We have received something from the school. It is a letter asking us to select our preferred method of religious instruction at school. I am stumped. I really have no idea what I want. Actually I know what I want but I am not sure that it is achievable. Here are my options:
Option 1: The Non-denominational Combined Churches Program - With a focus on both Old and New Testament.
Option 2: The Baha'i Program - The students learn about the role they can play in bringing about peace. They study the spiritual laws common to all religions and learn about basic human virtues.
Option 3: Students not participating in either of the above programs will do classroom work under the supervision of a teacher.
I am swaying toward Option 2, because it is closest to what I want and I am less afraid of the teachers. I will have to say that I am unsure of the option 1 teachers. I am afraid that some well meaning but generally clueless teacher tries to teach Levi the nastier parts of the Christian religion. I don't want him being taught to hate his uncle because he happened to be born gay. I don't want him spouting off the nonsense that he brings home at the moment (from another child - same one every time) about how he is going to Hell because he doesn't go to church. I am afraid of the people who are teaching that child. I don't want them teaching my child!
I still want Levi to learn about religion. I want him to learn honour and morals, but I think that it is possible (however unlikely) to learn that from me. It would be fabulous if he could learn the beauty of all the religions, rather than the Hell and Brimstone stuff. I have always wanted for him to have the tools to make up his own mind. I can provide some of those tools but I also strongly believe that they shouldn't all come from me. I don't want him to believe what I believe by default as so many children do. I am happy if he chooses something different, so long as he chooses and it is a reasoned decision made with full disclosure.
So that is my dilemma for the night!
I'd vote for option #3. I don't want school teaching my child religion. That's a parent's prerogative, imo, just as teaching morals & values is their job to do, not the school's. I know that makes our opinions different, but figured I'd chime in, anyhow. :)
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