Ethics classes are a good alternative to Special Religious education in Primary Schools.

I would contest my opponents definition of religious classes, in the context to which I am referring 'Special Religious Education' refers to the concept of parents electing a religion for their child to be instructed in. However I am willing to accept some of his definition for the purposes of this debate, as I fancy he has not undertaken it in the context I initially intended (The NSW, Australia Primary education system) and feel this would broaden the debate, making it more acceptable to other readers of the site. However I would move that the word morals still be included in the debate, for the purposes of giving equal opportunity and not simply turning this into a silly debate about the definition of 'Special Religious Education'. I would therefore seek that the definition of 'Special Religious Education' be this- A class in which children are instructed in varying religious ways of thinking (including the morals of those traditions), with the intention broadening their understanding of our social fabric. I feel this definition leaves both sides ample opportunity to make their arguments in a fair way, while not excluding the other sides obvious intentions. My opponent will of course have an opportunity to critique this interpretation though I would say I have been more than generous in my allowances made the interests of vibrant debate. Now onto my argument. In order to properly address this proposition we must first question, in ourselves, what society we wish to live in. The obvious answer, to me and (I would assume) to my opponent is a free and secular society, in which the church and state are separate institutions. This has been the cornerstone of more than two centuries work towards a truly free society. In order for this society to exist, we must have a population that is educated and informed in a form of discerning 'morality'. Some will derive this morality from religious tradition, and good luck to them. However many wish to move to another form, personal reflection. However there are currently no opportunities available beyond home life for children to begin to develop this thought. Just as parents may want to send their children to be educated in the fundamentals of Islam or Buddhism they should also be given the opportunity to have the children educated in their own(the childs) concept of morality and how that functions. One of the best places to do this is a professionally facilitated course amongst their peer group. These courses allow youths to explore the practical application of their own values in a safe environment with the immediate facility to be able to question their own reasoning and motivation for their proposed actions, which will help in their growth as human beings. Trials in NSW have shown an overwhelmingly good response to the classes1. Isn't that what education is supposed to be about, growing people into effective citizens and contributors, both economically and philosophically to society? So, that is the virtue of ethics classes. However that is not the only element of debate I must now satisfy you that these things I have outlined make them a good alternative to religious education. I would refer you to the word 'Alternative' that is the key word in the topic, I am not speaking of a replacement, children should still have some form of education in the way religions examine the world. But families should have the right to chose just how much of this they receive and whether their time would be better spent engaging in an examination of their OWN concept of the world, rather than someone elses'. I would contend that it is this opportunity to examine ones' own world view that makes ethics classes an extremely valuable alternative to Special Religious Education. I will leave my argument their for now, I look forward to my opponents rebuttal and once again thank them for accepting the debate. 1: http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au...