Matters of Faith: Religion

Summary

This chapter discusses the importance of including religious education in a child's learning process, particularly in the context of homeschooling. The authors argue that education cannot be neutral when it comes to faith, as religious beliefs (or their absence) fundamentally shape our understanding of humanity and the world around us.

The chapter critiques the notion of 'neutrality' in public education, suggesting that the exclusion of religious perspectives is not truly neutral and results in an incomplete education. It emphasizes the significant role religion plays in shaping cultures, influencing various fields such as art, music, literature, science, and history.

The authors advocate for teaching children about major world religions, their basic tenets, and their historical impacts. They stress the importance of parents taking responsibility for this aspect of education, teaching from their own faith perspective while also providing a broad understanding of other beliefs.

The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need to equip children with religious knowledge before they reach the 'logic stage' of development, where they will begin to ask more complex questions about faith, morality, and historical events.