State Schools may be taught Islamic traditions.

[Lonnie]

Why not re-introduce teaching the Ten Commandments?.

Assuming this is still a Christian country.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-103632 8/All-state-pupils-taught-Islamic-traditions-c ompulsory-citizenship-lessons.html

[jno]

I suspect they're talking about history rather than moral teaching - that is, people should know about Islamic tradition but not be expected to follow it. You could well say the same for Christian tradition but I suspect that has been left to the church and the church's influence has withered. I find that a shame - so much of this country's history is bound up with religion that not knowing about it means a great deal of ignorance among young people. But I think all they learn about is Henry VIII and his divorce.

[naomi24]

I heard about this today, and understood that they were talking about moral teaching. Perhaps we'll hear more tomorrow and all will become clear.

[Chillum]

Any religious teachings in school are fine, as long as they're at an objective and informative level.
It's a relevant part of a rounded education.
It's really when they are an accepted part of the daily ritual that we have to worry, and I don't think that's whats being proposed in this story.
So for now, I guess ,we'll just have to be happy with the Christian indoctronation of our children. And one really is more than enough.

[Gromit]

When I was at a state school 30 years ago we were taught Islamic traditions along with Christian, Hindu and Jewish traditions. I am very suprised if it is not taught now. I have just done a google search, and the 10 commandments appears to be in the National Curriculum.
This is not preaching Islam or even promoting it, it is recognising that it exists, and explaining what it is about.
The objection may be because this is compulsary lesson, and parents cannot take their children out on religious grounds. But to go through the Education system and not learn anything about other ctedes and countries would be a huge failure.
We discuss Islamic traditions a lot on here. It would be a shame if young people were unable to join on because of lack of education on the subject.

[123everton]

I think the first rule of a cohesive multicultural society is the teaching of ALL faiths to ALL children, adults should give it a go too.

[Booldawg]

I agree with Gromit. I left state school in 1985 and recall spending a fair while learning about Islam and Buddhism. I think the teacher even got us to meditate Buddhist style!

[terambulan]

Being a catholic in state school I was asked to forego assembly and prayers......missed out on all the school news etc.

My RI bible knowledge is vague so someone enlighten me as to where is the passage of God tell Abrahim to choose a young wife who birthed Mohammed (who deserted Abrahim) and then Abrhaim's 1st original aged wife birthed Isaac. Abrahim & Isaac were brothers by different mothers. Chistianity & Islam is built around these 2 opposing brothers...........hence todays conflict.

Can't we edicated ones put this ram-jam fairytale to rest and get on with living side by side?

[Quinlad]

You might as well ask:

Why do we teach French in schools? Assuming this is still an English-speaking country.

[Lonnie]

Your answers are fair and good, so thankyou for that, but I have a sneaking feeling, that it may well be the precurser to the teaching of Islamic Values, which is different.

I agree that there's nothing wrong with teaching about Islam, it has a rich culture, but i'm sorry, I just feel a bit uneasy about this.