Anyone see the interview on ABC24 about the dumb idea of religion in schools?

[margomeoz]

It was with a priest an enlightened one could have been Father Bob.

I can't find the link showing it but if you can it is a great interview.

His main point was what religion should we teach there are so many different ones practiced in Australia and it is a personal thing of choice in our multi cultural country.

[freakiness]

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@catsnknots wrote:

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@freakiness wrote:

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@catsnknots wrote:

If religion should be out of schools for some then what do you think about teaching the basics of Aboriginal history and their Dream Time stories? 

I was told by an Elder in the NT that their Dream Time is their religion and that in fact many of their stories work well with Western Religion. He said the stories actually had the same meaning. 

Should we then ban the teaching of the Aboriginal culture? 

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Why? As some sort of **bleep** for tat measure?

The aboriginal people are the original inhabitants and should be included in our education.  Nobody suggested all mention of releigion should be banned.  History includes many elements of religion.  

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No.. because if one religion is off the cards then all should be. 

Personally I think the Dream Time stories are wonderful and my time working up in the NT and spending lots of time working with the Aboriginal communities out at Kakadu were the highlight of my youth. I think all young people should go do the sort of things I did. It gives you a very different perspective on life after spending time with them. 

Just like I think that the basics about religion should be taught. The Shat, Where and Why questions make for a very interesting topic. 

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You questioned teaching the basics of aboriginal history and their dream time stories.  

Why should the basics of aboriginal history be linked to the teaching of religion?

The Shat, or is that what? :D, where and why is already included in history.  Religious instruction like the old scripture classes are not necessary. 

[*crikey*mate*]

Following the discussion from here about Australia Day the other day, I asked mine why we celbrated it, and NONE of them knew, even though two of them have done Air Cadets.

One got close by saying it was to celebrate federation.

but none of them said it was to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet.

It was also evident in that thread that some adults didn't know either, adults who were sitting at their computers and coujld have instantly googled!

A little Australian History may teach future generations to have some sort of respect for the Australian Flag, what it represents and other National symbols of identity.

[*crikey*mate*]

perhaps if more peo0ple were aware of the significance of ANZAC Day they might have some respect for the Australian Flag and all that it symbolizes.

[freakiness]

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@crikey*mate wrote:

Following the discussion from here about Australia Day the other day, I asked mine why we celbrated it, and NONE of them knew, even though two of them have done Air Cadets.

One got close by saying it was to celebrate federation.

but none of them said it was to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet.

It was also evident in that thread that some adults didn't know either, adults who were sitting at their computers and coujld have instantly googled!

A little Australian History may teach future generations to have some sort of respect for the Australian Flag, what it represents and other National symbols of identity.

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Australia Day is more about celebrating Australia than commemorate the arrival of the first fleet.

It's only recently that the day itself was the declared holiday. Until the 90s it was the nearest Monday with a public holiday and there was little in the way of celebration or commemoration.

[*crikey*mate*]

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet. That is what it is about.

<== Click there

[freakiness]

Or you could read http://www.australiaday.org.au/australia-day/history/ 

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788 (you can read a comprehensive history of the evolution of Australia Day here).

Though 26 January marks this specific event, today Australia Day celebrations reflect contemporary Australia: our diverse society and landscape, our remarkable achievements and our bright future. It also is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, and to consider how we can make Australia an even better place in future.

On Australia Day, over half of the nation’s population of 21 million attend either an organised community event, or get together with family and friends with the intention of celebrating our national day. Many more spend the public holiday relaxing with family and friends.

Yet Australia Day is much more than barbeques and fireworks. It is more than another public holiday. It is more than the pride and excitement of new citizens who call themselves Australian for the first time on 26 January after being conferred citizenship.

At its core, Australia Day is a day driven by communities, and the celebrations held in each town, suburb or city – unified by the celebration of what’s great about Australia and being Australian – are the foundation of its ongoing success.

[margomeoz]

It falls on the Sunday this year but they are making a public holiday on the Monday.

I didn't think they were supposed to do that anymore?

[freakiness]

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@crikey*mate wrote:

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet. That is what it is about.

<== Click there

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Perhaps it would help your cause if you read the links you think will back up your stance.

[purple_haize]

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@crikey*mate wrote:

perhaps if more peo0ple were aware of the significance of ANZAC Day they might have some respect for the Australian Flag and all that it symbolizes.

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At my grandson's primary school, they are taught all about Anzac Day, as he came home last yr. and told us they learnt about it.

[cherry*135]

Margo.... Aust Day in lieu on the Monday if it falls on a weekend day is in the Public Holuday Act NSW.
This was brought in 2 or 3 years ago.