Trotter column on religion continues to draw mixed views
CHRIS Trotter wants the teaching of Christianity in public primary schools ‘‘brought to an end immediately’’ (ODT, 14.5.18).
His first reason (New Zealand is secular) overlooks the fact that, for better or worse, New Zealand’s secularism is postChristian and remains infused with Christian ideas. If you want kids to understand what ‘‘New Zealand’’ means, the necessary ingredients include Christianity (and, of course, Maori culture and other things).
His second reason is dodgy (speculative and disingenuous): speculating that the ‘‘sort of Christians’’ who teach may ‘‘foster judgmental and intolerant behaviour’’, he disingenuously overlooks the alternative, which is the judgment and intolerance of the leftist intelligentsia he represents. We all know now how relentless and merciless this outfit is, and how keen they are to monopolise all thought-space (and discussionspace) in New Zealand. Christians are the least of our worries.
Gavan O’Farrell Lower Hutt
I WAS pleased to see Chris Trotter’s opinion piece in the paper and I agree with him. I’m a nonreligious parent of a primaryaged child undergoing this type ‘‘education’’.
In opting my child out of these classes I am not given another suitable alternative education option. Their teacher is in the class with these external instructors, which validates the instruction given. Meaning a 5yearold then believes the world was made in seven days by a God, as a fact (as taught), not an opinion.
The Christian children go to church and get this education in their own time. It is clear it is children like mine that are the target audience. Parents are given little information on what is taught. When asked, the (Christian) principal at our school was evasive.
I would welcome my child being taught religious studies where a wide variety of other religious beliefs were taught (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism etc).
With the precursor of, ‘‘some people believe . . .’’. This would lead to understanding and tolerance of people with different beliefs.
Amber Marshall Mosgiel