I agree that those are huge issues. I guess in my opinion, philosophy courses like what I described tend to improve literacy and math skills by requiring you read and write deliberately, think about the nuances of words, and build logical, self-consistent arguments/statements.

Yeah, jwz is no joke.

Actual inter-religious comparative theology is probably even better for developing skeptical critical thinkers than not teaching people about religion at all. I would love to see schools adopt that sort of coursework.

Anyone who feels the need to brag is lacking, IME