| Sep 6 @ 9:22 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
sail_dancer
Posts: 9,867
|
Students must learn about other religions: judge
Parents say new course threatens Christian faith
Graeme Hamilton, National Post
Published: Wednesday, September 02, 2009
MONTREAL -- Christian parents who objected to their children being taught about other religions in a mandatory new Quebec school course have suffered a serious setback with a ruling this week that the teachings do not infringe their religious freedoms.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Jean-Guy Dubois dismissed a bid by parents in Drummondville, Que., who said the course on ethics and religious culture introduced across the province last year was undermining their efforts to instill Christian faith in their children.
"In light of all the evidence presented, the court does not see how the ... course limits the plaintiff's freedom of conscience and of religion for the children when it provides an overall presentation of various religions without obliging the children to adhere to them," Judge Dubois wrote.
The course was controversial even before instruction began last September. During the year there were protest marches in some cities, and about 1,700 parents asked that their children be exempted from attending the class. All such requests were refused.
The course's introduction was the final step in the secularization of Quebec schooling that began with a 1997 constitutional amendment replacing denominational school boards with linguistic ones.
As of last year, parents no longer had the right to choose between courses in Catholic, Protestant or moral instruction. The new curriculum covers a broad range of world religions, with particular emphasis on Quebec's religious heritage -- Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and aboriginal spirituality. It is taught from Grade 1 through Grade 11.
The course's scope was too broad for the parents in the Drummondville case, who cannot be named because their two minor children are involved. During the trial, the children's mother testified that she did not see why her 7-year-old son needs to learn about Islam when he is still forming his own Catholic spirituality. "It's very confusing," she said.
In his ruling, Judge Dubois cited a Catholic theologian who testified that religious instruction is primarily the responsibility of parents, not schools. He added that there is a commitment on the part of the Catholic church to understand other religions.
The Quebec government, which intervened in the case in support of the Des Chênes school board, argued that the course was objective and in no way limited parents' ability to pass their religious beliefs on to their children. Teaching children about other religions is a way to promote "equality, respect and tolerance in the Quebec school system," it said.
Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, a law professor at Université de Sherbrooke, said he is not surprised that the new course survived a challenge under the Charter of Rights.
"What parents were demanding was the right to ignorance, the right to protect their children from being exposed to the existence of other religions," he said. "This right to ignorance is certainly not protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom of religion does not protect the right not to know what is going on in our universe."
He said the course is aimed not at instilling religious values but at trying "to explain to these children the diversity in which we now live in Quebec."
Richard Décarie, spokesman for a coalition opposed to the course, said the decision is a major disappointment. He believes there are grounds for an appeal, but he is not sure the parents involved can afford additional legal expenses. He said they have already spent close to $100,000 fighting the case.
"The course shouldn't be compulsory, because it changes completely how parents keep their moral authority over the education of their children," said Mr. Décarie, of the Coalition for Freedom in Education. "We're not talking about mathematics or French or English here. We're talking about something that involves the essence of the culture of people."
Two other challenges of the course are before the courts, with decisions expected this fall. Parents in Granby went to court after their children were suspended from school for failing to attend ethics and religious culture class. Montreal's Loyola High School, a private Jesuit school, has challenged the course, arguing that it obliges the school to put all religions on equal footing. The school says it already teaches world religions to its students.
National Post It's nice for a change to see christians upset about religion being taught in public schools.
What are your thoughts concerning the course and the court ruling?
The article doesn't mention anything about "home schooling". I wonder if home schooled children will be required to take this course and show proficiency in it? Boy! Would that be a kick in the ass of fundie parents.
Peace
|
|
  |
|
| Sep 6 @ 10:44 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
MrPaul
Posts: 1,637
|
The Quebec government, which intervened in the case in support of the Des Chênes school board, argued that the course was objective and in no way limited parents' ability to pass their religious beliefs on to their children. Teaching children about other religions is a way to promote "equality, respect and tolerance in the Quebec school system," it said.   Even though I do not believe it is the school systems place to teach religion. It is good to give a broad view so the child is able to learn more of his OWN choosing
|
| |
|
| Sep 6 @ 11:33 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Jankia
Posts: 11,914
|
From the founder of an extremist anti-Islam group...
"every practicing Muslim is a radical Muslim" and that Islam is the "real enemy" of America.
Is that the type of education we want for our kids? If so then dont educate them in our schools about Islam at all.
Let the media and the sponsors of advocacy organizations educate our children.
Unfortunatly so much World Conflict is a result of World Religions,restricting the knowledge of those religions certainly isnt going to help understand them when most dont understand them allready.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 7 @ 12:00 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Angel54214
Posts: 18,201
|
Considering the court case in Drummondville ended last week...LOL.
The rule was in favor for the course on ethics and religious culture. Quebec being its own nation within Canada, contains their own laws within the province and the growth rate of multiculturals have expanded quickly in the 21st century. In 1997 Quebec's Constitution amendment replaced denominational school boards with linguistic ones. And as of 2008, parents no longer had the right to choose between courses in Catholic, Protestant or moral instruction.
The new course covers a broad range of world religions, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and Aboriginal. Even Athiests and Satanists have to take this course. The course is not taught to instill religous values, but to teach children diversities within their province in understanding other cultural religions.
Just like if a course was mandated on World languages, doesn't mean the french have to covert their language to another...LOL.
The Canadian Charter of Rights does not adhere the right to ignorance...
Now the kids can teach their own parents the differences between Muslim and Islam!
I willing to bet the christians are Roman Catholics as well as the ones in Granby, which also have presented their lawsuit.
Just on an end note; Evangalitical Schools are not allowed in Quebec...
|
| |
|
| Sep 7 @ 8:15 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Deborah551
Posts: 1,032
|
In his ruling, Judge Dubois cited a Catholic theologian who testified that religious instruction is primarily the responsibility of parents, not schools. He added that there is a commitment on the part of the Catholic church to understand other religions. I can understand why parents wouldn't want their children to be taught a religious belief they didn't adhere to, especially in school. But, if the course is taught by teachers who have no religious affliliation, I can't see why there's such a controversy about it. As long as the course is being taught without any favortism of one religious belief over another, I can see it being taught. Just the facts, Maam as Joe Friday would say.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 8 @ 6:41 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Thor1960303
Posts: 3,345
|
Apparently the Christians who are complaining don't have much faith in their own scriptures concerning raisning a child up in their faith.
If a Christian parent is doing his part,what have they to fear from anything the secular world throws out.
Good grief,they complain about evolution and want creationsim and ID brought in beside it,now they're afraid of a little competition from other faiths. This doesn't say much for their own faith in the religion which they claim is the one true faith.
|
| |
|
| Sep 8 @ 7:03 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Deborah551
Posts: 1,032
|
Good grief,they complain about evolution and want creationsim and ID brought in beside it,now they're afraid of a little competition from other faiths. This doesn't say much for their own faith in the religion which they claim is the one true faith. I wish I had studied other religions when I was younger Thor. Now I'm 55 and just starting to look at other religions seriously. It would be nice to get things from the horses mouth, so to speak, so you know that you're getting the right teaching about a religious belief. The problem is though, when you get away from christianity for any length of time, you start to see all the quirks, contradictions, false teachings it employs. That's what happened to me anyway. I had to be out of church for 4 years before I even thought about looking at other religions, and I wasn't as dedicated to christianity as some people are.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 8 @ 11:16 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Jankia
Posts: 11,914
|
Thor- Apparently the Christians who are complaining Thanks for distinguishing which "Christians" you were referring to. 
|
| |
|
| Sep 8 @ 11:50 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
alivenwell351
Posts: 3,045
|
I can understand why parents wouldn't want their children to be taught a religious belief they didn't adhere to, especially in school.
Absolutely...and no matter how anyone may try, someone will be pissed off about their religion not being properly presented, their religion being misrepresented, or someone else's religion being presented who they think shouldn't even be represented in the first place...
Which is EXACTLY why religion should remain a personal thing to be reserved for the appropriate time & place...
Which ISN'T public school.....
In any way, shape, or form...
Period!!
[Edited on 9/8/2009 11:56 PM]
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 9:04 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Deborah551
Posts: 1,032
|
Which is EXACTLY why religion should remain a personal thing to be reserved for the appropriate time & place...
Which ISN'T public school.....
If diifferent religious groups were given the opportunity to teach about their religion after school, and it was voluntarily attended by students, then I can see religion being taught in school. Getting through the Christian religion might take a few months with the 1st Baptist church, 2nd Baptist church, Southern Baptist church etc. each having their own teaching day. Then the different sects of all the other religious/spiritual groups and it could last the whole year. But, it would be a good way for students to learn of other religions if they wanted to. But noone should be forced to learn about religions they aren't interested in joining.
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 9:04 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Deborah551
Posts: 1,032
|
Which is EXACTLY why religion should remain a personal thing to be reserved for the appropriate time & place...
Which ISN'T public school.....
If diifferent religious groups were given the opportunity to teach about their religion after school, and it was voluntarily attended by students, then I can see religion being taught in school. Getting through the Christian religion might take a few months with the 1st Baptist church, 2nd Baptist church, Southern Baptist church etc. each having their own teaching day. Then the different sects of all the other religious/spiritual groups and it could last the whole year. But, it would be a good way for students to learn of other religions if they wanted to. But noone should be forced to learn about religions they aren't interested in joining.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 9:12 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Banned_Knots
Posts: 1,125
|
I find it absolutely hilarious!!!!!
Firstly, it isnt the religions the problem its the people.
Secondly, where is tolerance for all.
... this type of education would go along way to allow better understanding of others.
More importantly any form of education brings a greater awareness to the truths. Learn to question even ones own religion. If Christians can not accept others then their religion is failing immediately. Jesus accepted all so it is said and he did NOT judge others, act partial, or do any action other than to show love, compassion, wisdom, joy and equanimity.
Teach all children religions. Hopefully they will grow with knowledges that will help them to discern between the rights and wrongs of the world.
THEY MAY DO A DAMN BETTER JOB AT IT THEN WE HAVE DONE AND DO NOW!
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 9:24 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Thor1960303
Posts: 3,345
|
Understanding at least the basics of world religions is essential in understanding the conflicts the world deals with. Kids are going to be exposed whether we like it or not. Every day we're all bombarded with images of the middle east with war, terrorism and general misery. How else is a kid going to get an understanding of why people fight each other in the world, if they're not taught what varying religions are fighting and why they're fighting each other? How are they going to understand what's going on in Northern Ireland, if they don't know anything about the differences of faith that fuels the fighting?
If nothing else, comparitive religion needs to be taught somewhere in a civics or social studies class.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 11:28 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
alivenwell351
Posts: 3,045
|
If nothing else, comparitive religion needs to be taught somewhere in a civics or social studies class.
Couldn't agree more....in principal....
But in the real world, just who would determine the content of the materiel for these classes?? How would the line between presenting and endorsing or condeming be determined?? Anyone really think the fundie loonies will sit around and let the big picture be presented "objectively"??
And who will pay for the added security needed for the school board meetings when anyone who cares...who thinks their religion is right and every one elses is wrong and shouldn't even be acknowledged, let alone presented... will be there bitching about it. That would make R&S threads look like a lovefest!!
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 11:53 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Thor1960303
Posts: 3,345
|
But in the real world, just who would determine the content of the materiel for these classes?? How would the line between presenting and endorsing or condeming be determined?? Anyone really think the fundie loonies will sit around and let the big picture be presented "objectively"??
I had comparitive religions as part of civics in high school. I really don't see how it can be avoided when you begin to start studying various countries. If a kid takes an assignment to do a report on say, the country of Saudi Arabia. How is he going to do anything on it without mentioning that it's an Islamic Republic? Well right away, you need to know what that term means. How can you study India without at least knowing a definition of Hinduism? Or know anything about Israel without knowing something about Judaism?
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 9 @ 11:41 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
southernlass
Posts: 2,240
|
I think Quebec is on the right track and see absolutely no problem with a course on World Religions. I think it's important that our children all over the world are aware of the wide variety of religious beliefs and what these consist of; this is referred to as a well rounded "education," isn't it? I think all of our children need one.
I don't feel that a Christian child is going to be harmed in the least by simply learning about other people's religious beliefs.
There is a difference between objective teaching though and preaching favoritism, but I have faith that there are enough of the overly interested to be sure that those who would teach these courses do so without bias.
|
| |
|
| Sep 10 @ 12:30 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Angel54214
Posts: 18,201
|
If a kid takes an assignment to do a report on say, the country of Saudi Arabia. How is he going to do anything on it without mentioning that it's an Islamic Republic?
I would say the teacher that gives this worded assignment would be wrong in the teaching to begin with, for Saudi Arabia is a monarchy state (House of Saud Royals, the third state; 1992) of the Arabia Peninsula, therefore Saudi Arabia is not a republic nation. In government, the Qu'ran is their Constitution and rules by Shari'a law. There is no party or even elections in Saudi, the current King (Abdullah) is direct desendant of Abdul Aziz ibn Saud.
How can you study India without at least knowing a definition of Hinduism? Or know anything about Israel without knowing something about Judaism?
India is mostly Hindu beliefs with various schools of thought. India also consist of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Bahá'ís.
Israel does not consist just of traditional Judaism, for the variances are wide such as Secular, Orthodox, and Hareidi to mention a few. Israel also consists of Muslims, Christians, Druz, Buddhists, Hindus, Bahá'ís as well as Messianic and Arabic Christians.
The Bahá'í Shrine of Bab is in Haifa. The Muslim Al-Aqsa Mosque is the Muslim Dome of the Rock in Jeruselem.
So World Religions would have to be taught by ethnic cultural diversity and not by location only.
[Edited on 9/10/2009 12:51 AM]
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 10 @ 9:19 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
yashaenka
Posts: 8,291
|
So World Religions would have to be taught by ethnic cultural diversity and not by location only. Back in 1960 when I began my quest for knowledge about the real history of the martial arts it became apparent that I could not do so without also learning about the cultures also. Every culture has it's own folk belief and within ethnic cultures that folk belief differs.
|
| |
|
| Sep 10 @ 9:36 AM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit
|
|
Thor1960303
Posts: 3,345
|
So World Religions would have to be taught by ethnic cultural diversity and not by location only.
Fine, good points! Like I said, I don't get what the fuss is about.  Religion is a part of culture and if you're studying comparitive cultures that would include religion, ALL religions.
If a parent is worried that the study of various religions would somehow contaminate the home religion being taught, then I would have to say that someone has an insecurity issue.
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 10 @ 7:15 PM |
Quebec introduces "World Religions" course in schools - Christians file lawsuit |
|
Bj864
Posts: 3,970
|
I don't see this as a bad thing, even though there could end up to be a church/state issue, if it isn't handled correctly.
I think it is a good idea to teach the basics of the World religions. This could benefit all people since they would have some understanding of other people's faiths and the politicians couldn't use their fear tactics on people ignorant of that faith. Look how they have used the fear card about Islam with Christians, but actually Islam and Christianity are very similar in many ways.
We would just need to make certain that it is taught in a manner that is not used to influence people to join a particular faith.
|
| |
|
|
|
|