While teaching World History, US History, Social Studies, and even Geography, the subject of religion often enters the picture. When this is the case, no matter what religion it is, there needs to be enough information given to help the student understand what role that religion played in the area being taught. There is no reason for not teaching how a particular religion entered into that particular page in history.

Often the social make up of a community, or whole country, is molded by a particular religion, or a particular religious people. Failure to include this information in the normal teaching of the subject would rob the students of valuable information regarding the historical development of that group of people. It is just as much a part of the history as the impact of one culture on another in the historical picture.

If you take a look at the landscape of some cities or countries, you will often see evidence of a very religious presence. Stand on the highest point above many cities in Europe and you will see hundreds of steeples reaching above other structures. There is a page in history that must be addressed regarding the role of religion in those cities. Across the world there are statues and buildings and monuments of great religious importance, and because they are there, they hold a place in the history of those locations.

Read the documents that were written in the establishment of governments, and communities, and you will often discover the impact that religion has played in the very foundations of those populations. That is history that needs to be taught. It is not insignificant information to be overlooked. The richness of a culture is often based on religions beliefs, and organizations. The greatest example of that is found in the historical documents that were involved in the establishment of the United States.

Often, as is the case in the United States, religion has played a tremendous role in the rich history a country has enjoyed. Unfortunately, it is also possible that that history could change because of religious issues. When religions and religious issues are in conflict in a nation where religion has had great impact, conflict can crack the very foundations of that country. Without a doubt, this issue automatically becomes a part of the nations history, and must be addressed in the classrooms.

Religion has impacted the world. Wars have been fought, crimes committed, and great humanitarian good has been accomplished because of the presence of religions throughout history. Some of the world's greatest people made their historical impact through their religions. The list might include Martin Luther, Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Confucius, and St. Francis of Assisi, and many more. To teach history and not include the people of history, including the religious people of history, would serve to rob our students of great riches of knowledge.

The teaching of the historical role of religion in the world does not have to include an opinion that a religion is right or wrong, or good or bad. Students need not practice the rituals and activities of those religions to understand their role in history. All of the controversy that people have today over religion is certainly writing a new page for the books, however, the students don't have to form an opinion as they learn historical facts.

Learn more about this author, Ernest Smartt.
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