Quick. Can you:
1. Name the Four Gospels?
2. List the Ten Commandments?
3. Name a sacred text of Hinduism?
4. Name the holy book of Islam?
5. Name the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?
Chances are, that as literate Gatherites, you have no problem with naming the Four Gospels and the sacred book of Islam. You could perhaps scour your memory for a Hindu text. But seriously, folks, do you remember all of the Ten Commandments? Every single one? Do you have a clue regarding number five? (No cheating; no Google or Wikipedia.)
I didn’t think so.
Stephen Prothero believes this lack of “religious literacy” among the general American population is a serious problem. So serious, in fact that, that he has written a book to assist us in the education of not merely the casual reader, but the “educated” one as well. After all, the works of William Shakespeare contain over 1,300 Biblical references. Think about the works of Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, and Herman Melville. Then ponder the fact that only eight percent of American high schools offer an elective course in Bible studies. College professors describe blank stares when mentioning the story of Abraham and Isaac, or Saul on the road to Damascus, or Lazarus rising from the dead. Imagine being called upon in class to explicate the significance of the sentence “Call me Ishmael” in Moby Dick. (Quickly, gentle reader: can you do it?)
I didn’t think so.
Prothero advocates courses in high schools and earlier that teach the Bible as history and as literature. He rejects proselytizing, which, unfortunately, has become the purpose and mainstay of many such courses, although a US District Court judge has ruled that elementary schools in Rhea County, Tennessee (home of the Scopes Trial – quick, what famous play was based upon the Scopes trial? Ha. Too easy) have unlawfully sought to “endorse and advance religion” by allowing such practices as the singing of “Jesus Loves me” in the public schools; the teaching of conservative Protestant Christian doctrine, and the presupposition of a Christian school population. The teaching of the Bible as a significant part of Western culture must be free from religious bias and incorporate the teachings of non-mainstream beliefs. Would the tragedy at Waco and the resulting bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City have occurred if anyone had tried to understand the “cult” surrounding David Koresh? Who really knows what Mormons practice, other than riding in pairs on bicycles and wearing funny underwear?
The author also proposes a “World Religions 101” curriculum that would take the blinders off of Americans with regard to the beliefs, history and practices of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Confucianism, to name some of the major ones. How, historically, did these religions originate? What are their beliefs, practices and sacred texts? What divisions exist among them, and how significant are they?
Prothero has written an important and intelligent book. It is especially needed at this time when most Americans cannot recite the tenets of their own religions, never mind those of the rest of the world.
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Comments: 9
Guilt about ignorance of the tenets of other world religions aside, the book sounds really fascinating.
To answer your questions:
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Umm I doubt it
4. Yes
5. Again I doubt it
And to all your bible story reference, not only do I understand what you're referring to but I can tell you the stories behind each one.
But... I also went to a Christian school and had daily bible class... which the way our school taught, I found it very fascinating and paid attention (though that was many years ago now, and I wouldn't at all doubt I've forgotten a lot of what I learned).
What I find laughable might be due to just poorly planned writing... but the way that this was written it sounds like you're comparing Mormons to the David Koresh Cult. Hahahaha.
If I didn't think it was just a writing mistake, I'd almost be offended. My husbands family are Mormons. While I am not Mormon and don't completely agree with some of their beliefs, I absolutely love what the Elders (those two guys on bikes) are doing. I admire their dedication. Even though I am not Mormon, I enjoy trying to invite the Elders to our home for dinner at least once a month. Such passion for something you believe in is refreshing to see.
I was raised as a fundamendalist Christian. I cherish many of the teachings of my youth. But I do not believe that the Bible as literal truth ought to be taught in the public schools. And as I mentioned above, federal courts have ruled against this practice.
I doubt that most children today have similar backgrounds to the one we appear to share.
I have friends who are Mormon, as you do. I respect and admire them. I am in no way comparing them to David Koresh and his family of believers. I am simply saying that had Janet Reno had a more complete understanding of his teachings, she might not have invaded his compound, and the tragedies that followed may not have happened. The Mormons were persecuted - and deeply misunderstood - when they were founded; this led to their astonishingly difficult migration to the salt flats of Utah, and to the establishment of a vibrant and unique culture in a place no one else wanted to live.
You can call my writing "poorly planned" if you like.
I believe that all people, and not just the Americans addressed in this book, would benefit from a greater understanding of the world's religions.
Thank you for expressing your opinions.
Thank you so much for putting this article here!
I was fortunate about ten years ago to participate in a Catholic - Jewish Colloquium composed of Catholic and Jewish religious educators where we studied our own beliefs, history, and practices as they related to the Other. It took place over many weekends, and we had time in between to read LOTS of books, which were provided for free. We learned so much from each other and from the facilitators, a Catholic and Jewish college professor. Each of us learned about the Other and clarified our own thinking about ourselves and our beliefs, too. It was an amazing experience. Your article reminded me of it. Thanks!
I rest my case.