Many religions for millenia have taught some of the standard moral lessons. They are not unique to Christianity. Rules for living a good life seem rather universal in nature and context. They exist because we, as people, learned that we are stronger when we work together and protect each other.
I was reading through the code of Hummurabi a few months ago. It is the oldest set of laws recorded that have survived. They aren't all that different than many laws that we have today. In fact, some of the punishments (which we might consider excessive in our country) are still practiced in many parts of the world.
How many of us have ever gotten to know someone who is Jewish? Have you ever been interested in finding out what they believe? How bout Islam, Buddah, or other religions. Check them out and you'll find that at their base level, their intent is to help us live good and decent lives, to work together, protect each other, and make more of the collective than we could ever do as a myriad of individuals.
I know that many object to teaching religion in public school. I believe that it should be a requirement that every student have a full year of world religions. It should include a historical perspective of the current faiths as well as a study of ancient beliefs and customs.
I think that is very helpful for each person to have a fair understanding of the development of religion as it relates to the development of civilization.
Cindi
