In the current school system, a child may take religion or ethics classes, or both, or neither. It all depends on the decision of his legal guardians. For a long time, the controversial idea of the Minister of Education and Science, Przemysław Czarnek, who wanted to introduce compulsory classes in religion or ethics in schools, was widely discussed. However, this plan will most likely fail due to staff shortages in the ranks of teachers.
For many parents, and thus – also their children – the currently functioning system can already be a problem. It turns out that often non-believing parents do not want to send their children to religious education, and in the case of young children, not faith itself (or lack of it) plays a key role here, but – for example, their peers or teachers. Julia, who described her problem in a letter sent to our editorial office, is in such a situation.
The reader of Woman.gazeta.pl writes that she and her husband have withdrawn their son from religion. “A large part of the class does not attend this subject, because after the weekend the catechist was able to enumerate aloud who she saw on Sunday in church and whom she did not. I’m sorry, but what does it have to do with it? The place of religion is in the church, not at school. After all, such pressure takes its toll on the child. What annoyed me the most was that in front of all the children she mentioned who missed Sunday mass. I said a few words too much to her at the meeting, there was a little short-circuit. But I can’t imagine being silent.” Julia points out.
However, opinions tend to be divided. The mother of 11-year-old Adrian believes that well-conducted religion classes can be not only interesting for children, but also a source of knowledge. She herself is a believer, though not necessarily a practitioner. “My son is lucky because their catechist is simply an angel! I can’t put it any other way. My husband and I are delighted because he runs very nice classes where he always engages children in joint activities and discussions. They watch educational films, explain to them even different things about other religions. She teaches them that there is diversity in the world and that is what is most appreciated. But she is also understanding – she explains to them that not everyone believes in God and that they should not be treated worse because of it. Such a teacher is a treasure and what is interesting, even non-believing parents did not sign their children out of classes with her” – writes Dominika in a letter to our editorial office.
“My friends were religious and somehow no one is depressed now”
Jowita has a different opinion on this subject. “I don’t understand those parents who have to write their child out of religion at all costs because they spit on the church and don’t believe in God. Such a kid is happy that he can go with the whole class to a retreat or receive the first holy communion and get cool gifts. Why take it away from him? It’s a normal phase in life that you go to school for religion. My non-believing friends also went to it in their school days and somehow no one is depressed now. Everyone chose their own path when they were older. And now it seems to me that parents do it more for show, to necessarily manifest their views and do not think about the child at all, “we read in the letter she sent us.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
