Dianavan,

thanks for asking, for that made me think about the reasons I have. Shambles has given a good part of my possible response.

Religious instruction in schools is (mostly) fairly undogmatic. It teaches ethical questions, the stories of the bible, and faiths in general. Specific dogmas of one particular religion are only a minor part. When I went to school for one long year for instance we learned about and discussed the better known religions of the world (including communism, by the way). I loved that year most of all.

I don't believe in anything supernatural, but the general ethical teachings (nearly all) of Christianity ("love thy neighbour...") are dear to me. I see nothing wrong in them and nothing an atheist should not follow. And the Bible stories? They are a part of our cultural heritage like our Grimm stories and fairy tales and our songs. Our language has so many expressions from the Bible or the folk tales that I think my daughter will be richer if she knows the background. When I read to her (or tell her) the folk tales I do not give a single thought whether the content is factually true. The best I personally hope for is that she considers these stories another type of fairy tales but looks for the good lessons of morale often found in the bible stories (of the NT).

I'd prefer a non-denominational general ethics/philosophy/beliefs course in school like some other Germsn lands have. But I have to take what I can get and whenever we get the impression that the teacher of religion is too dogmatic or or turning indoctrinational we'll take her out.

Wolfgang