quote:
Religious practitioners and other shamans have no business trying to teach such a class. They are not qualified.
Says who? There are many teachers in the system that are religious. Are they qualified to teach? Should someone who accepts evolution be allowd to teach science class? Absolutely. This is because no matter what the beliefs of the teacher, if the course material is properly conveyed, then the course becomes successful. Telling us that someone with no religious background could only teach these courses would be like saying someone with no science education should teach science. It's illogical.
Anyone can read a science textbook, and anyone can read a religious text. But for any connection to be made, or understanding, the teacher needs to be fluent in the material.
I'm not saying lets bring in pastors and force everyones kids to memorize John 3:16. I'm saying just as it's important for a science teacher to understand science, it is equally important for a religious teacher to understand the religion. How does someone understand the religion, without accepting it as true?
Thanks,
Dennis