Quote:
Originally Posted by GA Russell
Christianity is the backbone of Western Civilization. Western Civilization is the result of Christianity meeting the Classical Civilization. IMO to treat Christianity as just one of many religions is to turn our backs on Western Civilization, and I think it is highly improper for an American public school system to do that.
That is not to say that the govt should teach the children that they ought to be believing Christians. That's for the parents to decide. However, it is my view that anyone who lives in Western Civilization who has never read the New Testament cannot consider himself to be an educated man.
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There is much to commend that point of view, however I would add my own belief that anyone who lives in Western Civilization who has never read the Hebrew Bible as well cannot consider himself to be adequately educated. It wasn't just New Testament teachings that helped to mold Western civilization. In addition, I think the influence of pre-Christian Greek and Roman thought has not been given it's due in the schools. Before Christianity shaped modern Western thought, Greek and Roman philosophy and political models shaped Christianity and the Church. There have been other peripheral influences over the centuries, but I think these are the main ones to understand if we are to consider ourselves as having a functional education in Western culture.
As for teaching about Islam, I think it's important as well if for no better reason than it is the belief system of a large portion of the world's population (as well as many here in the United States), and in our ever-shrinking globe we need to learn how to deal amiably with other cultures.