Extremist Beliefs

[noahbody]

Do you think beliefs such as martyrdom should be considered a form of delusional behavior? Would it be wrong to institutionalize those who profess beliefs that pose a threat to others? Should Freedom of Religion have no limits?

[ToadBrother]

Do you think beliefs such as martyrdom should be considered a form of delusional behavior? Would it be wrong to institutionalize those who profess beliefs that pose a threat to others? Should Freedom of Religion have no limits?

Why limit it to martyrdom? Surely there are lots of beliefs out there that pose a danger to society.

As it is, active steps to martyrdom are illegal anyways, so anything else is an intrusion into basic liberties that probably wouldn't solve the problem. There's more than one way to make a martyr.

Edited October 30, 2009 by ToadBrother

[eyeball]

I'd rather see school curriculums be tailored so kids develop and retain critical thinking skills as early as possible. We have to actively teach people how to deliberately doubt things. As for teaching them what to doubt, a mandatory course in mythology would be a good place to start.

[Michael Hardner]

How about millions of people who willingly consume a small wafer every week, believing it to be the flesh of a man who died 2000 years ago ? Or millions of people who prescribe to the belief that the Zodiac timeframe they were born into describes their personality to a T ?

Freedom of Religion has limits that are constantly being reviewed by our courts.

Nothing more to be done - let's move on.

[Michael Hardner]

eyeball,

I'd rather see school curriculums be tailored so kids develop and retain critical thinking skills as early as possible. We have to actively teach people how to deliberately doubt things. As for teaching them what to doubt, a mandatory course in mythology would be a good place to start.

The first thing they'll doubt is what they're being taught in school, and who can blame them ?

My best lessons were given to me by loving parents who knew me, cared for my development and guided me into adulthood - all free of charge and without government involvement. The school system needs to supplement family teachings and values, not replace it as the USSR had hoped.

[eyeball]

The first thing they'll doubt is what they're being taught in school, and who can blame them ?

Good thing too.

My best lessons were given to me by loving parents who knew me, cared for my development and guided me into adulthood - all free of charge and without government involvement. The school system needs to supplement family teachings and values, not replace it as the USSR had hoped.

That's about as far as I'd go too. I'll be eternally grateful that my parents let me drop out of Sunday School without a fight. My poor wife OTOH went to Catholic school and the nuns did not like the fact she was left-handed and would often give her a smack if they caught her using it. One even tried tying it behind her back.

It works both ways too, parents can supplement the school system. My wife was one of the most active parents in our local school during the time our kids went there, probably because she simply couldn't trust leaving our kids to the mercies of their teachers like she was as a kid. Its interesting how the tension this creates can manifest itself in school between things like the teacher's union and parent volunteers, on the other side of this coin however some teachers appreciate that these volunteers can also put pressure on school boards to ensure things are adequately funded. Some parents who aren't involved also come to appreciate how those who are provide an element of public oversight to school conditions on a day to day basis.

Unfortunately I think parents are now finding it increasingly difficult to become volunteers. For one thing there is a chill stemming from the fear that kids might be exploited by volunteers and the implementation of new stringent background checks before volunteers can get involved. I wouldn't be surprised to find that some school boards and teachers that resent parent volunteers might use this to help squeeze volunteers out completely. That would be a real shame in my opinion.

[Michael Hardner]

Eyeball,

I would definitely not have the school system contradict scientific fact. However, the existence of a God is impossible to disprove, or prove for that matter so they should stay out of that area.

Otherwise, dialogue and negotiations are always good, including dialogue about dialogue.

[noahbody]

I would definitely not have the school system contradict scientific fact. However, the existence of a God is impossible to disprove, or prove for that matter so they should stay out of that area.

You could educate on the diversity of human beliefs. Canada is a multicultural society and education is the key to acceptance. As for critical thinking, have the students answer this question: If there was a god, what would the probability be that group would be worshipping the wrong one?

[Michael Hardner]

noah, What's the point of that ? To sow arguments and disharmony I'd say. There's no reason that schools need to probe the logical constructs - for what they're worth - of religions.