It is difficult if not impossible to teach history thoroughly or even accurately without considering the weighty impact of colliding faiths on generations of people within and between nation states. Many significant historical figures were people of abiding faith and an understanding of their motives cannot be gained without glimpsing the faith that shaped them. If you lay aside a foundational instruction of world faiths, their similarities and differences, you lose a valuable tool for deconstructing historical events and processes.
We live on a shrinking globe where we can enjoy an amazing diversity of cultures. To truly enjoy and embrace the richness of cultural diversity we need to educate ourselves on its various aspects. In many cultures, the religious foundation is very strong and its influence is evident in rituals, festivals, food choices, clothing styles, artwork and social interactions. Without understanding we can only scratch the surface and limit, rather than enrich, our experiences.
Society cries out for a cohesive ethical code of behavior to transmit to each generation. Through this moral code we establish the norms and boundaries of acceptable social interaction and teach the consequences of violating these norms. Many of our laws are based on these intangible concepts. Religious systems thousands of years old contain ethical standards of behavior often encapsulated in homilies or proverbs that provide a tried and tested framework for transmitting values.
Balanced religious instruction in at least five major world religions -- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism -- validates and promotes tolerance for those with different religious backgrounds. Although we may be unable to agree on what is "truth," we can learn to respect varied and sometimes opposing opinions. Ignorance gives rise to fear and hatred, education and understanding help nurture co-operation, compassion and mutual respect. We all hope to have our own points of view valued, and as we experience that, we are encouraged to tolerate the religious views and customs of others.