Arguments against Religious Education–Essay

Those who want to separate religion from education argue:—

1. To give a place to religion in education is not practicable, because children of all religions come to receive education in schools.

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In such a situation which religion is to be taught in a school? If one particular religion is taught in the school, the followers of other religions will not accept this position. This will lead to mutual ill-will, quarrels and disturbances.

2. Religious education is generally based on preaching. So long as desired changes are not brought about in the environment and ideal examples are not presented, till then good conduct cannot be spread through religious education. Hence mere teaching of religious doctrines in schools will not achieve the goal of education.

3. Doubts and mental conflicts are created in children as they cannot understand the abstract meanings of sin, virtue, reward and punishment as explained in religious education in school.

4. It is not possible for some teachers to analyse religious knowledge dispassionately because they may be faithful only to one particular religion. Consequently, the students will be incapable of understanding the true and obscure meaning of religion.

It will be better to analyse religion with the help of science, but the teachers will not accept it because science may injure their personal beliefs. It is a difficult task to correlate education and true human-religion. Every teacher may not be capable of this.

5. We have already observed that religion means human religion through which human qualities should be developed. But history bears a testimony to the fact that humanity has been oppressed in the name of religion and in place of love, compassion, sympathy and co-operation, the feelings of enmity, hatred, jealousy and opposition have grown. Such examples in the history of religion may create irreligious feelings in children.

6. Man imbibes ‘religion’ through self-realization. Self- realization is individualistic. Hence inclusion of personal elements in religious conduct is natural. In the school environment, collective and social tendencies are found. So personal viewpoint of religion cannot be given importance. This viewpoint may be acceptable to some children, but not to others who follow other viewpoints.