The always-excellent Daniel Davies explains why England is largely godless while the US is permeated by religion:
In general, for every belief that I don’t want to take hold in society at large, I am in favour of it being taught in state schools. Consider the question of religion generally. America has a strict blanket prohibition on religion in the public education system, and it is one of the most devoutly Christian countries on earth. We have a compulsory act of worship every day and compulsory religious education up to 15, and we are largely Godless. This isn’t a coincidence.
I am in favour of pupils being taught about religion but am not in favour of state funded religious education. The various issues that have been big in the UK recently (Muslim veils, cross wearing BA check in staff, religious schools entrance policies) in my opinion show that separation of church and state is the way to go but that should not prevent teaching about religion in a way to understand the world.
And don’t even get me started on the fact that the House of Lords has church leaders in it by right; and the new laws on criticising religions…..
I agree with you. I think the distinction is being taught about religion — as a part of history, as a part of culture — and not being taught faith.