The 'Funny (ha, ha)' side of religion

Peregrinus · 25-03-2015 3:01am

robindch wrote: »

Speaking of which, can anybody think of a better term than "Ethos" to refer to the philosophical leanings of a non/multi-denominational school?

Some of the ET schools in Dublin are forming what are provisionally-named "Ethos Committees" to manage the schools Educate Together curriculum, promote inclusivity and a range of related themes. Some people aren't thrilled with the term "Ethos" and are looking to come up with a term which better describes the intent.

What's wrong with the term "ethos"? Serious and respectful question.

"Ethos" means "the characteristic spirit of a people, community, culture, or era as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations; the prevailing character of an institution or system". It's not a particularly religious term, and of course it's the noun from which we ultimately get the adjective "ethical".

So, is the discomfort with the word connected with the fact that it evokes religious associations because, up to now, it's only religious schools which have been articulate about their ethos? If so, that might not be a good reflection on the non-religious schools; every institution should be reflecting up, and should be articulate about, its ethos. "The unexamined life is not worth living" is a maxim that applies to institutions and communities just as much as to individuals.

Maybe the ET schools, far from seeking to avoid the term "ethos" and ceding ownership to the religious, should seek to reclaim it? ET schools do have an ethos, they should certainly be thinking and talking about their ethos, and I don't see why they should be embarrassed to call it an ethos.

Or am I misunderstanding the concern they have about the term?

marienbad · 25-03-2015 3:38am

Peregrinus wrote: »

What's wrong with the term "ethos"? Serious and respectful question.

"Ethos" means "the characteristic spirit of a people, community, culture, or era as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations; the prevailing character of an institution or system". It's not a particularly religious term, and of course it's the noun from which we ultimately get the adjective "ethical".

So, is the discomfort with the word connected with the fact that it evokes religious associations because, up to now, it's only religious schools which have been articulate about their ethos? If so, that might not be a good reflection on the non-religious schools; every institution should be reflecting up, and should be articulate about, its ethos. "The unexamined life is not worth living" is a maxim that applies to institutions and communities just as much as to individuals.

Maybe the ET schools, far from seeking to avoid the term "ethos" and ceding ownership to the religious, should seek to reclaim it? ET schools do have an ethos, they should certainly be thinking and talking about their ethos, and I don't see why they should be embarrassed to call it an ethos.

Or am I misunderstanding the concern they have about the term?

It is what it has come to mean in Irish schools and hospitals is the problem I think

Absolam · 25-03-2015 3:56am

Peregrinus wrote: »

What's the legal status of the "Rules for National Schools"?

As far as I know it remains part of the DoEs rules for schools, which permits the DoE to withdraw funding from a school which doesn't comply with it's rules, so the usual canard is that it effectively bans non-denominational schools. An effect which is a little difficult to observe since I can find no example of the DoE enforcing compliance with the rule, and the DoE Primary School Curriculum doesn't include religious instruction or education; it says the development and implementation of the curriculum in religious education in primary schools remains the responsibility of the different church authorities.

Peregrinus wrote: »

Plus, I'd quibble with the claim that (assuming the Rules have the force of law) this makes a non-denominational school impossible. The quoted rule requires schools to provide religious instruction and to manifest a "religious spirit", but they don't require schools to have any identification or affiliation with any religious denomination or group of denominations. I think what they would forbid is a non-religious school.

As would I, though if the condition "a religious spirit should inform and vivify the whole work of the school" were to be enforced by the DoE, it would be a tricky proposition for a non denominational school. Though quite tricky for many denominational schools as well I'd imagine.

Absolam · 25-03-2015 4:08am

This thread has stopped being funny by the way. Just saying. Someone post a joke for not Gods sake.

Gerry069 · 25-03-2015 4:21am

Absolam wrote: »

This thread has stopped being funny by the way. Just saying. Someone post a joke for not Gods sake.

Found this somewhere,

A Mormon told me that they don't drink coffee. I said, "A cup of coffee every day gives you wonderful benefits." He said, "Like what?" I said, "Well, it keeps you from being Mormon ..."

tritriagain · 25-03-2015 8:19am

What do a priest and a pint of Guinness have in common ? They are both black to the neck ,topped off with a white collar and if ye get a bad one it'll tear the arse out of you.

Orion · 25-03-2015 3:53pm

Peregrinus wrote: »

What's the legal status of the "Rules for National Schools"?

Plus, I'd quibble with the claim that (assuming the Rules have the force of law) this makes a non-denominational school impossible. The quoted rule requires schools to provide religious instruction and to manifest a "religious spirit", but they don't require schools to have any identification or affiliation with any religious denomination or group of denominations. I think what they would forbid is a non-religious school.

That's an out of date one. Latest is here: http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Rules-and-Programmes-for-Schools/

Specifically chapter 9 has the religious requirements but I can't see where it specifies the hours. The INTO website references circulars that state 2.5 hours per week.

Orion · 25-03-2015 3:55pm

Good point Absolam

Worztron · 25-03-2015 6:47pm

silverharp · 25-03-2015 9:56pm

Absolam · 26-03-2015 12:24am

Orion wrote: »

That's an out of date one. Latest is here: http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Rules-and-Programmes-for-Schools/
Specifically chapter 9 has the religious requirements but I can't see where it specifies the hours. The INTO website references circulars that state 2.5 hours per week.

Rule 68 was transcribed directly from the 1926 rules to the 1965 rules; it's here on the site you linked.

I'd suggest a Mod move these posts from this thread to the School Patronage one where they'd be more at home though; and then we can get back to the funnies uninterrupted.