Don't spook kids out with the Holy Ghost

London, England - Schools should avoid phrases like "the body of Jesus" and refrain from linking Islam to violence when teaching religion, according to guidance issued this week.

And whatever they do, they should avoid frightening the kids with the Holy Ghost.

The guidance -- aimed at avoiding insults to world faiths in schools -- also urges teachers to resist pictures of "emaciated men caked in mud" when explaining Hinduism, in case children think the religion is "for weirdos and masochists".

It was contained with Norfolk County Council's draft Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

"Don't, when exploring the Eucharist, suggest the bread and wine become 'the body of Jesus' or 'the blood of Jesus,'" it added. "This suggests almost a cannibalistic consumption of human flesh."

The guidance suggested using the words Holy Spirit instead of Holy Ghost to avoid being "spooky."

Elsewhere, the report said: "Do avoid equating Islam with terrorism and violence e.g. avoid photographs of Muslims holding swords, Kalashnikovs, etc."

Critics said on Monday the guidelines were a step too far in a nation often labelled a "nanny state" where blackboards are called chalkboards and recorded voices tell commuters to mind the gap when boarding trains.

"Most sensible people will be extremely hostile to this sort of manipulation of language for the sake of political correctness," said Nick Seaton, chairman of pressure group Campaign for Real Education. "It is quite sinister in a way."

No comment was immediately available from Norfolk County Council.