Even if catering to individual religious groups doesn't pass constitutional muster, religion really needs to be better incorporated into Literature and History classes, minimum, simply for a better understanding of the object of study.
Legally, the religion class probably would have to be elective, but I like the idea. Religion classes usually, from what I've seen, provoke some of the most interesting discussions if you have teachers that don't ride a soap box.
It should be a year long class, taught from a historical perspective...frame the religions in history, as well as give the low down on the philosophies, beliefs, etc. But it's a long shot in this country. It's hard enough to get kids to read a book on their spare time, let alone think critically about a purpose beyond the daily rituals of video games, IMing, and TV.
I don't see why this is necessary. Parishes should easily be able to offer religious education classes to students who are not enrolled in parochial schools. I attended such classes during the first 4 years of my primary education, when I was attending a non-Catholic school. Later I transferred to a Catholic school, and it was no longer necessary.
Even if catering to individual religious groups doesn't pass constitutional muster, religion really needs to be better incorporated into Literature and History classes, minimum, simply for a better understanding of the object of study.
Absolutely. I went to a secular high school, but we spent a lot of time on the Bible in literature class. We also covered a good deal of Church history and philosophy in various history and social science classes.