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  • Category: General
    Points:12

      

    Teaching children about other religions will help in fostering tolerance

    Let me, at the outset, make it clear that I am not at all calling for a political discussion. My only intention is to gather an opinion on whether teaching the basics of all religions in schools would help in restoring the value of tolerance that is in the process of fading out from this secular, democratic nation. There may be many reasons for the growing religious intolerance but we need to understand that religious, caste or region-based fundamentalism will be destructive for any democratic nation in the long run.

    It is my personal opinion that the growth of such intolerance is basically due to our ignorance about the basic tenets of other religions. I don't think any religion propagates hatred towards other religions. But human interventions, interests and interpretations have been playing spoilsport and we have started or have been influenced to believe that our religion is supreme and those who follow other religions have been misled. It is fine to be conservative but fundamentalism is a different game altogether.

    It is not something that can be brushed aside lightly. The implications would be far-reaching and dangerous too. Why discriminate on the basis of religion or caste? No one is born into any religion but such beliefs are gradually adopted and adapted. And this happens when we start observing and understanding things around us.

    That is why I was thinking that imparting knowledge about other religions to children will have a positive effect. It will help children to know and understand the basic structure and there won't be any misconceptions. In a secular democratic country where freedom of religion has been guaranteed by the Constitution, peaceful co-existence should be the ultimate aim. Each one of us needs to have our own space to survive with peace of mind.

    So, what do you think? Will enlightening children/ students about other religions help in decreasing the speed of the growing intolerance and will that help in bridging the gap between religions that is getting widened day by day? Let us have a logical and factual discussion on this topic without any political interventions or interpretations, please.
  • #773804

    Points:3
    Teaching about the various religions to students would be helpful and they will understand the subtle differences between the religions and the behavior of people following them.
    In the absence of such knowledge, the children will only be knowing about their religion and will have a superiority complex about it. Such complexes generally lead to unnecessary conflicts and confrontations between different religions.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #773806

    Points:5
    I think teaching about every religion in schools is not at all wrong or interferes with the secular nature of this country; even if someone finds a problem with this, such stories from religion should be taught as moral science textbooks. Every religion teaches good deeds. Such things can be taught in schools in the name of morals and ideals instead of calling them religious tenants. The biggest problem of today is that social media has made people reactionary; people start to react even before understanding the whole issue, especially in the context of religion. A deeper knowledge of insight of one's own religion and others' religions will help in toning down the reactionary nature of today's generation and will impart them with a better understanding of the practices, rituals and culture of other people and hence give them equal respect. So I agree with the point made by the author that some amount of religious knowledge will only help in increasing tolerance in society.
    "It is hardest thing in the world to be good thinker without being a good self examiner"

  • #773813

    Points:2
    I agree with Saji Sir.

    We must learn what are the basic tenets of all major religions, like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Marxism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Leninism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Taoism, Maoism, etc.

    I have started studying about Islam, Christianity and Marxism at the initial stage.

    Hope I can continue my study in future.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773814

      

    Points:1
    #773813, Is Marxism a religion? I don't think so.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773816

    Points:4
    #773814: Of course, Saji Sir.

    Although it compares religion with opium, Marxism is itself an organized religion which does not allow any deviation like many other Abrahamic religions. Those who deviate are following Leninism and they also don't like deviation. But yet again those who deviate a little bit from Leninism, have formed Maoism, Castro-ism, Che (Guevara)-ism, etc.

    In India, Marxism has now been sub-divided in around 20 sub-categories and all of them, like many other organized religions, declare that that version is only correct and all others are incorrect.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773821

    Points:5
    Knowing the culture and religion of other people is not at all bad but in that way, the pupils would be benefited how their religions differ from theirs. Hence it is always better to have a free flow of such exchanges in the school - premises. There should have class room seminars discussing the merits of the different religions with the invitations of the religious teachers. The ultimate effect of such programs could create a sense of togetherness among the students and hat-redness, if any, among the sections of students believing that their religion is the best in terms of teachings of religious doctrines would vanish. The biggest achievement of such efforts can be seen with the sinking of their existing differences.
    However, the most unfortunate part is that all the religious pandits themselves create hat redness so that the situations could be exploited in future for their benefits. Any irresponsible comments leading to creation of disturbances in the society should be dealt with seriously by the administration.

  • #773830

    Points:5
    It is good if we teach about all major religions in schools to students. But it should not be biased and it should not be utilised as a way for making people shift their faiths. A teacher who teaches about various religions will also become a religion. Even though he talks about facts about all religions, there are chances to say that he is biased towards his own religion. Such controversies come and it will be very tough going for the teacher. It will be a welcome move if we start teaching about various religions in the high school itself.
    Ina secular country like India all religions should be treated properly. No religion is great and no caste is great. If we start teaching this concept sincerely we will see a different society. But I think politicians never want this and they want some difference of opinions among people which will be good for politicians.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #773837

    Points:-1
    [Response removed by Admin. Read forum policies.]

  • #773839

    Points:1
    I have compiled some gems(!) from the religious scriptures of some other religions. Can I quote these 'gems' here with reference?
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773842

      

    Points:1
    Partha, I don't think that would be relevant to the content of this thread. So, you may avoid taking up that futile exercise.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773844

    Points:1
    The children should be taught to respect religions other than theirs. Marxism is not a religion but a system of social organization.
    " Be Good and Do Good "

  • #773845

    Points:5
    According to me, teaching children about other religion will NOT help in fostering tolerance.

    First of all, you cannot teach the basics of all religions to all the students. If you try to teach religions, children become indoctrinated and society becomes theocratic. I think, the author of this thread, here, meant, teaching all children, the essence of all religion help tolerance. I understand, the essence of religions are already there at various stages of the school curriculum, then why people become intolerant (authors' perspective)?

    Religion is a private matter it should not be taught in public school funded by Govt.

    What we need is cultivate the respect and tolerance for diversity within ourselves and our behavior to others. For that, I will say, seeking help from religion is blunder.

    Clear -Sightedness…..which means ability to see things without distorting or misinterpreting or misrepresenting them. One to be aware of the biases and preconceptions. Inculcate young minds the "clear-sightedness".

    Striving for balance between positivity and negativity cultivate the respect and tolerance.

  • #773847

    Points:4
    The author is right. Besides politics, all religious leaders knows well about other religion facts. As every religion tells same truth but in different modules, there is no deviation or bifurcation or difference of opinions about the religions. Even in Tamil books of our schooling times, we have lessons from Ramayanam (Hindu), Seerapuranam (Muslim), Thembavani (Christian). It is good to have lessons on other religions in all school levels and thereby unity among students are developed and enriched. For removing the disparity of religion, caste, dignity, level of rich and poor etc., only the system of uniform in almost all schools are introduced.

  • #773857

    Points:5
    I thought if I quoted different tenets of some other religions giving references of Hymns and Surahs, this would help to know other religions. But Saji Sir (#773842) is against this novel idea of mine.

    KVRR Sir (#773844) has stated that 'Marxism is not a religion but a system of social organization'. But, unfortunately he did not provide any argument in support of his view.

    I personally feel that like many other dogmatic religions, Marxism (or its offshoots Leninism, Maoism, etc.) is very dogmatic, follows the words of its proponent(s) in toto, cherish Utopian ideas, have some special days in every year to celebrate (e.g. May Day, birthday of Marx/Lenin, Victory Day in Russia, etc.) and hatred & contempt for those who don't support these ideas. So, I conclude that Marxism (and/or its offshoots) is an organised religion.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773875

    Points:5
    The best is to teach one's own religious matters. Let the children learn the family religious traditions. This happens by telling them and keeping them with us when we do such things; taking them to the religious places or temples we visit, taking them to the religious talks and discourses etc.

    By and by the children will develop a habit like us. They may ask us questions. We should try to answer them depending on the comprehensive ability and age of our children. We should ensure that the answers and explanations satisfy them.

    When the children observe the society around them they automatically observe the differences between various religions and faiths and the practice followed by each. At this juncture we should try to tell them the basic differences on practices and emphasis that let them have their faith and practice; we should have our faith and practice. But when there is some religious festivals in our house we should share the gifts and special preparations with others and ensure that our children observe and understand that.

    By these the children will automatically learn tolerance and equanimity. We have all learned by that way. We did not have any kind of ill feeling to others. We also should channelize our children to read and learn about our ancestral traditions and religious texts compatible with their age. Books like Amar Chitra Katha etc. will help in this regard for starting.

    In case we observe any kind of hesitation or difference in the outlook and attitude towards other faiths and religion, either extra affinity or hate, then we should interfere and correct them. We should teach our children to be proud of their own(our own) religion and faith while at the same time allowing others also their freedom to be proud of their own faith.

    Formal learning comes only by eighth or ninth or later age. But the attitude of self faith pride and tolerance to others should be taught and reinforced much much before that.

  • #773881

      

    Points:5
    I don't think teaching children the basics of every religion will be helpful to them rather all such lessons can overburden them. They will study things only to get good marks and after the exams, they will just forget.

    Let me try to analyze the issue differently. We all are concerned about intolerance which is increasing day by day and also about religious fundamentalism. In general, it is rare to observe religious intolerance among children but I do agree that the seeds of intolerance are implanted from childhood. Teaching children something and making them practise something regularly are different. What we practice regularly stays in our mind and becomes our habit but if they are not practised and only taught since they are in the syllabus then very likely they will be forgotten. It's something like telling lies in front of children all the time and preaching to children not to tell lies.

    I think we all have learnt in our childhood that the basic tenet of every religion is the same and there should not be hatred among people practising different religions. Up to a certain age, there is no intolerance/hatred. Things change after a certain age when surroundings make people confused. They cannot judge what is right and what is wrong and generally tend to follow a trend without knowing its merits/demerits. As long as there is no interference by the politicians/peers many people do not bother about religion but when there is interference by the local authorities/politicians/peers the same group of people turn into fanatics. That is the main concern.

    How to handle things while growing up and most importantly how to handle emotions are more important. All such acts of intolerance and hatred are there because people become emotionally attached to something rather than thinking about them logically. I do not know how to reduce intolerance but active participation in religious festivals of various religions can be helpful and if it is done from childhood then children will understand the importance of respecting various religious traditions and practises. While we remain concerned about children, parents should never forget their responsibilities. If parents behave like responsible citizens children will not stay far behind.
    Sankalan

    "Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

  • #773887

    Points:2
    Sankalan Sir has said: "I think we all have learnt in our childhood that the basic tenet of every religion is the same ......."--------------Isn't it totally wrong? Basic tenets of different religion are different. Little bit of study of other religions will prove this without an iota of doubt.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773898

    Points:2
    Can someone please let us know what kind of religious intolerance we are concerned about? Why generalize the whole topic and what we are afraid of actually?

    By the way, what secularism meant for the educated class?

  • #773899

      

    Points:1
    Venkiteswaran sir, that is what I meant. We should teach our children to respect other religions and must be rational while answering their queries about the differences in practices of different religions.

    Sankalan, I won't say that religion should be taught as a subject or there should be exams conducted for the same. What I am saying is that learning about religions will help us to understand the basics and then we will be able to respect other religions rather than finding faults or disrespecting them. One will not get confused as they grow up if they are aware about the differences between religions and is able to comprehend and accept why it is so. Emotional attachments are fine but it should not go to the extent of looking down at other religions with hatred.

    Ved Prakash, I don't think anyone would be able to help you if you still do not know what kind of religious intolerance is prevailing in this country. The gap between people following different religions are increasing and there is an atmosphere of total distrust and mistrust. I feel that by making the young minds open to other religions by teaching them the basics of other religions, they will be in a position to evaluate and respect other religions and realize that religions are not bad as such but it is a few followers, of different religions, who are causing the harm.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773900

    Points:2
    If we read religious scriptures of some other religion, it may create extreme hatred in our mind against the followers of that particular religion.

    So, it may not be prudent to study other religions for some logical people. Those who follow blindly that all religions are essentially same, etc. etc. may go to study other religions.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773901

      

    Points:1
    Partha, such conclusions occur only when you approach a scripture or a religion with a preconceived mind and a feeling of superiority. That is why I suggested teaching young minds so that they learn to accept other religions as they are. For example, some religions are against idol worship while some religions are for it. As long as one is able to accept the freedom of each other to profess the belief and practices of one's religion and do not nurture a feeling that what your religion preaches is the only right thing and every one else is wrong, I think there will be no ill feeling against each other because, it is basically the superior feeling and misconception about other religions that lead to differences and skirmishes.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773903

    Points:2
    Saji Sir: I have very limited knowledge about some religions (other than my own) from the English translation of the religious scriptures. I can quote some 'gems' from these scriptures in English along with the details of Paras. But unfortunately you declined this offer. From these gems, anyone will conclude that the basic tenets of all religions are NOT same.
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773904

    Points:1
    @Saji Ganesh,

    What you referred to as "religious intolerance", I call this religious and social awareness.

  • #773908

    Points:4
    People are so eager when it is a matter of religious talk. I scrolled and read the responses, they weren't coming to an end. I see very rarely so many responses on the thread, even on educational topics.

    I agree with the author, to provide basic teachings for all major religions could help the upcoming generation to eliminate intolerance to some extent. This would also clarify the doubts and benefit the generation to learn about other religions. Later they would become self-reliant to understand the good and bad of all religions and which would assist them to take up to follow the best according to their understanding. Because religion should not be decided by birth rather it should be by choice.

  • #773915

    Points:4
    As per my understanding, the basic tenets of the religions are not the same. That is why I have written, take out the essence and impart children much needed moral values. Here, the Author of the thread says, we should teach our children to respect other religion. This statement is absolutely correct .At the same time thread headline state, "teaching children about other religion will help in fostering tolerance. "So, does the author want the children to be taught other religion? If so, in schools or in private? I felt some ambiguity in the thread headline.

  • #773925

      

    Points:1
    Neeraj, I hope you have gone through the thread properly. I said that children need to be taught the basic tenets of other religions. By that I meant that young minds should get to know the basics about other religions and understand that as my religion is important to me so will it be for others who follow other religions. And that will help in fostering tolerance. The thought that I am right and I am the only one who is right is dangerous in any aspect of our lives. Let us be open to thoughts, ideologies, cultures, traditions and beliefs.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773926

    Points:2
    I accept and agree with the explanation given in the thread.
    But sorry to say that Author has not understood the literal meaning of the thread headline.

    WM
    Please remove the personal attack in the above thread written as: ( The thought that I am right and I am the only one who is right is dangerous in any aspect of our lives)

  • #773927

    Points:2
    Neeraj123 Sir (#773926): "I am right and I am the only one who is right"-------------This type of thought is alien to Hinduism. This is the ideology of some particular religions including Marxism .
    Billo Rani kahon to abhi jaan de doon: Oh dear Billo, if you ask, I will give my life

  • #773931

      

    Points:1
    Neeraj, there is nothing personal in my statement. It is a general observation. Partha, your averment is ample proof of what I said.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773933

    Points:1
    @Saji Ganesh / #773931,
    “It is a general observation."

    Even being selective as usual, why do not you come up with the facts now?

  • #773938

      

    Points:1
    Ved Prakash, which facts do you mean? Hope you have understood the intention of the thread properly. Let me reiterate that I do not want to discuss politics, in whichever shape or color, here.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #773939

    Points:4
    Everyone would agree that a few kinds of individuals, organizations & Institutions due to their affiliation to their ideologies are very dangerous and a curse to our society. They will do their every bit to create unrest in our society and in our nation. They are of a kind whose first and only priority and intentions are their ideologies against which even the lives of others do not matter, and nationhood does not have existence.

    I thank the author who has come up with a good idea and who always continues to expose them but is not good enough therefore others must come in support, and they should be diminished in the hardest possible ways.

  • #773940

    Points:1
    @Saji Ganesh, facts mean data from which you have withdrawn the observation, and how come politics comes here?

  • #773951

    Points:3
    WM

    The statement by the thread author (773925) that is, "The thought that I am right and I am the only one who is right is dangerous in any aspect of our lives. is targeted at me and showing his one up man ship, and intended the tarnish my image in this forum. It is hurting me.I requested you to remove the statement from this forum. These type of irresponsible statements by so called responsible people will not help the website in any way.
    Thanks!

  • #773957

      

    Points:1
    Neeraj, you are totally mistaken. Please read my response as a whole. It is not at all a personal attack. You must have misunderstood since I addressed you and then used the pronoun 'I'. Please note that I was referring to religious beliefs and it is in that context that I used 'I'. Apologies if it had hurt your sentiments.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #774338

    Points:4
    The concern about growing religious intolerance in a secular, democratic nation. I believe that teaching children about the basics of all religions in schools can foster tolerance and understanding. The argues that ignorance about other religions leads to misconceptions and fundamentalism. They emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence and guaranteeing freedom of religion. The logical and factual discussion on whether enlightening children about other religions can bridge the gap and decrease intolerance without political interference.

  • #774339

    Points:2
    We have a wonderful discussion here on the ways of growing understanding and respect towards other religions and belief system but wondering what the author would refer to someone who disrespect other faiths.


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