<p>Do you think that the government should give financial aid to religion majors for a degree in religion? I am completely against it. I think separation of church and state comes into play, and I can't believe how some religion majors are receiving federal grants/loans/scholarships to persue study in the field of religion. Opinions?</p>
<p>As long as other majors get financial aid, I don't see why not. A major for religion is supposed to be about knowledge, not indoctrination of beliefs anyhow.</p>
<p>Separation of church and state has two components: Secularism and freedom of religion. Yes, that's right, freedom of religion. </p>
<p>And besides, the study of religion has nothing to do with a person's religious beliefs. It has nothing to do with instilling religious doctrines into the minds of students.</p>
<p>a religion major doesn't... indoctrinate a religion. You study religions. DIFFERENT ones. It's sorta like anthropology, isn't it?</p>
<p>People are fine with reading Harry Potter and studying Greek mythology but they always freak out over religion majors.</p>
<p>By people, I mean the angry atheists of course.</p>
<p>Washington</a> Times - Half of Americans believe in angels</p>
<p>@#1
The government doesn't intervene in the specifics of the degree - and religion is a thing, so it's a thing you can learn about.</p>
<p>Oh look at post #5 (and then look away). You got Puggy all over-excited again! It was calm for a few days.</p>
<p>If I thought that studying something meant coming under its sway, then I might agree.</p>
<p>But the academic study of religion is not the same thing as governmental promotion or regulation of religion.</p>
<p>I see nothing wrong with it.</p>
<p>They definitely shouldn't get less financial aid just because of their major! That's discrimination. I do see where you can take issue with the idea money being given specifically for being a religion major, though. I would say government money for education shouldn't be major-specific at all (I don't actually know if any of it is... anybody?).</p>
<p>There shouldn't be any government money. I have read the constitution many times and yet to have seen the word education or Pell grants.</p>
<p>Strict-constructivism is so early-1800's, Dr.Horse.</p>
<p>Besides the Federal Pell Grants, the government also offers TEACH and SMART grants aimed at those studying education and science/mathematics/technology, respectively. Can't say I blame them: even though I'm majoring in a liberal art, I know my degree will be worth as much as a certificate that says I can read and write.</p>