One of the many labels we attach to our homeschooling style is “secular”. For us that means that we avoid curriculum based on religion or that references religious tenets in the teaching. It does not, however, mean we ignore religion. We teach about religion – WORLD religions.
Our curriculum for this semester includes a study of world religions using an inclusive, encompassing and objective approach to religion around the world. Thankfully there are a number of well written books geared toward younger readers that support my teaching efforts.
The Story of Religion has been a great stepping off point for our learning. We borrowed it from our local library but I like it so much that we’ll purchase it to add to our personal library collection.
We are supplementing with other books including the Usborne Book of World Religions and a beautiful picture book Many Ways that has beautiful pictures of children and families celebrating their religious beliefs.
In teaching religion in our household, we don’t imply value to one religion over another. We aren’t assigning any sense of right or wrong to various belief systems. There is no commentary about whether a ritual or custom is “silly” no matter how different from what WE see routinely.
There IS commentary on the extreme behaviors carried out in the name of religion by a minority of of its adherents. We discuss current events and include the historical affects of such radicalism lest we think that only one (or few) religions carry on in the extreme.
In our secular household, we don’t teach faith but we DO teach acceptance, tolerance and the Golden Rule.
I applaud you in your approach to homeschooling. We have considered homeschooling when the time comes…and we’ve considered a school attached to our church (which is Catholic). One thing my husband and I will strive to do is show our children that while our family may practice a certain religion, respecting others is vital. Tolerance is something that sadly lacks in our society, on many levels. Kudos to you for helping raise a generation that is loving and respectful of those around us.
This is a really interesting. I love the book suggestions and will definitely have to find these. I agree with Marie. Tolerance is lacking in society. I believe that everyone has a right to their beliefs but should be open enough to accept that others have beliefs that might be different than theirs.
Great post! I think I’ll share it on my website, so other secular homeschoolers who are interested in teaching on world religion will know about a good resource!