Rowan Williams and other religious leaders back the teaching of humanism in schools

Good on him. State schools are very good at teaching about religions of the world- but I often discussed this with our Humanities' teachers- the fact that Humanism and even agnosticism and Atheisms are not discussed at alternatives. Most of the RE teachers I've encountered in my teaching career were evangelical Christians, who taught about other world religions, but definitely put their own 'slant' on things.

I've discussed on her before that I really do think it is wrong that so many see 'lack of religion or faith' = lack of morality or humanity.

Good for Rowan Williams. Anything that encourages children and young people to think independently on the basis of balanced information must be a Good Thing

From the lack of ressponses- maybe not many agree. I am surprised.

I would have commented had I seen the thread.
Perhaps the lack of responses means that no-one dis agrees? Or that those who are certain to disagree have not seen it yet?

Yes, humanism is a philosophy that should be studied along with the religions for Religious Studies, GCSEs and preclude AS and A levels. It forms an important counterpoint.

I certainly agree with it!

And so do I! Children need to know as many different views as possible, so that they can make informed decisions rather than being brainwashed!

I should have deleted "preclude" in my post above. Sorry.

I've never seen the point of humanism - just like another organised religion with a set of moral stances but no supreme being. I would suggest that the counterpoint to religion is secularism.

Oh Granny23 - we've recently had this discussion, no it isn't

What would be wrong if it was that anyway?

Both, oh no it isnt' and what would be wrong with it anyway!?

Secularism isn't "having no religion" it is "having any religion you want, but not linking a particular religion to the state or including prayers in public events" There have been calls for secularism - to separate religion and the running of the country.

You missed a long thread where some religious posters thought that would be a backward step leading to the decline of religion and therefore of morals, and some non-religious posters thought it a step forward toward accepting that agnostics and atheists can be as ethical as theists, and that the C of E is not the only fruit.

Sorry I am out of touch - I'd best resume my hibernation.

Come back, come back! (he cried in grief, across the stormy water, and I'll forgive your highland chief. - My daughter, oh my daughter!)

Lord Ullin's Daughter - Thomas Campbell

I can quote the beginning and end, but not what comes between "Tis for your winsome lady" and "Come back, come back"

Straying off the point now, this is nothing to do with religion or sprituality.

www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poetry/poems/lord-ullins-daughter

Thank you.

A wonderful poem which I've never come across before - so a Thank You from me as well, Granny 23

I certainly think children should be told about all the various forms of religion and also that it is fine not to believe in any of them.

It's great to know that many religious leaders in the UK do agree that alternatives to religion, like humanism and yes atheism as in not believing in any- is a good thing.