Homo economicus’ Weblog

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has just published the above survey which you can view here.

It allows you to compare traditions as well.

A key finding is that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have the lowest form of retention into adulthood with only 37%. Contrast that with Hinduism which has a retention rate of 84%.  Not only that but they had the lowest attendance in further and higher education compared to all other groups at 9% (compared to 27% nationally).

Education is not seen as important compared to knowledge of Jehovah. Education is seen as preparing you for this system of things; what is more vital is being prepared for God’s Kingdom. As such do you make your life choices.

On another blog a christian denoted that public schools in America were left wing, Obama’s supporters being proof enough in their view, and that with the majority of faculty staff being in favour of abortion it was time for a new “Black regiment” and in the Lord’s name take children back out of schools for Jesus.

I would laugh but such thinking nearly ruined my life chances when taken out of school. Such thinking really does ruin people’s lives – and it is time that children are not labeled by a parent’s beliefs and that faith is not allowed to ruin a child’s education.

While I would not accuse all faiths to holding that view of education (most do not) it is important that those that do discourage or belittle education are held to account for it.