Why World Religions Should Be Taught In Public Schools

English 11: Writing Model

Learning world religions in public schools would help us increase our knowledge in literature, history, and current events. Religions can be thought of as a set of institution, a set of ideas and beliefs can very much affect literature. Literature is storytelling and through this, we can develop our intelligence in human nature. Through religion, we would have a better understanding on how people practice their faith in their beliefs and why people live in a certain way. By learning the different types of religion, it would help students go further in their literature as they know more about human’s beliefs and actions. For example, “Life of Pi”, Yann Martel, the author, adds Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam in the novel. Storytelling and religious beliefs are two closely linked ideas in the novel. Without knowing about some facts about religions and their beliefs it’s much more convoluted and cannot go deeper into the story. Religion plays a big part in history as well. History is a way to understand why people live in the way they are living and learn from passed mistakes. For example, people in the 6^th century BC were tortured and starved to death do to their claiming of Christianity. Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, was dragged through the streets with a rope tied around his neck, behind a chariot because of his actions in sharing the beliefs that he shared with others. However, as the years pass, people start to realize the false decisions that are made and we developed better rules and knowledge. Without some theoretical and or practical understanding of religions, we wouldn’t understand the history and the changes that have been made throughout the years. Although we have developed a lot more understanding in what is right or wrong, there are some people to this day where people’s opinions differ because of their religious beliefs. It’s not as harsh, however there are arguments all around the world about religions and it is important to know the information on the subject to give an explanation on opinions. Addition to that, if students learn more about religion in a such early age, we become more aware of what they say when they are older. For example, there are people to this day who mocks others with their religious beliefs and identity. It’s unfortunate to see people at such a young age who don’t understand the importance of beliefs. When religions are studied, there is a possibility that the percentage of the people who respect other people’s beliefs increases. There will be more answers answered through our studies in religions and more understandings on why people disagree with some ideas. Without the knowledge of religions, there is lack of understanding of the world and the humanity. Studying religions in public school will give a better knowledge and the ability to understand other different ideas through religious beliefs. Young adults will be more aware of their words and have a much more ability to understand the world.