Teach Christianity

Teach Christianity

by: kay - 26-01-04 12:05

I beleive it is time that a discussion was opened on the benefits and importance of teaching the children in Nursery and Pre-school care the basic tenets of the Christian faith. As many of you will know it is a legal requirement in schools that children undertake a daily Christian Act of Worship, whether that be a full scale Assembly, or evening prayers at the end of the day. It is also recommended under the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Desirable Learning Outcomes in the Foundation Stages of the National Curriculum that there should be "activities that promote emotional, moral, spiritual and social development alongside intellectual development"

Why is this? Is it because the spiritual development of any person defines how they will live their lives in the future? Personally I believe that if the full story of Christianity is understood and accepted by a person as true, then a person's spirit can be made alive and allow a person to truly live. This is why the Christian faith is considered such an important part of the everyday lives of our schoolchildren.

Pre-school children should be taught about other faiths so that they may grow up to understand other people; however children also need to hear the basic Christian story and what it actually meas. Too often staff members who are usually excellent at teaching other faiths, shy away from teaching the Christian story, because they do not understand the concepts themselves.

My statement for discussion and challenge is towards Nursery staff and carers: It is time to learn what Christianity really stands for and to stop avoiding truly important issues for children. The spiritual development of children, while not entirely our responsibility, can be greatly improved with understanding. Let us learn how Christianity can develop that exremely important area of a child - their spiritual growth.

Feedback of all descriptions is awaited with interest.

by: sally

okay - so say we go along with 'Christianity' as being the main religious principles to teach in pre-schools...which denomination are we talking about here?
Catholic, Quaker, Orthodox, or C of E (they're all 'right' you know)?
Alternatively if we're going non-denominational...in what way is teaching Christianity any different from the personal and social teaching that pre-schoolers currently receive?
...is it the ritual and routine of the prayers and lunchtime graces that would bring spirituality? (I can't help it - A picture of the homecorner being turned into a confessional box has just entered my head!! - lol)
- actually on second thoughts, that might produce some interesting results...Mmm have to go now and think - be back soon!

Teach Christianity - 08-02-04 16:57

by: janis

We dont need to pick a demoniation we need to teach the children the Bible and how we should live by God's commandments and the need to have Jesus Christ in our lives as Lord and Saaviour

Teach Christianity - 09-02-04 21:28

by: mazzamom

There are many translations of the bible. Most of which opinions differ greatly on several important ethical and moral points. For this reason imo, unless parents opt for religious education, nursery and schools should teach basic morals, but secular, without the bible as a teaching aid.

Teach Christianity - 10-02-04 14:12

by: saffrons mum

The idea of someone trying to teach christianity to children terrifies me. Intolerance, bigotry racism, homophobia and all the others "isms" are not what I want my child to learn. The main reason my baby attends the (superb) nursery she does is because of the importance they place on multi culturalism. It's right that children learn about all faiths and learn to understand and respect each others beliefs.

Teach Christianity - 10-02-04 16:33

by: TraceyLusher

i think sometimes to much focus is put on muli-culture and political correctness, all children need to be taught is the importence of being kind to others regardless of anything, the people to teach any child religion is the parents.

Teach Christianity - 20-02-04 22:04

by: sltb40

I was reading the message re Christianity and I agree that childrens' spiritual needs are often overlooked with all the planning and pressure early years practitioners are under. Childen are naturally receptive and open and have an enquiring mind which can be enhanced by the introduction of spiritual issues. I am a Christian and know that the lacking in self esteem in many adults and not accepting of themselves can be because of not feeling they are worthy of love or acceptance. Jesus came to show us that we are all special and have a place. If we can teach that to the children of today then the adults of tomorrow may be more accepting of themselves and others and less likely to set themselves up to fail in modern society.

Teach Christianity - 23-02-04 14:15

by: mazzamom

So why don't we teach love and acceptance and leave the religious education to parents and christian schools. We should NOT be forcing christianity on any child in non faith based education. Moreover, the sad fact of it is that many christians put too much emphasis on bigoted intolerant interpretations of the bible and not on love and acceptance. If a christian parent wants to teach their child their religion then fair enough, but to have christianity taught as standard in school and preschool is not respectful of the multi cultural society that we live in. It presumes a belief in Jesus is more important than other beliefs.

Teach Christianity - 23-02-04 15:03

by: sltb40

Hi in reply to mazzomon it is sltb40 here again. In my previous message I did not state that we should teach Christianity but that we should introduce love and acceptance of ourselves and others. My personal belief is that of the Christian faith, i.e. Jesus offers each one of us acceptance and unconditional love, but I do realise it is not my place to influence young children without their parents permission and also it is really within the family unit that we learn our values and beliefs.I hope you have not misinterpreted what I previously said.

Teach Christianity - 28-02-04 23:18

by: tiespuddin

Hi,Just a quicky really and I'm not trying to put anyones nose out of joint, but as there is so much emphesis on all faiths around the world being taught perhaps it would not hurt to add a bit in about "Jesus". I personally do not have a faith but my husband does, although does not scream from the roof tops about it, nor is a fanatic. It would be refreshing to be able to celebrate the likes of easter without people worrying about the ethos of it all. Just a thought!.

Teach Christianity - 08-03-04 14:17

by: vbell

replying to a message 'saffrons mum'. but isnt the world taching our children these things anyway, whether we like it or not this is whats happening in the world today, its got nothing to do with the christian belief falseing these issues upon then, the world does that already. as i am a christian myself, it annoyes me when people think, oh its just another religion trying to get there claws into our kids. I dont think christianity is taught enough, every other religion is pushed at the children but when it comes down to teaching our little children the one true faith, and to give them some hope of the immense gift that God wants to give them, parents back off, dont want there children to have anything to do with that!! and for what reason? they know that it is true. I dont teach christianity as much as i would like to with the children i care for, and don't want to scare them off but falsing them to sit and listen-NO WAY! i do simple things like saying thankyou to God at mealtimes, singing christian children songs with the children. to sum up, it just seems to me that christianity is always shut out, parents are all for the light stuff but when it comes down do telling the truth, people dont want to know-people are scared. Christianity should be left open to all children, it is our duty to tell everyone about christianity and God but faulsing it upon them only pushes them away, they can make there own minds up whether they want to know more or not, we are only here to teach the children what they are entitled to know!

Teach Christianity - 10-03-04 23:38

by: jennyc

i am in complete agreement with saffron's mum! Teaching children respect for the many cultures in the world and the many beliefs that come with these cultures will surely make for a better society! after all, isn't it respect that is lacking? I think that we need to be careful that we don't inflict our own personal beliefs onto these children, appreciating the fact that if we teach them adequately of all that the world has to offer, that they will make their own, well-informed choice as respects their spirituality. Our role then is to present them with the options to allow them when they are older to make the free choice that we all had too!

Teach Christianity - 16-03-04 13:05

by: tiespuddin

Yes! jenny c - i am in total aggreement - REPECT- where has it gone, I know! like the rest of the world, down the plug hole.

Teach Christianity - 21-03-04 09:37

by: nisa1969

I am a Christian who feels that children should be shown about love and consideration for others in general by good role models.
My main concern on spiritual issues in playgroups is one of child protection - I strongly believe that pre-school settings should not promote and interest in magic and the occult. We should not celebrate halloweeen, include witches costumes in the home corner, or have any books that have magic or witchcraft themes we need to protect the children in our care from fear and from negative spiritual influences

Teach Christianity - 24-03-04 12:10

by: Justine

On the topic of teaching christanity, i think that children should be given information about all faiths and when they are at an age of understanding they choose for themselves. But this does include the christian faith which many people seem to forget. Easter is a very important time for us and bunnies and chocolate are not really the main point which is what most children are taught. As for picking a denomination, we may be called something different CofE, Penticostal etc but we all believe the same just express it in different ways. I am not homophobic, racist or any of the other generalisations i have read on these pages, with a balanced religious programme the children won't be either.

Teach Christianity - 24-03-04 15:08

by: vbell

when teaching the curriculum i have to acknowledge other religions to the children, i do feel they should be aware of other cultures religions, but i always make a point of coming back to christianity, our children are exposed to all the horrid things that are going on around this world, i feel as though i can bring things out of the christian faith for the children to hold on to i.e respect, love, family, cultures etc, in the day nursery and tinies group, and feel that by teaching these hopefully years later thay will remenber what they have been taught. someone else could be saying exactly the same thing as i am only that they are buddhists or catholic, every religion wants to inflict there beliefs on the children. but back to my first point i think all children should be made aware of all religions but when it comes down to it we are teaching them the one true faith and all about Jesus and the amazing gift that he has for us all, i havent had any complaints at my day nursery or tinies group with the way i teach christianity, so i must be doing something right!!

Teach Christianity - 09-05-04 19:00

by: Jean

I am concerned as a Christian that I have to be seen to be neutral, and find this very difficult. This week I was corrected for saying "christian name" and told I should be saying "given name". Now I feel discriminated against!

Teach Christianity - 18-04-04 23:23

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I agree with tracy in the respect that children need to be taught how to accept each other for what we are regardless of race or reglion. We are all people and Ifeel that the greatest lesson to be taught is respect for others.It should be left to the parents to teach which ever religon they feel suits their family.

Teach Christianity - 18-04-04 23:23

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I agree with tracy in the respect that children need to be taught how to accept each other for what we are regardless of race or reglion. We are all people and Ifeel that the greatest lesson to be taught is respect for others.It should be left to the parents to teach which ever religon they feel suits their family.

Teach Christianity - 18-04-04 23:23

by: ArdsleyPlaygroup

I agree with tracy in the respect that children need to be taught how to accept each other for what we are regardless of race or reglion.

Teach Christianity - 26-03-04 21:52

by: mrs_m

Just to clarify a few errors in the original text.

Schools have to engage in a daily act of worship, which should in the main be Christian. A small but vital difference - if you live in a 99% muslim area, the act of worship could be muslim. The daily act of worship does not have to be christian... it could be non religion specific.

Secondly teaching religion is different to teaching christianity.... and if taught well, there should be a difference. Simply teaching about christianity is not the same as encouraging children to ask questions or to be philosophical about the world (which children naturally are)

My view (as an RE specialist) is that children should be taught about Religion - (helps tolerance, and co-existance in a multi - religion society, encourages ethics and is the only subject where students get the chance to really think for themselves!) but as this is now a pagan country - I think Christianity should just be taught as a religion like all the others, and I don't think children should be forced to engage in worship.

jmho!

Teach Christianity - 12-05-04 18:20

by: Valerie

I think youre right Janis, it would be good to teach Christianity and we dont need to go into denominations just the basis. Even if no one beleived if everyone lived how the Bible tells us the world would be a much nicer place to live in. I am a christian by the way.

Teach Christianity - 23-05-04 23:12

by: ginnie

I agree with you that christianity along with other religions should be taught in schools as children should be made aware of the different cultures that form part of our society.

Teach Christianity - 31-08-04 19:52

by: jrennie1984

nisa1969

The occult and religions such as Wicca and witchcraft are becoming more and more popular and if Christianity should be freely taught in Pre School then any religion should have the same right.

Books such as Harry Potter have encouraged millions of children to read and what harm does a bit of dressing up at Halloween do. Yes there are things about the occult that may scare young children but if we shelter them from an early age then sooner or later they will come across these things and be unprepared. Childhood is about preparation for life if children are wrapped in cotton wool they are more likely to go of the rails in early adulthood.

Please open your mind and see that there are other religions that children should have the choice to believe if you have chosen Christianity yourself that is because you where free to make that choice give our future generation the same privilege.

Teach Christianity - 02-09-04 16:02

by: poppet

Wicca and witchcraft are not religions these are 'crafts or practices' where by a practitioner believes they draw on supernatural forces (for example spirits of the dead) to influence events or people for better or worse.
They should not be introduced to young children who can be so easily influenced. Just because something has become popular through the likes of Harry Potter it doesn't make it right to teach it to children as a serious life option.
Christianity teaches that these practices are wrong and harmful to us - so to suggest they are just another religious option for children to explore is incorrect.
Harry Potter is a fantasy but start teaching children about witchcraft is a bridge too far in my view.

Teach Christianity - 04-09-04 13:28

by: jrennie1984

I believe you have misunderstood me completly allthough I do feel that wicca is an alternative religion I would never preach it to children that is a desision they should make for themselfs as adults. The main body of wicca does not as popularly believed draw on demons and the dead this is an extreem part of the occult. Wicca is about becoming one with the world and respecting animals and nature. This is what I believe should be taught to children.

My point in the last message was that if we don't allow children to celabrate halloween ie dressing up and having a party on October 31st. Then sooner or later they will come across these things and instead of taking it as fun they will be frightend. Children should be allowed to have imigination and fantasy taking magic and halloween out of nursery is silly.

Teach Christianity - 07-10-04 01:08

by: Annieuk75

I completley agree with the original thread - we need to teach our children about Christianity in schools. I think we also need to inform them of other religions so that they know about them but the main aim should be Christianity. This is a Christian country and we should teach our religion. If you go to any other country they teach their own religions.
I went to a school in London in a high Asian community. I spent 4 years of RE lessons learning about asian religions. We had 1 lesson on Christianity and for that lesson the asian children were allowed to leave so that they wouldn't been offended!!

Teach Christianity - 19-10-04 15:55

by: Busybee123

Have to agree with TIESPUDDIN....I don't have any particular beliefs or religion, yet I respect and honour all other religions and people who CHOOSE whatever religion, values or beliefs that matter to them. My husband is a non believer too, but our girls go to a CATHOLIC IRISH SCHOOL (we don't have much choice in Ireland)...and they enjoy their religion classes and I encourage them to go to mass. However, a BIG problem now exists where we have tons of kids in the school who are Mormons, Muslims, Jews and other religions and somehow, 'they just don't seem to fit' into the framework of the school, basic religion studies etc. When our girls are 8, they undergo Communion studies AT SCHOOL,which takes up 6 months of that entire year at school...what about other kids who AREN'T Catholic and who don't plan to go through Communion.....must be quite difficult for them and their parents, considering most of our schools are Catholic and are run by the Churches.

A bit of Christianity ie. 'how to be a kind, caring person'...no matter what your religion goes a long was as far as I'm concerned.

South African schools however have a very different approach and all religion is dealt with OUT OF SCHOOL, and may not be discussed at school...and I think it seems to work for them, considering they're the Rainbow Nation - a people full of diversity.

Which way is best??? Not sure....we're all different and want different things for our children, but I don't believe we can force our beliefs on others. Parents ultimately should have the job of teaching their kids religion issues etc.

Teach Christianity - 04-11-04 11:59

by: anonymousstudent

saffronsmum wrote:

"The idea of someone trying to teach christianity to children terrifies me. Intolerance, bigotry racism, homophobia and all the others "isms" are not what I want my child to learn. The main reason my baby attends the (superb) nursery she does is because of the importance they place on multi culturalism. It's right that children learn about all faiths and learn to understand and respect each others beliefs."

As a Christian, I am amazed at hearing this. Christianity follows the teaching of Jesus who teaches children to respect all religions and accept everybody as a loved and cherished child of God, regardless of their faith, race or sexuality. I believe children should be shown a non-biased account of ALL (including Christianity!) religions so they can choose which to follow when they are older. By saying Christianity teaches "intolerance, bigotry, racism and homophobia" you are showing you have no true understanding of Christianity and you are showing no respect for it, the very opposite of your wishes for the attitude children should have ("Understand and respect eachothers beliefs"). If you had been saying the Muslim faith taught bigotry etc, you would soon be responded to with outrage. Just because it is Christianity, I do not think people should ignore the disrespect and ignorance you have shown about our faith. There are many Bible quotes promoting equality of human beings (Gal 3:28 “There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus")etc. Bigotry goes completely against the doctrine of the faith.

Teach Christianity - 23-11-04 10:42

by: cityofbristol

In the nursery and schools i have worked in, all of have promoted ALL religions, and most have emphasised other religions and not christianity. This seems a little bizarre as we are a country built on christianity. If we are going to teach about other religions we MUST teach christianity.

Teach Christianity - 25-11-04 22:24

by: kay

The point of my original post was that while many practitioners confidently teach Muslim and Hindu stories and customs, they shy away from teaching those belonging to Christianity. While I agree that religious indoctination has no place in the nursery and that parents are the main educator when it comes to religion, the Foundation Stages do suggest that there is some importance in the underpinning of spiritual values. Perhaps we need to discuss what is meant by spiritual values. What do you think?

Teach Christianity - 10-03-05 21:25

by: dianna

can i ask are you talking about christianity should be made to be taught in all schools in uk or r we talking about religiously run schools only?

Teach Christianity - 02-04-05 01:55

by: nattz

hi, i do not agree teaching the bible and god so strong to children.yes they should be taught love, good and bad, but why pressure them into it. children should have a choice, todays society is about equal oppiturnties so why do children differ?

Teach Christianity - 28-04-05 14:27

by: Moonflower

What right do any of you have to say that the christian religion is better than anyone elses? And what right to say that religions such as wicca, paganism and spiritualism are cults which children should be protected from? Thos of you who said that ought to be ashamed of yourselves! The above mentioned 'religions' are recognised by the govornment as valid religions, and should be given the respect that your own personal viewpoints have.
I am a spiritualist, and proud of it, and my daughter gets christianity shoved into her head at school and I completely disagree with it. As will all religions there are positive aspects such as being good and looking after nature, and you certainly dont need one religion preached to the children to put those viewpoints accross!
Like it or not we DO have a multi cultural society, and such a diverse range of religions and beliefs to cater for that I feel it would be wrong to preach/teach christianity in schools. Some of the techniques used in schools are no better than what I would class as brainwashing... they are not giving a child the freedom of choice for their own religious beliefs.
I have noticed that bar the odd one, the main people who agree with this being 'taught' are christians themselves... may I ask one thing.. what are your churches for then? Why should these beliefs be forced onto impressionable minds because people from ONE religion believe it is right?
Religions should stick to their churches and home lives, and the only time they should be intoduced in school is for educational purposes, and not personal ones.
The law mentioned about teching christianity in schools is extremely out dated and should be ammended or betetr still discontinued. We have reached the 21st century now, and there is no need for such tactics anymore.. there actually is freedom of belief, speech and thought, and we should stop living in the past and implement that.

Teach Christianity - 29-04-05 19:04

by: OakKing

I am astounded that nisa1969 thinks children are going to be mentally scarred from having a witches costume in the homecorner! Oh how I laughed! I am fed up to the back teeth of having to explain The Pagan/Wiccan way!! We do NOT I repeat NOT worship the Devil (we have no name for the Devil, this is infact a Christian concoction!) and we do not sit around a couldron casting spells with big black cloaks on, oh and my face isn't green with warts on it either, oh and i haven't got a black cat!

Teach Christianity - 15-05-05 19:01

by: Bea

Dear all but in response to Saffron's mum.
I would like to apologise for the impressions that Christians whom you have obviously met have left upon you, I am so very sorry and extremely saddened that you would feel that those people exhibited intolerance, bigotry, racism and homophobia. These 'isms' as you refer to them certainly have no place in our diverse or indeed any other society, and have ABSOLUTLY NO place within Christianity. Any Christian who acts as such needs to read their Bible and reassess what their belief is based upon.

I would like to reassure you that this is not what Christianity is about and your experience is a small minority of a vast body of people who call themselves Christians. I am a little confused that you seem to be saying that children need to be taught about all faiths yet you started by saying it terrifies you that someone trying to teach Christianity to children, do you discount Christianity when you refer to all. I'm sure you would appreciate that within any large group of people e.g. Religious group, football club etc. a minority of people do things which are morally wrong in that name e.g. violence at football matches, the taliban etc. this however does not mean all that groups opinion or actions are the same.

I understand your fear entirely if the above 'isms' have been your only experience of Christianity so far. I too stand strongly with your stance that these are not what I would want my child to learn. As you have probably guessed i myself am a Christian (who does not believe in those 'isms") I also work in a school where I am responsible for taking some assemblies which are on the whole Christian based. In those assemblies the overriding theme is help the children foster a sense of wonder at the world around them and help them to know that they are loved, respected and valued and that they should do the same for others. Values which i feel are key to Christianity, views that you yourself also share. I admit that i sometimes use Bible stories to illustrate these points, but if as is your opinion our society is to 'teach' all religions then this can not be discounted.

Teach Christianity - 15-05-05 19:01

by: Bea

Dear all but in response to Saffron's mum.
I would like to apologise for the impressions that Christians whom you have obviously met have left upon you, I am so very sorry and extremely saddened that you would feel that those people exhibited intolerance, bigotry, racism and homophobia. These 'isms' as you refer to them certainly have no place in our diverse or indeed any other society, and have ABSOLUTLY NO place within Christianity. Any Christian who acts as such needs to read their Bible and reassess what their belief is based upon.

I would like to reassure you that this is not what Christianity is about and your experience is a small minority of a vast body of people who call themselves Christians. I am a little confused that you seem to be saying that children need to be taught about all faiths yet you started by saying it terrifies you that someone trying to teach Christianity to children, do you discount Christianity when you refer to all. I'm sure you would appreciate that within any large group of people e.g. Religious group, football club etc. a minority of people do things which are morally wrong in that name e.g. violence at football matches, the taliban etc. this however does not mean all that groups opinion or actions are the same.

I understand your fear entirely if the above 'isms' have been your only experience of Christianity so far. I too stand strongly with your stance that these are not what I would want my child to learn. As you have probably guessed i myself am a Christian (who does not believe in those 'isms") I also work in a school where I am responsible for taking some assemblies which are on the whole Christian based. In those assemblies the overriding theme is help the children foster a sense of wonder at the world around them and help them to know that they are loved, respected and valued and that they should do the same for others. Values which i feel are key to Christianity, views that you yourself also share. I admit that i sometimes use Bible stories to illustrate these points, but if as is your opinion our society is to 'teach' all religions then this can not be discounted.

Teach Christianity - 15-05-05 19:03

by: Bea

Oops didn't mean to post that twice. SORRY

Teach Christianity - 02-06-05 13:06

by: korshoj

As a foreigner in this country i am amazed and appaled that teaching christianity in a christian country should even be brought up for debate.I see no problem in my child being tought about the fundamental values and beliefs that has shaped this country. Our new god, political correctness, has overcomplicated something that should come natural, and is slowly grinding away of this countrys sense of identity, in which chrisianity plays a huge role. Hearing about the christian beliefs surtainly never hurt anyone, and I suggest that anyone having a problem with the teachings of christianity move somewhere more in line with their own beliefs. It is the duty of this country to teach christianity to everyone.

Teach Christianity - 08-07-05 14:38

by: Moonflower

I am sorry but with the last post I find your views extremely limiting. We have a multicultural society with more than 50% of the population having different spiritual beliefs than christianity! As for it being the belief of this country, many beliefs were inplace prior to christainity starting up and taking over, relentless murders and battles have taken place in the name of religion in the past, and still goes on to this day. Why should one religion be taught when there are so many different beliefs out there? The only reason christianity is the 'main' religion of this country is thanks to those who wiped out people that had different beliefs. It isnt the belief which is strong.. it is the force of the people that shoved it on the country in the first place that was strong. We just havent got over that YET. Beliefs are changing.. there are less people going to churches, the percentage of christians in this country is also falling, in comparrison the number of athists and agnostics or those with different spiritual beliefs is rising. This reflects a growing trend, and one which will not stop. All I can say.. is that I hope the day that preaching to school children about one 'god' happens in my daughters time at school. I would like to see equality in all. not equality for just christains. Collective worship should stop in schools, as should the assumption that everyone is ok with children being force fed this nonsense.

Teach Christianity - 08-07-05 14:39

by: Moonflower

That was supposed to say:

I hope the day that STOPPING the preaching to school children about one 'god' happens in my daughters time at school

Teach Christianity - 09-07-05 11:52

by: jcab

The School setting which I am presently at teaches many different religions, including christianity, as it is a multi-cultural school. Although, it is against some religions, such as Brethren, to learn about other people's religion, so it has to be said, why should everyone else learn about others religion's, for example, Christian's learn about Brethren but Brethren cannot learn about Christianity? What does this learn the children...? To me it teaches them not to respect others religions if they cannot respect them.

Teach Christianity - 12-07-05 20:28

by: Little Sparklers

Hear Hear ! - I am a Pre-school owner with what I hope is an open and inclusive curriculum. At ages 3,4 & 5 - whoever heard anything so ridiculous as thrusting Christianity or any other religion down a tiny persons throat? They have difficulty going to the loo by themselves, sharing and putting their shoes on - I really don't think anything other than sharing in the colourful annual events of selected faiths is advantagous to such a young audience. KT

Teach Christianity - 13-07-05 21:19

by: Slunky

I am a christian and you don't have to have a confessional box to be a christian any how. Also as we as a county are a 'christian' country surely that means that all age children should be taught a form of christianity. I actually went to a C of E Primary school but they didn't even mention god in any of the songs that they sung it was all about the birds the flowers and the cabbage. Seems really stupid to me really. I could have understood it if it wasn't a C of E school but really. So therefore this shows that maybe christians can't send their children to decent schools which actually teach or worship God or Jesus. Despiter what people think being a christian is not about being better than everyone else actually we are probably worse than everyone else. Being a christian just means that we are trusting in god and the fact that he died for ALL our sins before and after we become christians. We also know where we are going so we have a bonus that all none christians don't have!! anyway sorry that was a bit of a rant just a bit peed off that people seem to think that being a christian means that we are perfect and everything. well thats what I picked up in these posts!! Trust me we're not!!

Teach Christianity - 23-08-05 14:55

by: poppet

Dear Moonflower
The 2001 Census collected information about ethnicity and religious identity. Combining these results shows that while the population is more culturally diverse than ever before, White Christians remain the largest single group by far. In England and Wales, 36 million people (nearly 7 out of 10) described their ethnicity as White and their religion as Christian. Source: www.statistics.gov.uk

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about what Christianity teaches and what it means to be a Christian. Part of being a Christian means sharing our faith with others. Prior to becoming a Christian I was facinated with occult practices. This started at age 5 or 6 when I was introduced to a book in our school library called 'Tom and the Ghost'. Which is about a boy who takes a potion from a witch and is then able to interact with ghosts for a limited time. It is only now almost 30 years later that I see this was harmful to me. But I still had the right - even at that age to reject Christianity and I did. I think it is wrong to suggest that Christianity can force us to do or believe anything. We all have free will and hearing about different faiths does not take that right away from anyone. Each person has a right to choose and hearing about Christianity doesn't deter from that.

Teach Christianity - 23-08-05 15:13

by: poppet

It is easy to say that we live in a modern age and their is no place for God. But at the end of the day our time is limited - we all die in the end. There is nothing more important in a human being's life than considering the big spiritual questions like 'Why are we here?' and 'What (if anything) happens to us when we die?'. In a Christian country there is still a place for teaching Christianity to young children - they are never too young to hear the good news outlined in the Gospel. Christianity is not about one group saying they are better than another group. It about a world where humans are separated from God and the good news that He has made a way for each person to have that relationship restored.
Hearing this message does not take free will away from anyone - nor does it prevent anyone from living life in just the way they choose.
I think each of us must question why so many people feel threatened by the thought of teaching Christianity to children yet they are happy to teach the precepts of other faiths and pagan ideas.
If you have heard a lot of bad press about Christianity but have never read a Bible - pick one up and judge for yourself. It is the same with anything in life don't accept other people's opinions or what you read in the papers etc. Look into everything with an open and enquiring mind.

Teach Christianity - 05-09-05 18:12

by: Moonflower

Poppet.. i have read parts of the bible thank you.. for curiosity sake in my younger years, after I put it down, I never bothered picking it up again.

you mentioned that each person should have the right to choose... where is that choice for the children when it is fed to them through schools? Doesnt seem like they have a lot of choice in the matter.

As for your comments about paganism.. you can teach a child values about nature and respecting plants and animals... you dont have to try and make them believe about set gods or goddesses, as with any religion.. it is the ethics of the matter. Hearing about religions is one thing.. having it preached to you is a different matter, and that is the matter I am on about.

You also mentioned about reading a book when younger that you feel harmed you, and think I understand what you are trying to say.. but at the end of the day.. let children know about religions when they are in junior schools.. but they need to stop dictating to children that 'god exists, god created the world, blah de blah'

I have a very open and enquiring mind.. I believe in the possibility of anything.. I have my personal beliefs with that also, which does not believe in any god, which does believe in an afterlife and spirit communication due to experience, psychic phemominon etc etc.. but I am not naieve enough to know that my views are totally right and everyone who believs different is wrong, I am aware that anything is possible. I respect others views, and would ask them to do the same... assuming that everyone should believe the same thing is wrong, and pushing personal ways of thinking on children is wrong... when people do things like that to adults it is classed as brainwashing, yet they let people still do it to our children!

Please dont assume that because you experiences your views with religion that every child will do the same.. children are impressionable, and the less fairy tales they have put in their heads and told they are true the better.

I do have one question for all of you who do believe and feel it should be taught in schools(ie collective worship style) You have heard those opposed to the idea, and why we dont want it... I would like to know what reasons you have for wanting your christian beliefs put upon children who dont follow that faith? I want to know why all children should be taught this like it is fact, I want to know why some of you feel that creationism ough to be taught as fact insted of all scientific evidence of evolution, I want to know what is wrong with the humanist approach.. I want to know why all of you feel your views are better than everyone elses.. after all.. that is what it comes down to isnt it..you dont need to preach religion, any religion to intill common decency and respect in children, so why force one religion on them?

Teach Christianity - 06-09-05 17:07

by: scarlett

religion has no place in schools or nurseries. if parents want to bring their child up to believe in their choice of religion then it should be taught at home.

however, we celebrate and welcome different festivals, cultures, food, activities from all differente faiths and cultures, i just dont think religion has a place in the early years education.

you cant tell children that 1 religion is right, because the parents are all different faiths (or not).