A World Religions Class as a High School Graduation Requirement

In a world where so many people suffer because of ignorance, high school students should be required take a World Religions class. Learning the general principles of the world’s most popular religions would offer students the opportunity to explore their own beliefs and give them knowledge they may never have gained otherwise. From birth children are influenced by the thoughts and beliefs of their parents, so it would be extremely beneficial to every young adult’s development to be able to spend time processing their own ideas. In addition to the personal benefits, a required World Religions class could be a huge step in diminishing religious hate and prejudice. People are generally less susceptible and more judgmental of ideas that are foreign to them; further, if students were taught a range of religions while they are in high school, their attitudes towards differing beliefs may be more understanding. Once young adults realize that many religions share a variety of things in common, the once strange and foreign idea will not be as unusual. Ultimately this will breed a generation of less ignorant and more accepting individuals. Requiring students to take a World Religions class while in high school could be critical to each students personal development, as well as make the world a socially safer place, which is why this graduation requirement should be implemented into all school districts.