Jan-24-2013, 01:39 PM (UTC)
That is not what I mean. People who study religion may be religious themselves, agnostic or atheists. I've encountered many attitudes among my fellow students. Likewise, the term "atheist" does not mean that one holds a negative attitude towards religion, it simply means a lack of belief.
Religious Studies in a interdisciplinary subject. It means learning about religious doctrines and practices, yes. It also means analyzing the phenomenon "religion" from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives.
Teaching about religion in schools is to be done impartially. A teacher is not allowed to favor one religion in atheism in front of his students, but has to teach them what their teachings are and challenge them to work out what to believe for themselves. I'm not saying a theologian couldn't teach this subject, I'm just pointing out what the difference is. Theology is very much "from within". Religious Studies is "from outside".
Religious Studies in a interdisciplinary subject. It means learning about religious doctrines and practices, yes. It also means analyzing the phenomenon "religion" from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives.
Teaching about religion in schools is to be done impartially. A teacher is not allowed to favor one religion in atheism in front of his students, but has to teach them what their teachings are and challenge them to work out what to believe for themselves. I'm not saying a theologian couldn't teach this subject, I'm just pointing out what the difference is. Theology is very much "from within". Religious Studies is "from outside".
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