I have lived and worked in many countries and what worries me about the teaching of religion in many countries can be shown by a few examples.
In one African country I talked to some female friends and it became clear that they had no idea what their monthly period was. All they knew was that they had it about once a month and nothing more. They sat there listening intently as I explained the formation of the egg, fertilization and preparation of the womb for the egg etc.
Now these same women are very religious. They are 100 % certain that god exists etc etc. How is it possible for a person to be so lacking in basic education to be sure that god exists?
Another friend of mine who was classed as a company driver had no idea of how a car works. Yet again he was very religious.
How can such people on the one hand be lacking in basic education, yet feel they can comment on such a deep philosphical subject as the existence of god.
I discussed this with them and basically they believe in god because that is what they were taught and they would like god to exist because lets face it they are poor and uneducated and don't have much else going for them.
I think a good, broad education is the key to allowing people to think for themselves regarding the existence of god, evolution etc.
You have to know a certain amount to know what you don't know.
Fortunately I was educated in the UK ( some time ago mind you )and although much has been said about the education system in the UK, it was broad ranging and gave me the knowledge to be able to think for myself in areas such as god, creation and evolution.
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