Are you suggesting that people who don't agree with your own particular stance on politics and religion can't think critically for themselves, do their own research and reading and reach their own conclusions?

I realise that, hence why I think realistically it's not practical - but I still can't rationalise it. I know that's because I'm an atheist, but I'll still never be able to justify it no matter how hard I try :laugh:

If you'd read the post properly, what I was actually saying was that every person, child or otherwise, should be encouraged to read, research, debate and come to their own conclusions on a whole manner of issues. Whether I agree or disagree with such conclusions is neither here nor there, in fact it's all part of healthy discourse.

What I was saying applies to everyone, including to the children of atheists - their parents should encourage them to learn about different religions and make their own decisions. The same too works with political beliefs, regardless of whether you're a socialist or a capitalist, kipper or Green voter.

I was forced to say the Lord's Prayer every day in Primary School despite the fact that I wasn't Christian because it was a Christian school and the majority of people there were Christian. It's not entirely surprising to see this happen if the school mostly consists of Muslim students except I doubt anyone was forced to say the prayer.

This article is basically just an excuse to trigger sensitive islamaphobes.

Not wanting to say a Muslim prayer doesn't make me an Islamaphobe.

I love how people think children reciting a muslim prayer means that theyre likely to become muslim.. Because 90% of British adults are avid church goers after their hymn practicing primary schools.
Personally, I think children should be taught of each religion, and atheism, in equal measures. if they find faith in any one of them, then good for them. Who are we to argue against their faith.
I realise this has little to do with the article in the OP, but the authenticity of that article has been debunked enough in the thread.

I agree that it shouldn't be pushed on children but I don't think any of the established religions would survive more than two generations.

I've not seen anyone on the thread say that. You are taking a serious leap in your own direction with this remark. :shrug:

I don't see why any child should be reciting a prayer in school, they'd be much better served reciting the times tables (which they don't do anymore).

Of course it doesn't which is why I didn't say that.

These + a large host of deleted posts

I'm just suggesting that religion and atheism should be taught, and children should find their own faith. Those who fear children might pick the wrong one should not be around children when theyre being taught about religion imo, they dont need to hear biases and fear mongering when making their choice, they need structured lessons. Prayer and hymn practice seems appropriate, I dont understand the fuss.

Half of Britons are terrified of facism.... not religion.

I know that, the independent knows that and most importantly Lily Allen knows that!


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...-a7492981.html

all superstitions and cults have no place in schools

they can be covered in one history lesson in secondary.

I agree with this to a large extent... which will probably surprise Withano!

I think education and religious practice should be separate. Although I do believe religion should be taught as a subject, covering the different religions, the history of organised religion and also atheism, as suggested above. I know that there are some kids who are brought up indoctrinated into a religion, and being born into a Jewish family I'm sure some people may think that about me. But I was never pushed to follow the faith, it was my own choice, and my brother's own choice. And still there are things about the faith with which I don't agree and am happy to say so.

As always, the problem lays with the fundamentalists... of all faiths.

How about we call this subject 'Ethics'?...