Religious Education In Schools

In the UK Religious Education is an actual academic subject at both primary and secondary levels.

This vid is a short summary of my experiences as a pupil and as a primary school teacher

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• education
• scripture
• anthropology
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• schools
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[MissionEasy]

In Ireland, the situation is similar. Only Christianity is taught in Primary, but Secondary takes that academic approach. I enjoyed my rel classes, which was taught by a Christian Brother. He told us "Not to take the Bible literally" and pointed out contradictions. He did class debates, too, discussing morality and the like. As an atheist, I think this intellectual approach is a goodway to teach religions.

[ltzippy2]

That's quite refreshing actually. I have to say I quite enjoyed my RE lessons too.

[JohnRFinch]

I agree holeheartedly that RE must be n academic subject, but teachers can't stop at the level of head knowledge about what people believe...there must also be sympathetic understanding, and reflecting on the question of what can we learn from other religions. I admire you for trying to supply in a Catholic school! Cheers. PEACE!

[shadownova21]

I'm a 14 year old raised into a catholic family, sent to a catholic primary and secondary school. As a child I was not given the opportunity to explore other faiths and beliefs. during this year I concluded that I believe in no god and that I am a atheist, but if a logical religion or explanation became apparent to me it is very likely I would put my beliefs (not faith) is such a place... for me religion has caused more problems than it has fixed. and I am taking my RE exam next month.

(yay)

[jackskellingtonsora]

I hate to break it to you, but learning about religion is extremely essential in today's modern world. The world is intensely and fervently religious and it is very important for people to know about religion both to understand it from a culturally relative perspective and to be able to counter it if need be.

[xJAKEWx]

@errington1000 could not agree more

[errington1000]

@xJAKEWx Good. I don't mind about the cultures part. It just annoys me that catholic schools and such prioritse one faith over another. As long as beliefs do not arise from stories, religion isn't causing any problems

[xJAKEWx]

@errington1000 yes, but that does not ansew my question, i dont believe in god, im a atheast for all i care, my point, RE isent all about god, its about religions, jews, hindu's, muslims, ECT. My job isent to teach teanagers about god, i teach them about cultures.