Should people know at least a little about other religions?

[BlingLovin]

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but it occurs to me as we're moving into a time of year that's holy for a lot of different religions that it's slightly worrying how little people know about other religions? I don't mean we should all be able to get through a service of any religion, responding at all times etc, but shouldn't we know at least the basics of the world's major religions?

I went to school in another country and there, as part of religious studies, we were taught about other religions, even though the school itself was basically Christian. I'm very grateful for that now.

Colleagues in the office have been very surprised and confused recently because Jewish and Muslim colleagues are off or not available while I think it's normal?

I agree a think a basic understanding of other faiths is vitally important for improving relationships between communities in the UK (and abroad)

Ignorance breeds distrust and contempt

oh don't

we have had some very awkward moments in the tearoom at work on this very issue - pressing cake on people fasting for Ramadan, 'Surely you can just come in for the morning, it's not like it's Christmas Day' etc

Although I never knew till this year that the NY stock market closed for Rosh Hashanah

Think its essential

but then I hold a degree in world religiosn and want to teach and am therefore biased

but all the major festivals, such as jewish new year, yom kippur, ramamdam etc.. are in all diaries now.. so people must be aware they exist??

i think a little knowledge and understanding could go a long way to engendering tolerance

Ouch MrsB.

To be honest though, that's exactly what I was talking about. I find it shocking that people can be so unaware of what is appropriate for other religions. Or even, if you don't know what's appropriate, knowing that there are different requirements/traditions and being respectful when someone points this out.

I think it is really important - it will help with understanding and reduce mindless insults.

'The mind of a bigot is like the pupil of the eye, the more light you shine on it the more it contracts.' (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

[checks diary]
only as a list in the front, not on the actual days

must be because it's a teeny pocket one

you only need to have seen the last season of The Apprentice to see how much ignorance there is.........trying to get a Kosher chicken from a Halal butchers

Although my now exH committed a funny blunder at my cousins DD's naming ceremony at the Synagogue - we turned up and he asked "is there where the Christening is" - before he'd finished saying it he realised what he said and wished the floor would open up and swallow him up.