This weeks newsletter from Jan Björklund is an interesting one.
He lashes out at Skolverket who want to strip out ancient history and the history of the Middle Ages from the curriculum.
He writes:
‘Ancient History is the cradle of Western civilization. The Middle Ages is a crucial era when Sweden became Sweden, our share of world Christianity, cities were built, commerce was developed, books began to be printed. For me it is inconceivable that the subject of history would be mutilated in such a way.’
Skolverket believe that Religious study should treat all major religions equally and with no prominence on any.
The Swedish Education Minister and Folkpartiet leader disagrees saying:
‘Christianity has been totally dominant in our country the last thousand years. Throughout our culture and our society has evolved in symbiosis with the Christian religion. It is obvious that Christianity should have a special place in my opinion.’
He then states:
‘To those who are worried about the two proposals for curricula in these two subjects, I can give a reassurance: the proposals, as they now exist, will not be implemented as long as I am the Minister of Education.’
I agree with him on History. Its imperative we understand how our culture started and evolved. Can you imagine trying to learn about the history of Britain without studying the Romans or dare I say it 1066 and the Battle of Hastings?
On religion I am not so sure. I certainly dont believe in religious schools, I prefer the French system. If RE as it was called in my day is to be taught I think there should be no emphasis on any faith. It should be down to the pupil if they want to read further.
Last Wednesday he debated Lars Ohly, leader of the Swedish Communists. You can listen to it here
You can subscribe to Jan Björklund’s weekly newsletter here
Read what other FP bloggers have to say on this subject: Rasmus, Seved Monke.
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