Chicago Sun-Times Editorial: Take it on blind faith -- or learn about religion

Chicago Sun-Times Editorial: Take it on blind faith -- or learn about religion
Copyright by the Chicago Sun-Times
September 29, 2010
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/2755594,CST-EDT-edit29b.article


Sunday school teachers across the country have to be shaking their heads about this one.

A new survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that although 86 percent of Americans say they believe in God or a higher power, many can't answer basic questions about their own faith or that of others.

In fact, the average American correctly answered only half of the questions they were asked about topics such as the name of the holy book of Islam, the religion of the Dalai Lama and the significance of the bread and wine Catholics use for Communion. You can find the Pew survey at tinyurl.com/22nvrdv.

Ironically, atheists and agnostics were the most knowledgeable about religion, an outcome that likely reflects the careful consideration and study they undertake before deciding to become nonbelievers. Jews and Mormons came in second and third place, respectively, while Protestants and Catholics scored the lowest overall.

The survey seems to make a compelling argument for more high schools to offer comparative religion courses as an elective, something that, contrary to what many Americans think, wouldn't violate the First Amendment.

Such courses would give students a common base of knowledge with which to combat misinformation and to make sense of what's happening in the world.

Given the enormous impact religion has had -- and continues to have -- on the history and culture of this country, it's a shame we know so little about it.