Name: Let's teach religion -- all religion -- in schools
Uploaded: 2006-07-18T00:11:00Z
Duration: 24 min 31 s
Description: Philosopher Dan Dennett calls for religion -- all religion -- to be taught in schools, so we can understand its nature as a natural phenomenon. Then he takes on The Purpose-Driven Life, disputing its claim that, to be moral, one must deny evolution.

Dan Dennett: Let's teach religion -- all religion -- in schools

Let's teach religion -- all religion -- in schools

Philosopher Dan Dennett calls for religion -- all religion -- to be taught in schools, so we can understand its nature as a natural phenomenon. Then he takes on The Purpose-Driven Life, disputing its claim that, to be moral, one must deny evolution.

Religions, much like domesticated cows, have evolved over millennia through both natural selection and intentional human redesign. Treating religion as a natural phenomenon, not an untouchable mystery, invites open inquiry and informed citizenship. Teaching all religions factually in schools supports democracy and helps break cycles of ignorance. A million people gathered on the banks of the Ganges shows religion’s immense power to shape humanity.