Should religous students be allowed to opt out of science classes?

[J.R. Brown]

No, it doesn't. It gives you an understanding of the world we live in, but not a basic understanding, which people have by age 5. As for understanding, I could say the same about economics, U.S. history, or anything else.

The question was should they be allowed to opt out, not should they be forced, so you won't lose religious future scientists.

This is the reason why we are behind the rest of the world in science and mathmatics. Obviously, science and mathematics are important. Who builds our defense system? Who creates our highways and bridges? Engineers using science and mathematics. Not to mention Doctors and Biologists who work constantly to find cures for some of the most deadly diseases. These kids don't know their potential. Most people don't know their true potential until age 17 or 18. Maybe later. We need to provide a way for kids to expand their minds and explore areas that they have never heard of.

Evolution is really the only thing that religious people have a problem with. I don't think hearing a scientific theory will turn them away from God.

[J.R. Brown]

Because, why should you have to meet certain standards to say that you "graduated?" When you get enough credits to go on to college, or to get a job, or whatever you're after, then you can consider yourself "graduated."

You wouldn't want to graduate with your class? I think it's more of a social thing, unless you have no friends and hate everybody at your school. And no kid wants to take science and mathematics in junior high and early on in high school. Requiring them to take those classes is what gets them interested in that sort of thing. Besides, a little advanced education in mathematics and science never hurt anybody.

[J.R. Brown]

I didn't like science or math either, but I'm glad that I took them.

[J.R. Brown]

It's pretty natural to take them, and most people would, but I wouldn't care if I skipped all of, say, Geometry.

I agree with that man. Geometry was a bitch. I don't think geometry was required at my High School to graduate, but it was required to get into the college I'm at.