Those in favor often emphasize the historical and cultural significance of religion, arguing that excluding it leaves students with an incomplete understanding of society and various belief systems. They may also point to the moral and ethical values that some religions promote, suggesting these could benefit students' development. The teaching of comparative religion, focusing on the different faiths without advocating for any particular one, is often suggested as a balanced approach.
However, opponents raise concerns about the separation of church and state, suggesting that teaching religion in schools could violate the constitutional rights of students and promote religious bias. They may also worry about the potential for indoctrination and the imposition of specific religious beliefs on students who may hold different views or no religious beliefs at all. Furthermore, the diversity of religious beliefs in many societies presents challenges in deciding which religions to teach and how to fairly represent them all. The focus on secular education, encompassing critical thinking, reason, and scientific inquiry, is often presented as an alternative, providing a neutral and inclusive learning environment for students of all backgrounds.
The approach to religious education varies significantly across different countries and even within different regions of the same country, reflecting the diverse social, cultural, and legal contexts.