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many school offer a variety of classes such as: ffa , law class, jrotc, and so on

i think a class that introduces theolgy and paranormal it would enlighten and maybe stop some prejudices it would also showpeople how this subject dose in fact effect our society, individual people, religions, trends, movies, diplomacy with other countries.

a class like this could show youth such things as : wicca , sadism, budasim, ghost hunting, witch craft, vampires, paganism

maybe if our schools offered a chorus like this it would not just open the minds of youths and there parents, and maybe show how trend duplicates this subject could be harmfull if mimicked in the wrong ways.

what is every ones opions?

i think that this is a great idea. our school was thinking about this but then our new principal came and said it was evil and she didn't want it in her school. that is the thing it could let people know that it is know all evil but in fact a reslly interesting subject.

maby. it could have mutual effects. like a spread of knolwege opposed to assumption. or it could case a break in the system. the jocks would most likley raid the class, and try to fight.

so hell yah, lets get it started.

it would be difficult to pull off and still give a good interpretation of many religions. there are just so many. i'd still be willing to sign a document saying that it should be passed, the closest i've come to one of those classes was a myths and legends class that was actually really good, but left me craving more information i've had to find on my own.
great idea... but i feel that the delivery on the part of schools would not only be half-assed but parents would probably end up complaining, so... maybe as a college elective thing it'd be good... but any other school would have difficulty with it.

good idea though.

We have 'creeds and controversies' one lesson each week - we talk about ghosts and the paranormal, we have a person from a different faith along most weeks.

Personally, I think it would be rather difficult to get something like this to work in a school system in a secular governed country, if indeed, at all. There are plenty of variou clubs, organizations, etc OUTSIDE of school that one can get involved in, if they are interested. I see no need to try to work it into a school system. (I'm not saying that I wouldn't be the first to sign up in my school, if something like this were to come up, however. lol)

i total get what you are saying meeper , but it wouldent just be about religion it would show about other posabilites, unicorns werewolfs elves it would open minds not just squarley on religion

i agree that there should be a theology class so that students like me would be enlightened to different stuff..

even though that there are a lot of beliefs, opening a class discussing about theology is not bad at all.

studying that subject does not necessarily mean you will be influenced or get in to that something new too..

knowledge is what we seek in a class and not prejudism..

it's up to the student/ person on how to handle the situation..

Actually my world history teacher gave us a quiz on the creature for halloween about vampires, werewolves, witches, and the history of all hallows eve. I found it quite interesting and some of my class mates have actually started a petition to let a paranormal class be taught at our school. In my school there are many who are into the supernatural and I have agreed to it and was one of the starters. I believe it is an awesome idea especially in this new age where people (humans) need to learn more of the truth than to stereotype what they see in movies.

It would never happen. Way to much controversy involved here. Plus, why bend a childs mind one way or the other anyways?

I find it hard to imagine that schools would accept this idea. Although I think it would be a good thing to introduce to the school system, there would undoubtedly be many complaints from parents, perhaps from local churches, and some of the students may even be against it. I don't think the schools would accept this class into the system when the majority, most likely, will be against it.

I am going to go against the grain on this for one reason and one reason only.

Spirituality and the understanding of different paths as well as appreciation for them, comes with adulthood. There is a certain level of maturity that is required to want any type of instruction in spiritual matters.

That's why theology is reserved for college instead. One has to have a developed sense of self to appreciate religion and where one fits into the whole picture.

To present information to children (under 18) is to waste class time on those who don't understand and as a majority might not care.

As a separate elective? That's a whole different possibility. If it were going to be taught at the high school level, it would have to be an after school elective like drama courses or after school sports.

If you want to gather individuals who have interest and enjoy the process of learning about these things, then a club is a wonderful idea with or without school sanction. There are obviously subjects that you included in your desires that a school could never promote and not be sued to the gills but why should that stop you or your friends from seeking knowledge and discussion on your own time. Is there a reason you need the school to set aside time for your interests?

Now if what you seek is to make sure that others are indoctrinated into your beliefs so that you don't have to work so hard to be accepted, then I believe it to be more important to do this in all schools as part of a broader cultural awareness and not so specifically limited to things like religion or supernatural beliefs. Besides, I find that the more schools promote general creativity and cultural acceptance and love of learning, the less likely those students are to cast dispersions on things like others faith or private lives.

I’m going to take an unpopular stand here but whatever. I can not agree that a theology or paranormal course should be taught in the public education system. I say this because many of us still fight to keep religion out of the school systems. One of the best arguments is that it is not the schools job to teach religion that is the family's decision what faith they follow. For the school to teach religion there will always be a favorite faith that is pushed more than others. If this faith is different from what the family teaches it goes against their beliefs and can cause harm to the child or family unit. There are already enough pressures on families trying to raise children today.
Don’t get me wrong I don’t believe in preventing anyone from the knowledge or study of other faiths but not by the public school system. They are struggling to teach the basics in many areas so pushing religion into the system just makes it even more confusing. I think this type teaching belongs on the college level where the students can choose to learn it or not. Required religion courses belong in private schools only.
As far as dragons and unicorns there are many classic works that talk about them and usually if you ask your English Lit teacher they will try and work some of them into the class if enough kids want to read it. At the very least a book club that would allow the students to vote and choose what they are going to read, that way they can incorporate books on the paranormal but still not religion.
Sorry if this offends anyone but I was unfortunate enough as a teenager to be forced to attend group meetings held by preachers that would visit the schools. Even when I said I didn't want to attend that my family was not of that faith nor wanted me to attend, I was still forced to go. Luckily things are different today but I would hate to take any steps backwards.

i think it is all about marketing, how the class is marketed.

"Alternative Studies" could cover everything from "Sexual Orientation", "Paganism", "Eastern Medicine" and "reiki" to "Homelessness" vs. "Social Climbers."

I think this is an excellent idea. This would offer students the opportunity to learn various religions. I have taken my share of theology courses and this has enhanced my perspective on other religions. The only problem with this is the seperation of church and state. Most schools will not allow a student to even have a moment of silence in the morning or possess a Bible in school anymore. I do not see them opening these doors anytime soon.

As a class, that idea is pretty much useless. Most classes in highschool are getting you ready for the world and alot of people could care less about theology, paranormal and etc. Also electives are used for languages and more important things.
Now
as a club, thats not a bad idea. If anybody wanted a club with that discussion, they could simpily create it because making up clubs after or during (activity periods) school is basically in most places. And if not, tough luck for them. If your talking about anything lower than highschool, I'd have to say that Middle schools would only allow it as a club also and Elementray might talk about paranormal things for a short moment in time but they have other things to teach.

Also ( i think ) its bad enough that we have to stand up for the flag, I think that religion needs to just stay out of school. But thats just my opinion.

I agree with you. I think it could help those understand more about what the paranormal or wicca, etc. are. The problem with it is this for the paranormal it is the scientist who will try and stop it because they feel that it is not a science and for wicca well there is the whole religous.

I think a school should offer them But not make it mandatory to take them. No one likes being pushed to learn something they are not interested in. Especially if it is not the basics of school ex. Math, English, Science.

I am Canadian and I hated that we had to learn French to graduate. I would have taken any other language but French.

I think it would be a great idea for a club, where the members could decide what topics they wanted to cover.

For it to be a class would mean further dilution of the already meager rescourses devoted to teaching that which is necessary.

i see that as an excellent idea, if taught as like an ellective in highschool, younger kids are to fragile to be exposed to it and parents of course would stick their noses in but as an ellective the students choose with parental consent to take the class, i say excellent idea!

That would be a really good idea.. really hard to pull off, but good. Kids (like me) would totally benefit. We wouldn't be soo closed minded. I don't like that kids are like this. It's kinda upsetting.

Catholic schools seam to have no problem fitting in religion courses into their curriculum; and Comm courses have been added since I was in school. There are some places that have 13 years of education although I think grade 13 is a preuniversity. I am not sure... I am not from one of those places.

If they did do it I think it would have to be an elective with an emphasis on independant study, covering all aspects:
hindu, modern christianity, ancient druidic teachings, etc.. This would not be accepted in all communities, but I think it would be beneficial overall.

I think it would be good because it would expose kids to different things that are out there and help them be more understanding of what they believe or what others believe.

I know in university and college they have classes on those subjects. Though thats the problem. the professors who teach it arent going to settle for a highschool teachers pay check. The best way to leanr is probably through your own education and research or wait until you graduate.

yes I absolutely believe they should.

theology, no...paranormal, yes

many schools do offer religious studies at the high school level....
but thay also often still do not allow paganism and witchcraft into the curriculum for these , many of them will have aspects of hiduism, judaism, christianity, muslim studies, buddhism, and various other world religions.
I think they just need to expand open ended naturism into it, NOT JUST WICCA

i do believe that the classes should be offered, but only in places like college where it can be done in a environment less controlled by a bourd of education. IF they can not be offered as a actual class a after school thing should be started to either educate students or anyone interested about the subjects as such.

I think everyone needs to better understand theology, this might clear up misconceptions about religion and lead to more intelligent debate and deeper understanding. I am sick of people not knowing the first thing about even their own religions.

As for paranormal classes, I don't see the point. But so long as it isn't being paraded around as a science then it really doesn't matter to me.

By the way, "bending a childs mind" is allowing them to be exposed to one religion from the day they are born, they have no choice there and most people simply maintain a religion because it is what their parents said was right. Not because they actually believe in it. It isn't bending anyone's mind to culture them and let them know that they have a choice in what they want to believe.

I know that out here a certain school district that I was in would not allow this at all because of people from outside the united states.

But I wish that there had been something like this in the middle school/high school that I attended.

I think this is a good idea, and that kids should be introduced to topics like this, as it would probably help them explain paranormal things that may have happened to them

I may not agree that they should talk about every one of those subjects but I do think a paranormal class would be great so more ppl can have a better understanding of things around them. If that person was confronted in a ghost situation maybe they would handle it better and understand what's going on instead of instantly being afraid & confused.

I think that it is great idea, but in reality will never come to be...or at least not in this state. Religion will always be "taboo" to discuss in certain forums. I think the possibility of finding teachers who would not interject their own personal beliefs onto their students would be few and far between. But, I would love to see something like that in the future. I work with teens daily and it is amazing to me how little most know about the different religions and such.

I think I am skeptical of the idea of this. Theology is just that... theology... it is not based on anything factual, and all theory. How would one test that or grade anything on that? If you have an opinion you can take theology, but you cant test different opinions that people in the class have...... It to me seems more like if it were to ever be put in a school... maybe just maybe as an elective class, but never as a required class. I dont know that I personally like the idea though, it just seems odd to me... and I am one of those type people that would have loved the opportunity for a class like that, but thinking on it now, it seems uneducational to teach opinions. *shrugs*

i find it very amusing when people say it wont work, or it would never be accepted by the schools. it is in England. Religious Education has always been compulsory in the UK, but in the past few years, it is considered un-PC to teach only one religious viewpoint, so it has adapted to become comparative religions, and they have to teach that there are alternatives to christianity.

in reality, RE has been pretty flexible for donkeys years - even back when i was at school in the early seventies, RE often involved lessons about the paranormal, ghosts, the occult, and even some limited information on Paganism (limited because in those days, very few teachers had any real knowledge of it). the subject was compulsory, but the agenda was pretty much open. obviously different schools have different attitudes, so there are still schools that will send Muslim girls home for refusing to remove veils, whilst there are others that will openly discuss Pagan beliefs. its controversial, but its workable.

yea i think such should beincluded in school topics

sure why not...... i think it would be a fun class...... the students wouldnt be bored and could learn many diffrent aspects of a subject.....................

I doubt those topics would ever be accepted into an American curriculum, but I think an extracurricular club would be great for discussion of ideas, etc...

im not sure about anyone else but i would take the class

Given that there is no single accepted view of what paranormal or supernatural is, I find it would be very difficult to teach a class on it beyond the philosophical possibilities which would include the possibility that it's nothing at all. This would probably tend to piss off most of those who genuinely believe in the supernatural already.

Sexual fetishes and variant lifestyles (while it should be accepted between consenting adults) is not necessarily a proper study for highschool children still discovering who they are. Ideas like introducing S&M or Blood drinking as valid lifestyles to minors could also open up a number of legal fronts in regards to exposing children to "obscene or pornographic material" since there's no accepted definition of just what that is right now.

Comparative religion would be a fairly solid elective course in highschool but could be even more effective as part of a larger cultural awareness class that would focus on accepting social differences. That type of class I feel would actually be a welcome mandatory class in highschool and earlier.

Asking for that is like having someone forced to say the pledge of alegance (sorry, can't spell correctly) because the word God is in it. In this country, it is said that there will be a separation of church and state. Yet, if you allow theological ideas and paranormal classes, you prove to those who are of the Christian-Judeo faith to give them a chance to start doing the same thing. even though some colleges do have many clubs that are theology and paranormal, and even the Occult itself, but as many of you all might know, are sometimes discriminated against just like it was 300 years ago with the Burning Times a.k.a The Witch Trials. So i should say, yes there should, yet no there should not for fear of people getting hurt.

I really like your idea for a class Felix. Everyone could use some more tolerance when it came to different cultures and backgrounds. I think the hard part about incorporating religion be to have an unbiased teacher and the texts they used to supplement any comparative religion. I think those topics could easily go into a philosphy if not history/current events class.

Theology no, but paranormal or vampirism yes. As long as they are some sort of club, and not a mandatory class! :-P

I agree with you goddess. but i also agree it could be a class, not mandatory, it would be interesting for others to learn more about the paranormal, i.e, witch craft, U.F.O's, ghosts, and the unexplained.

"How are you going to teach religion when you cannot say a prayer in school?"
what an inane question, and a relgion class does not teach religion, it teaches the history of, and philosophies behind modern and previous world religions.
the ideas, not the belief, that does not require belief, nor does it require a prayer.
thats like saying someone is incapable of reading a book about hinduism without learning yoga...

If know that as a parent of a high schooler I am excited when my child takes an interest in anything. I support her in learning about any kind of spiritualism but I would absolutely not want her learning this in school. Religion belongs at home and she has enough on her plate with algebra and her other subjects. I think that college bound kids would agree that their electives are precious and do make a difference when applying to college. I know that my daughter wouldn't take a class like that just because she is trying to make every class choice enhance her transcripts.

The thing is some school, though very very little do offer certain classes. But that is only when the adults consent and if there is a teacher willing to do so. I mean it is a good idea to teach children more things. There shouldnt be a fear of what they will learn as long as there is someone there that knows well enough to teach it.

I think on the Grammar and High lvls these should only be offered as Clubs, unless going to a School run by a Religious Organization. As far as College anything can be Offered as a Course and alot of Community Colleges offer Paranomal and Off beat Courses.

It would be great if they did, but I could see where some parents would get upset about it maybe just offer it as a after school club or something I have two kids 8 an 10 and would have no problem with them attending some thing like that

i think it will be great to have them in the high school b/c are kids needs to now whats out there . i also think they can start in ninth grade and go up to 12th grade learning about it. I still learning about all diff. people that is out there so i think it is great.

i think not, it would open a whole can of worms pitting those for with those against, church and state and such. if ppl want to learn about it, open a book, but leave it out of the classrooms.

Looking at my first post I'm not sure my opinion was clear, and it reads fairly negatively.

I think the idea of teaching a class on alternative faiths and (sepeatley) paranormal activities / abilities is a good idea. I can't see how it would be approved and implemented in our current educational situation in the U.S..

Our school boards are faced with ever shrinking funding due to the constantly dwindling Federal funds as a result of our great leader's "Every Child Left Behind" plan. They are also reluctant to raise taxes to fund education as that would cause a revolt in their community. They have been forced to cut a variety of educational programs, school music and art programs etc. If they suggested spending money on teaching "Alternate beliefs", the religious conservatives in their area would be burning THEM at the stake!

Sadly, a very vocal minority of the US population is totally opposed to anything that disagrees with their narrow views to be taught in school. There are still people trying to ban the teaching of evolution...How do you think they would respond to a class that taught Wicca and Satanist beliefs, no matter how balanced the teaching of it?

For school?no...It'll be terrible...not everyone wants to study about this...it's more religions...isn't it enough that we have bible class??they won't teach them right...waiste of time...

that is a fair point - finding a teacher who is both learned and wise is a rare thing in this area. as i said earlier, our school did teach paranormal and comparative religion - to an extent. even as a child i was frustrated by my teachers ignorance in a subject that clearly interested him.

This question reminds me of the question of if schools should teach the theory of evolution or not....it really depends on the ideas and thought patterns of the students and teachers, but in the long run it is the school officials who hold the most authority on the matter.

I think schools should totally give students the option to form a club. It would prevent a lot of the problems that limited thinking promotes. On the other hand I am sure more then one parent would rally to prevent such a club or class from happening..

I like the ideal of a club but there is also the problem that you are setting one group of students up to be ridiculed or harrassed by others. If it can happen to the chess or math club what do you think will happen to the Paranormal club, especially if you happen to be in a conservative religiously controlled area?

Theology is a more advanced topic. It is in most if not all colleges...I believe that is the only type of school it should be in. Younger students wouldn't comphrehend theology just because there are so many.

And technically the Constitution has equality rules...The only place that would not allow a club are parochial schools...

I remember discussing this in my government class...if there is a bible study and a group of students want to start up a wiccan club or something like that and have an advisor they have to be allowed to start the club.

And you can't have paranormal topics are controversial as to realism.

I believe that these choices cold be an optional elective.

i agree with Kglitterous..it is all in the way it is represented....

i think it would be benificial for students that are interested to learn at a school where they can be taught with gudience

actually when i attended high school in Calif.,we had a class on Demonology and Witchcraft as an elective,why not teach it?? knowelege is power and the more people know,the better off they are

yes i do believe we should learn about paranormal stuff, it helps deal with lifes and past lifes,

All these classes mention instead of which ones? The last time I checked, class time was long enough. If you have a study hall, go to the library. There were some great books even back in the seventies. I need to hunt for them but there were there. Even gave up lunch to do some reading.

All these classes and clubs are available in the local community college. Guessing a little here but I didn't have any trouble back when. The kids today have enough on their plates, are you really asking for more?

i am not sure if it is putting more on their plate as it is giving them choices....

i would rather learn about paranormal then other choices that are out there...

Luckyone

I do not think it is a fair assumption to say that because people do not accept embrace or even know about the "paranormal" they are confused or afraid. On the contrary id say they should have classes teaching people not to jump the gun and accept paranormal "explanations" so easily. Perhaps after doing research they would find a non paranormal root cause, as is the case in most instances.

Another thought on theology, it is an advanced topic as someone said, therefore and as sad as this sounds, it isn't for everyone, let alone people attending a community college (no offence)
It is a form of philosophy and not everyone can wrap their minds around such topics.

It is like asking if sexual education should be teaching about more than just heterosexual sexuality (not everyone is heterosexual) is it fair to talk about nothing? I don't think so...and is it fair to only talk about one? absolutely not. Just because a topic seems "risky" to you, does not mean you should shelter everyone from it, but at the very least if a consent form is signed then it needs to be an option. Though I believe any form of cutting your child off from any topic like that is pathetic, we cant just make them see what we like. Time to take off the rose colored sunglasses.

there are such classes at some colleges... now for high schools... mmm clubs should be allowed.. with proper supervision of course as with any club the school backs.. but actual calsses most schools are struggeling to be able to teach the basics as it is.. asking them to branh out to something like this would be hard to get the people in charge to see the need.

oh hell yeah. I think they should so many people have missconseptions on diffrent religons and life syles its not even funny.

I think it would be cool . But I doubt it will happen here in La. its a very religious state, they even have problems with religion except for the cathlic schools.

Clubs would be ok, as for classes though it would not make a good subject for study. Its much to broude (sp?) of an area to any real study on.

In the United States we are not allowed to teach a particular religious view in the schools that are public. In private schools they can do as they like. It isn't a separation of church and state per se its that the government is not allowed to single out any one faith as the faith of the country and since there are so many different kinds and some quite unusual such as Scientology, it is illegal to have anything to do with theology at the lower levels of school. We would have to have a Constitutional amendment to do that and city councils and other governing places that have been going against the law have been being sued by people of other faiths here and they have been winning. We are not allowed to have religious icons unless a museum or something on governement labeled property. They want the neutrality there. They offer various courses at college level for comparative religions and world religions here though. Its part of the jr. college and University schedule of classes and in some places they study paranormal topics.

Since my last post I have read some posts in here that are completely opposed to theological classes in school but did not give a viable reason as to why they opposed them. I am curious to know why these individuals are so against them. I personally believe, although it would never fly, that this would give everyone insight into other individuals culture and religious beliefs. Knowledge is power and why reject it. What would it hurt to have a better understanding of other individual's beliefs? This does not require you to believe in the same thing simply because you are learning about it.

in theory it's a good idea - not just to teach alternative religion, but also alternative lifestyles, alternative cultures. why not teach children that people with a different point of view may have something valid to offer? isnt that better than teaching them that all foreigners are ignorant savages? but of course, such ideas are totally unpatriotic aren't they? and as i've said before - to teach these things you would first have to find a teacher who is not an ignorant retard - good luck on that.

i think that if my school would have offered the courses i would have stayed in school and graduated on time. not everyone is into the same thing.i also think that not having andy classes that the school would call "occult " or alternative is very descriminatory.

I think schools should offer these courses. It does NOT cross the line of seperation of church and state because it would not be a mandatory course. I think that people need to understand religion- where beliefs came from and such because religion is a very important thing. It seems like everything leads back to religion.

theology...no....religions don't pay the state for public school up keep. Paranormal...yes....i thik ther's moreproof of it then religion....religion hasn't disproved paranormal.

The only problem the schools have in putting in place a class or group for religion or paranormal beliefs is that they would have to encompass such a broad spectrum of information that it makes it hard to take it all in especially if some kids only want to know about certain thing and not others. Granted they will learn about other things as well and it would be good for bringing some semblance of understanding to the kids but the teachers have to be willing to learn about all of this themselves and for the most part they are not getting paid enough as it is.

Schools already but their heads too much into normal lives. Also then your seperating kids even more than they already are opening up a bigger gap between kids. And I think we already know how cruel kids can be.

i have to agree with pandora.. not all students would want to study wiccan and other gothic ideals.. maybe they should consider having classes like it for those who are interested... besides there are catholci schools who will not want those thoughts tolerated their campuses.

I think as a club it would be a good idea as a class no as others have stated it kinda borders a line...There would certinley be teens that would love the to have a group that would intrest them and keep them out of trouble...

i think the point is, it will enlighten and dispel the myths and prejudices if it's done properly - but if it isnt done properly it is just going to reinforce the myths and prejudices. teachers and schools who are already biased are not going to give it an unbiased slant.

as i said earlier - religious education is a compulsory subject in British schools - i think America is right in keeping religion out of the classroom. it's a very good thing if you have an enlightened teacher, but a very bad thing if you dont. it's a very controversial subject - how do you teach children about India without broaching the subject of Hinduism? a faith is an integral part of a culture.

i dont think that schools should offer it as a class but should allow it as a club. i think that it should be at high school level and should be open to any one who wnts to join.

I say sure! go ahead... schools dont seem to teach you much these days.

not like they will learn or retain the info anyway =)

I may be old fashioned this way..but I believe that spirituality and related topics should be taught at home.
I don't agree that whatever the parents' religion or beliefs are what should be forced on the child. I'm just saying that theology and the paranormal really dont have any place in the school system. I think that even having these sort of classes as an elective may distract the kids from the studies they NEED in order to be productive adults.
As kids get older..they will seek enlightenment when they feel the need to..and the library is an excellent place to start.
There are enough alternative resources out there that kids have access to these days, that we really dont need to be including it in a school curriculum.

Fortunatly this is a country that tolerates different religions to be practiced down to its very core and principle values... It may not seem like that because of the struggels from which we have come from (and our present viewpoint) but all in all this is a country that welcomes variety of all sorts. To that end there are constitutional guidelines in place to help lessen the scorns of other religions. Hence the doctrine of seperation of church and state. the main reason that we have an intolerant (religious) society is the people in power are of the majority based out of the Judaeo-Christo belief system.... Absolute power corrupts absolutly... no matter what religious identity is in power this will always be the case.... Even Druids Preferr The Company Of Other Druids... that can be construed as a type of preferential treatment.
This would only make the eye of scorn worse for us.. Has anyone ever tried to help the realization become apparent to another and they absolutly will not listen..even if the evidence is self supporting (religion). The reason for this is because the mainstream religions are generally taught to the youth but someone whom they identify with to be held in a state of godhood. The amount of pain and agony that the individual must go through to admit that one portion of their system of belief is wrong has the potential to bring into question all of the decision made thus far. Imagine the number of people who must re-evaluate just in this country...and the effects good/bad.-----def----a---no.

Yes I think paranormal clubs should be aloud at school I am not talking about doing occult practises after thiursdays math class but to explore the paranormal many people at my school think this would be a great idea

It depends on what level of school you are talking about. At the college level, there are multiple classes offered on various religions. As for high school, they don't have the freedom nor the class time available to fit in another course. Even as an elective, would there be enough demand for kids to sign up for it? When most high schoolers sign up for an elective, they don't want something difficult. I know I personally took teacher's aid and seminar because I didn't want extra work.

As for a club/after school activity, I think that is a more realistic possibility. But again, there has to be a demand for the club before it can be successful.

I think the classes are appropriate at the college level where they are offered. There, the maturity level has fully developed for most people to be able to handle delicate topics such as religion.

I don't really think school should offer that, but rather an after school program teaching about different religions and cultures alike. This way, no one is predjudice.

It is a good idea though. :)

Schools definitely should offer some kind of paranormal/theology course. Yes, there are LOADS of different belief systems, and it would be hard to teach non-biased, but it's still possible. Even if there isn't a course offered, people can start clubs. Especially at colleges. Not sure where I'm going with this...

due to the large Goth population in my high school back when I was thre the teachers gave us our own club after school. which wre we shaird storys pictures and clothing ideas..

As for schools teaching religions Im all for it, so that ther would be alot less confused people walking around the world today. People would be alot more tolerent of others, and be able to be more open minded.

My opinion on this topic is not clear. I think that learning about these and all other forms of religion (for lack of a better phrase) is a great idea. I am teaching my own children in this manor, so when they are old enough to make their own choice on what they want to believe it will be a well-informed decision. But at the same time I am very much against any form of religion being taught in schools, grade school is about learning facts. And there a very fine line between theology and religious believes. I believe that these things should showed to a child be their parents or family. I am also against shoving it down their throats. Now in some collages, classes can be taken to explore these fields. That I think is wonderful. Perhaps a program outside of the grade school should be offered to students that have an interest in learning about such things. Or allowing students to start their own club…. it’s just a thought. AUGH! Such a conflict in my head now. This why I TRY not to discuss “religion” or politics! lol

I don't think this idea would fly would public school officials seeing as it is unconstitutional to teach religion in public schools, but a student-led club could be a possibilty and, in my opinion, a great idea.

if this would not work as an academic subject, then schools (only for those who are willing) can offer it as clubs so the only ones interested can join... besides students have their own minds and beliefs on their religion.

ya it seems like a ncie idea try it,

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