Humanism

[Heaven]

There is about to be something on Sunrise about this, just heard them say something.

[Aimz]

Sunrise had a mini debate about whether or not Humanism should be given as an alternative to religious education. I think it's a fantastic idea! I remember when I was in primary school I chose not to attend RE classes and I, along with three other students, went to the principles office where we coloured and chatted and did nothing constructive.

I think it would be great for parents and students to have a choice - both teach good morals and ethics and both have the same goal for people to better themselves and be kinder to each other. At least those non religious students would still be learning.

[Lulu]

It seems moral and ethics will HAVE TO be taught in schools, it doesnt look like most of the parents around here are teaching their kids anything......

[lilcosmo]

I have never believed in God, and to be honest I don't know much about the bible because I was never taught about it - however I have learned about ALL religions just out of plain curiosity. For me, I don't thank/blame a divine entity for my achievements and failures - I take full responsibility for these.

My thoughts exactly amysarah.

There was an article in the Age (Vic Newspaper) yesterday which covered the idea of teaching Humanism in schools during religious education time. This was the first I had ever heard of it?

IMO, I can't believe that any religion is still taught in public primary schools. I would much prefer my children attended a class which taught understanding and respect for ALL people no matter what their faith/beliefs/race.

[Heaven]

IMO, I can't believe that any religion is still taught in public primary schools. I would much prefer my children attended a class which taught understanding and respect for ALL people no matter what their faith/beliefs/race.

Religion classes do teach this.

I do think there is a place for teaching Religion in public schools b/c it is a part of life that kids need to know about to understand the world and news etc. And I think most public schools do teach about all the major religions, don't they?? It's just that private or catholic schools focus mainly on their religion but also teach about the others.

I kinda agreed with what they were saying on sunrise that Humanism doesn't consider itself a religion so why should it be an option for the 'religion' class in school. Instead, the principles of humanism i.e. moral and ethical values should be taught to all kids. I thought they would have been already, but if not than we definately should be giving our kids some kind of moral education!!

So is this only in Victoria?

[Aimz]

I kinda agreed with what they were saying on sunrise that Humanism doesn't consider itself a religion so why should it be an option for the 'religion' class in school.

I understand that point SJ - however the reason why it is going to be introduced is for those students who choose NOT to attend RE classes. If they grow up in an Athiest household then a Humanism class would be more appropriate for them than a religious education class.

Humanism is not a religion because it rejects religion - and there are many families out there who also reject religion and I think this class would be great for their kids instead of sitting in the Principals office colouring in!

[Heaven]

Good point Amy, it would be better for them to do something constructive instead. I hope they're teaching everyone about morals and ethics though aswell!!
And I was also thinking that all kids should go to religion classes, not to be religious, but to learn about the beliefs of others but then you can't make everyone do that, it's the parents choice, so that wouldn't work.

[Aimz]

I think there are lots of classes that have morals and ethics built into them anyway and also parents teach the same values at home. But what I'm trying to get at is religion classes teach these ethics/values/morals in a more structured, easy to understand way for all age groups. Kids can relate to the stories told.

I think it's important for those non religious kids to get the same sort of "structure" in terms of their own belief system.