Religious Education

Is it Christian Living?

We did that as kids and most of the time we were pulled out. I think the only year I did it is because we had the fun teacher and I wanted to do the drama and plays that the rest of the kids in class did lol

My mum always says "No education is ever wasted". I went to an all girls catholic high school (and I'm not catholic - I was one of only 3% non catholic there)

Religious education was a couple of times a week and we didn't only learn about catholosism but also other religions too, so I don't think it can hurt

In Primary school (run of the mill primary school) It was mainly christian but at a young age they will make it fun and I think your child will learn fun songs and learn about Noah's ark etc.

I would personally give it a try - It's not going to do any harm, and besides.... I think if people celebrate christmas they are a little hypocritical saying they don't want to know anything about christianity

(and I'm saying this when I go to church 3 times a year - Christmas, Easter and Mothers day) but I think it's great to open the minds of little ones and that your darling son will have fun

xxx

My 2 have Bible at school on a Friday morning & they love it. School does not start till 9.30 so after Bible...if they don't have Bible then it would start normal time.

The Bible teachers are from the church were we did mainly music & they now run a youth group for older kids 1 night a week that DS1 has joined & he loves it & there are a few friends from his school that go & are from a different religious background.

I think Bible in school is great & have no issues with my 2 learning about it. But if you are against it then don't send him.

It depends on how many sessions a week/month they have as to whether I would be comfortable with it or not. Is it a Christian school? If not, I wouldn't be too comfortable with it - I'm one of those that believe religion and school (ones that are not specifically religious based) should be kept separate (unless they are teaching about ALL religions - not just one specific one, and this usually comes under Social Studies or History etc).

As with any subject - if the teacher is good at what he/she does then you shouldn't have any issues with religious education. For me, it wouldn't be so much of a problem around the new entrant age group but as they get older it can become distressing when they start to analyse things a wee bit more and realize for example, that if they don't "believe" they may go to Hell or - much worse in some children's minds - their parents might go to Hell. In saying that, if you are confident in your ability to teach your child about all types of religions etc hopefully this will be able to ease their fears a little.

The Christian religious education we had to do at primary school consisted of a few religious songs and kind of workbook type activities - completing passages from the bible, reading religious stories and colouring or drawing religious pictures.

Princess_Bubs wrote: I think if people celebrate christmas they are a little hypocritical saying they don't want to know anything about christianity

Just a bit OT - Knowing about the Christianity aspect of Christmas is great. If you are big on knowledge of the history of Christmas though, knowing about Sol Invictus, Saturnalia and various other festivals that were around the 25th of December is just as important. Some people like to know all the history, some people like to know a select part of it and for some it is not relevant. So, I don't think it's hypocritical at all for people not to want to learn about Christianity and still celebrate Christmas.

Thanks I really value all your opinions. I personally am an atheist but don't expect my children to believe the same as me, however I want them to learn about all religions before choosing their path (which is the route I took). I might keep him in it while hes young and see how it goes. If its fun and doesn't tell him he will go to hell they will prob do a better job teaching christian beliefs than me!

This is a state school so only 30 mins a week but I will def be talking to the principal, I have since read you can get a copy of the RE syllabus "Religion in life" which I will do. I would be pretty stoked if they actually taught all religions and what they believe but I'm pretty doubtful lol

And not to get into a debate but I think we have every right to celebrate Christmas. To me it is a celebration of the end of a year that we share with friends and family. Santa is also the best bribe we have

My daughter will be going to Catholic school but I really really hope they teach about other religions too, I think at a young age though they dont want to confuse them, so if they are at a religious school they tend to stick with that until they get to around year 9 or 10...I think religion is so important to learn about, in terms of the history, for everyone.

I know some people bristle at the thought of religion in schools, but there is such a positive, inclusive message behind it with such great morals, that I think its wonderful.

I would find out more. I think it depends on the teacher - my 5 year old nephew came home in tears because he thought he would go to hell as his family didn't attend church or pray.

but my DS goes to a church based preschool, and although I am not religious in the slightest, I found it to be the best preschool in the area, and the teachers are all wonderful and caring.

cute kelda - i know the girls you are refering too I think!

Andrew goes to the one at his school and I personally think they are brain washers (like the ones Emz has spoken about). I am thinking that I might actually go to one of the lessons and see what the do and if it is that brain washing stuff I will pull Andrew out of the class for it.

I remember the ones at my school and one of the couples that taught it were great, really into the signing side and the other couple was all about the bible and really bashing it at us that we must believe (scared a few children with it too).

I asked Caitlyn the other day why she likes Bible class (what she calls it )
her answer
"cos we get to sing and sometimes we pray and its good if im feeling tired,cos I can shut my eyes and pretend im praying for agggges ,and sometimes if Im not tired I can look at James, and think about how handsome he is without him knowing " *giggle giggle*

So there you have it , not just teaching the word of God but also providing your child with rest and a chance to check out the cute boys /girls .
At least in my daughter's opinion ...