The nature of a world religions course at a public high school can be considered controversial. The comparative world religions course at Arapahoe High School, taught by Amanda Henninger, exposes students to a comparison of many of the world’s religions.

Students will examine Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Far Eastern philosophy, as well as some other religions.

The course is taught only to seniors and juniors and is a Tuesday/Thursday course.

The course is set up in four units. The first unit examines what religion is and the history of major religions. The second unit is the beliefs and practices of major religions. The third unit is current issues and the final unit is minor religions.

“I really like that you can hear other people’s beliefs and it opens your mind to other aspects of the issues,” senior Channing Ahbe said.

The class is not a history course, but rather an insight into the beliefs and practices of these religions, as well as a look at some current issues in today’s world and how religions seek to address these problems.

“It’s not your typical learning environment. You’re not reading out of a textbook and you relate the religions to every day issues,” senior William Raddell said.

This course is sensitive in nature so Henninger has to teach it with respect and the students need to be respectful as well, and they must demonstrate appropriate conduct when speaking in class.

Henninger noted the sensitive nature of the course on the syllabus.

“I encourage debates over controversial topics, but I do not tolerate personally offensive comments. And the students understand that,” Henninger said.

Why the course is considered controversial is the biggest question that usually comes up.

“I was afraid students would think the class was about teaching them to follow a certain religion, which is untrue,” Henninger said.

There are positive reasons for the teaching of world religions. One being it’s important for students to be exposed to many religions and know exactly what each group believes in. Another is that it can be considered an interesting topic.

“The class opens up your mind to different ideas,” junior Cody Caudill said.

However, this touchy subject can raise eyebrows and consequently offend students, though there have been no signs of problems with the course.

The class is an acknowledgement of how people answer questions of morality.

“A lot of human decision making is based on religious beliefs,” Henninger said. “This class is sort of like an anthropology or psychology class in nature.”

An important aspect of the course is critical thinking.

“The class is more hands on for students. I want them to think and share their ideas,” Henninger said.

Students present in groups for the second unit: Beliefs and Practices of Major Religions, the third unit: current issues as well as the final unit, emphasizing on minor religions. The students basically educate the class and demonstrate their knowledge.

For students in 2008, the separation of church and state is something most are used to.

“Students probably haven’t talked about religion in their educational experience and now it’s accepted and encouraged,” Henninger said.

Every history topic is considered valuable and this class is another one of those topics. “Each of the subjects adds a little piece to the students’ knowledge,” Henninger said.

Students can gain knowledge that will help them in college by taking this class.

“Students will encounter people who think differently and do things differently, which may be because of religion, so it prepares them for the furture,” Henninger said.

“It’s a really good class to have because it helps you learn about the different types of people, and how to better relate to them,” junior Julie Delk said.

The class will be offered for the 2008-2009 school year.