If you are curious about how exploring religion would benefit your child, this article is the right one for you. Let’s look at five reasons why religion should be taught in school.

Why Religion?

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse alone is proof that religion should be part of every learning institution’s curriculum. Naturally, people have different opinions on the matter based on how they were raised and how they view education. Do you believe that religion classes should be introduced to children as soon as they start their educational journey?

As a parent, you would want to enroll your child in a school that arms them with an abundance of knowledge on different subjects. While religion is not to be taken lightly, if you approach it as a subject your child ought to learn, you wouldn’t be so apprehensive about the matter. For Christian parents, a school that teaches their kids about Jesus is a dream come true. While they take it upon them to teach their kids about the Bible, it helps to know that the learning continues when the kids go to school.

Whether or not to include religion in schools’ curricula has been a debate for years now. If you are curious about how exploring religion would benefit your child, this article is the right one for you. Let’s look at five reasons why religion should be taught in school.

Improved Academic Performance

When a child is exposed to more knowledge, their brains develop a bigger thinking capacity, and their understanding is deepened. The knowledge encompassing every religion is vast and extensive; exposing students to this whole other world of information can help their brain growth. Adding religion classes from elementary school all the way to college allows students to understand why the world can be viewed as a supernatural existence. The understanding that they exist for a reason gives them purpose and ensures they put their best foot forward in all their academic endeavors.

Even if calculus proves impossible to understand, a lesson in religion would remind students that there is no such thing as an impossible task (Phil 4:13). Any student who is awash with purpose will be more motivated to overcome any academic challenges they might face. As such, there would be very little room for giving up among students in whichever level of learning they’re in. Additionally, when students understand the profound reason for their existence, they will focus on being better rather than being in competition with others.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).

Boosts Creativity

If you’re a religious person, you know that many religious stories sound out of this world. Many occurrences narrated in religious books are not experiences you would encounter in your day-to-day life. Teaching children about these stories nurtures their creativity from a young age. Students would also develop a sense of curiosity to learn more about these stories in the Bible. Their creativity and curiosity would spill over into other subjects. And while religious stories are out of the ordinary, maybe they can relate and inspire a passion for learning, improving students’ ability to brainstorm.

Instills Discipline

Aside from narration of some supernatural occurrences in the Bible, religious books also teach about the rewards one gets for good deeds and the consequences of doing the wrong thing. These narrations would be a perfect way of teaching kids that they’re responsible for every outcome their actions trigger. For instance, if a child works hard, they’re bound to pass their exams, but they will likely fail if they are unprepared.

The knowledge of rewards and consequences instils discipline in students from the beginning of their educational journey. Incorporating religion classes in all learning institutions ensures this discipline is reinforced in every stage of their learning life. When students learn on their own about the essence of discipline, educators should have an easier time keeping order in learning institutions. Cases of juvenile delinquency would drastically be reduced because manners and discipline would come naturally to many of these students. And even students who would cause trouble might require minimal guidance to lead them into the right path.

“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).

Developing Positive Psychology

Introducing religious classes in schools is the perfect way of building optimism in students. Religious stories mostly have happy endings, so these stories should encourage students to be more hopeful, even when they’re going through hard times. A learning institution where each child has developed positive psychology is capable of great things because the school fraternity will always strive for the good of all. When a school community includes individuals, individuals who strive to see the good in people, students will experience less judgment and receive more encouragement to strive to do better.

Since religion teaches us to believe in a higher power, students can learn to move past traumatic experiences because they understand that a Supreme power oversees their lives. Acknowledging that they’re not in control allows them to enjoy life rather than trying to fix everything. When students let life unfold rather than anticipate what is to come, they’re less likely to experience stress and anxiety. Educators have an easy time interacting with calmer students who are excited about tomorrow. Learning has a greater impact when students free up their minds from distractive thoughts and focus on being present in every moment (Eph 5:16).

Develops Tolerant Attitude

Stories in religious books teach us about different virtues that they should strive to nurture, and one of them is patience. Patience is a good attribute for anyone, particularly students because it prevents them from developing anger issues or acting out of character, letting their emotions get the best of them. Debating about different concepts in class is easier when students have a tolerant attitude. Patient behavior allows students to listen to and acknowledge their fellow students’ viewpoints, even if they do not agree with them. This way, every student can make a contribution without worrying about what everyone else will think.

“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright” (Prov 20:11).

Conclusion

Introducing religion classes in schools in a natural way allows students to reap the benefits of expansive learning without imposing religion on kids who’ve not gotten to the age of deciding for themselves. Introducing religion classes to the curriculum would have a positive impact on students, educators and school fraternities at large.

Here is some related reading for you: Should Creationism be Taught in Public Schools? Is it Legal to Do So?

Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Author’s Bio: Timothy Miller is a religion enthusiast who has been writing with Mypaperwriter.com for three years now. He’s taken it upon himself to study different religions and how they are all connected. Timothy has recently started exploring the impact of Christianity on students’ academic performance. Every article he writes is well researched to ensure readers get informed and enlightened.

Tagged as: Bible Stories, Children, Religion in School