| Response:
Why read about a cup of coffee instead of
tasting it yourself? The satisfaction is in the drinking. In Zen we
emphasize direct experience rather than words, even if the words have
been deemed scripture or sutras. This does not deny that scholarship is
of value, but sharply critiques its overemphasis and recognizes its
limitations. If the purpose of proposals to teach the Bible in public
schools were literary and not indoctrination, why would they not also
include the Tao Te Ching, the Qur’an, the Shobogenzo
or writings from the Native American traditions indigent to our
continent? From my own experience |
|
teaching classes in comparative religion
at Cal State Fullerton, I know that texts from the world’s religious
traditions can and should be taught as part of a well-rounded
education. Teachers at the elementary and secondary school level would
need a curriculum designed with community participation, specialized
training in the world’s religious traditions and clear guidelines about
principles of interfaith dialogue, diversity and first amendment
religious liberties. More to the point, it can be very difficult to
find any kind of reading that many students will actually do.
- Rev. Dr. Deborah Barrett |