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Question
Some teachers have expressed a renewed willingness to teach "Studies of Religion" type courses as they feel that they can do so from a "faith-neutral" position. That is, their own personal perspectives and committments have a much diminished role when compared to courses that are taught from a particular faith tradition perspective. Do you agree with this statement? Why? What are the impliactions of this attitude with particuolar reference to the mission of the Catholic school? Thanks Pator John.
Hi Chris,
I suspect this is a homework question but as it is near to my heart I'll answer it anyway ;-)
The dearth of accurate religious information causes many problems, today this is perhaps more true then it has been in hundreds of years. We in the once-Christian West are woefully ignorant about Islam, Hinduism, etc. As the world becomes a smaller place in which to live this ignorance becomes progressively unacceptable. I believe "information is power" and therefore encourage teaching and learning in all areas.
Of course one must be careful. In a religious based school neutrality is difficult to maintain. Speaking from a religious perspective one expects bias etc. but when the information is supposed to be neutral it is most important that it be completely accurate and unbiased. Hence, those who would teach "religious studies" as a non-religious discipline need to be very careful.
Hope this helps,
~John of AllFaith
Pastor John
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Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine
Expertise
I will be happy to discuss all aspects of Christianity, Judaism, biblical doctrine, prophecies, etc. The Bible offers a wealth of information to us! So if you are wondering what the Bible has to say about any topic drop me a note.
After 40 plus years of study and research I have concluded that the religion taught by Y'shua (Jesus) is best defined as authentic Messianic Judaism. This is the approach I bring to these questions. If you are interested in a Messianic Jewish perspective I'm here to answer.
I have hands-on experience with several different Christian denominations as well as with Judaism, the Noahide movements, Islam and more.
I head our shul's (synagogue's) free online Yeshiva Beth HaShem: http://templebethhashem.org/yeshiva if you would like to learn more about Messianic Judaism.
Experience
41 plus years of seeking God.
Provost of Yeshiva Beth HaShem: http://templebethhashem.org/yeshiva
Author of JewToo.org
Organizations
Temple Beth HaShem, Magalia, Ca.
Yeshiva Beth HaShem
Publications
JewToo.org: JewToo.org
JewToo Multiply Blog: Multiply site
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Temple Beth HaShem: Our congregation's website
Education/Credentials
I am an ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi at Temple Beth HaShem in Magalia, California.
Education/Credentials
Ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi, three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 42 plus years of sincere seeking/practice and 14 years answering questions and posting studies online.
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