Online debate ignites over lessons in Christian ethics in Ukrainian schools

Children during prayer in a classroom. Illustrative photo. Photo: freepik

Since the beginning of the school year, a heated discussion has erupted among parents over Christian ethics classes in schools. According to OBOZ.UA, the controversy was sparked by a post on Threads, where the author argued that the subject does not force religion on children at all.

The post was written by Ukrainian Anastasiya Didorenko, who emphasized that Christian ethics in school is more a course in morality and knowledge of religious traditions than a religious practice. According to her, children were taught rules of conduct, the value of life, and the basics of respect, but no one ever required them to “run to church or kiss icons.”

“I find it strange to read how some people write that Christian ethics lessons are ‘the bottom.’ The real bottom is child alcoholism, cruelty to animals, or teenagers beating up other kids. But lessons where children are taught about different religions and rules of conduct – that is not the bottom at all,” she wrote.

Critics argue that such classes violate the principle of secular education.

“In our country, the Church should be separated from the school. If you want this so much – go to Sunday school, but don’t shove religion where it doesn’t belong,” wrote one participant in the discussion.

Others added that the course is presented in a one-sided way: “Lessons in ‘Christian’ ethics? So you don’t even consider that a child might not be Christian? That is disrespectful to children.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the subject are convinced that it plays a positive role in education.

“I’m honestly shocked. This is a wonderful subject that brings only good. People, you should be outraged by completely different things: the outdated curriculum, the lack of equipment, the humiliation of children in schools. And instead you argue about Christian ethics,” noted one commentator.

Some users shared personal experiences: “I really liked Christian ethics lessons, they were my favorite. What I remember most is that you mustn’t break branches for no reason, because they are alive. We had a Jehovah’s Witness in our class – he simply didn’t participate in anything.”

Harsher remarks about today’s generation were also voiced: “Children nowadays are like hothouse flowers. If a child doesn’t like Christian ethics, the parents will fight to have it removed. Everything is done for the children. And then we wonder where the disrespect and disregard for parents come from.”

The debate showed that views on Christian ethics diverge sharply: some see it as a redundant subject, while others consider it an essential part of instilling values and respect for tradition.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zelensky had proposed a UGCC priest for the position of Minister of Education.

Read also