Cyprus-Forum.com

[potassium]

Speaking as a student, this has been bothering me a lot these past years since I decided to become an atheist.

To begin with, Cyprus claims to be a "multi-cultural" country but the religion class is mandatory. Usually in other European countries, like Sweden, you can choose which religion to study or if you don't believe in any you can pick the philosophy class (not sure).

This situation reminds me of a 3rd world dictatorship religious country which tries to shove down religion into kids throats so they can believe what the system wants them to believe. As far as I know, Cyprus is a 1st world country and a so called "democracy". This is not acceptable, if we want the other EU countries to consider us as an EU country we should act like one.

Schools were supposed to teach kids how to think, not what to think.

Does anyone know if there are any future plans about this issue?

[GreekIslandGirl]

.... since I decided to become an atheist.

I don't think you can "decide" to become an atheist unless you somehow think it's a fashion accessory.

Otherwise, as far as teaching of religion goes - my own son goes to a very expensive British school which is independent and not Church associated in any way but he still has to study "Religious Education" even if he doesn't want to sit the exam at the end.

He is an atheist; but unlike you he finds the philosophical debates in our religious history very stimulating and has a big enough brain that he can contain his own preferences and a bigger picture quite happily.

May I suggest you open up ...

(I wouldn't use Swedes as an example in cognitive studies. I have found them to be profoundly deficient. )

[potassium]

I don't think you can "decide" to become an atheist unless you somehow think it's a fashion accessory.

Decide: to make a final choice or judgment
I somehow think it's a fashion accessory? I do not get your point.

He is an atheist; but unlike you he finds the philosophical debates in our religious history very stimulating and has a big enough brain that he can contain his own preferences and a bigger picture quite happily.

I do not find Christianity interesting, honestly. In fact I like the philosophy of Buhdism and some parts of Islam even though Buhdism is not really recognized as a religion but as a lifestyle.

I can contain my own preferences but do you find it right literally shoving down religion/beliefs into kids' throats and by not letting them decide by their own since a large amount of them become arrogant and close-minded because they are taught from a young age? (First grade of middle school)

I am speaking in general, no offense.

[potassium]

To clear this up, I'm talking about public schools.

[GreekIslandGirl]

Try not to think of having "religion" as shoved down your throat but being introduced to a different cultural lifestyle much like the "Buddhism" - but of course, much, much older and more tested (and accepted). It's fashionable to prefer "Buddhism" because it has the hype of being understated but it is no more than a watered down version of the gods of Olympus. With a few choice questions, Buddhism falls down very quickly (quicker than most).

- In time, if you open up, you will see the inter-relatedness of Orthodoxy.

[potassium]

Try not to think of having "religion" as shoved down your throat but being introduced to a different cultural lifestyle much like the "Buddhism" - but of course, much, much older and more tested (and accepted). It's fashionable to prefer "Buddhism" because it has the hype of being understated but it is no more than a watered down version of the gods of Olympus. With a few choice questions, Buddhism falls down very quickly (quicker than most).

- In time, if you open up, you will see the inter-relatedness of Orthodoxy.

But by teaching religion for 12 years (mandatory since 1st grade of middle school, 7 years old) is like shoving down to your throat, since Orthodox Christianity is a dogma.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
― Margaret Mead

[GreekIslandGirl]

The Greek education system teaches kids how to think more than any other system. If you want an educational yardstick, it's still the UK one (definitely not the Swedish one LOL) and you will find that religion is a mainstay of the British State and Independent system.

It is singularly most important for creativity and developing a moral sense which is conducive to Western policy. So what exactly is your problem?

Are you finding it difficult to read a load of stories?

[potassium]

The Greek education system teaches kids how to think more than any other system.

Source? I doubt it's in all sectors.

definitely not the Swedish one LOL

I mentioned the Swedish one because I found the way they work on religion classes logic and fair for all.

Are you finding it difficult to read a load of stories?

Well, yes, since I do not want to bother reading it because I find a lack of interest in me to read it.

[Get Real!]

I do not find Christianity interesting, honestly.

Christianity is man-made so I’m not surprised you don’t find it interesting, but on the other hand God the creator is the most interesting entity in the universe!

My advice to you is not to let society paint the picture of God for you but to paint it your self, and to NEVER judge God by man’s actions.

[Get Real!]

The Greek education system teaches kids how to think more than any other system.

Oh please!