BIBLE classes should be compulsory so children have a
fundamental understanding of Christianity on leaving school, Tony Abbott says.
"I think everyone should have some familiarity with the
great texts that are at the core of our civilisation," said the Federal
Opposition leader.
"That includes, most importantly, the Bible.
"I think it would be impossible to have a good general
education without at least some serious familiarity with the Bible and with the
teachings of Christianity.
"That doesn't mean that people have to be
believers."
But former Howard government Islamic advisor Dr Ameer Ali,
said Mr Abbott's remarks were "over the top".
"It's one thing to say every child needs a good
knowledge of history and geography or science," Dr Ali said.
"But it is something else to say all children should
have a knowledge of the Bible. That might hurt other people who have their own
holy scriptures," he said.
And the Australian Education Union's federal president,
Angelo Gavrielatos, said that religion was not a priority for schools.
"There is a place for comparative studies of religion
in the curriculum, but ultimately we consider it a private matter for parents
and their children," he said.
