truth: Google, Wikipedia and YouTube.

To be honest, most religions register on my weird-o-meter. But there are a few, like the raelians that can cause the thing to almost explode.

exactly.

You can't really draw a line, but I sure as heck would not want *personally* some religions to be given the same respect as others.

_________________
Chloride and Sodium: Two terribly dangerous substances that taste great together!

Well, you know me. I don't have much respect for most religions. But I think that I shouldn't treat people badly because I don't share their beliefs. Unless, of course, they treat me badly because of their beliefs. On top of that, I'm a curious person by nature and I find learning about different religions interesting.