Cable Forum - View Single Post - Rowan Williams to warn of downgrading of religious education

Stuart · 08-04-2012, 11:13

I agree with what seems to be the consensus here. RE, if taught well and not just as a way to force a particular religion on pupils is good.

I had two RE teachers at school. One was catholic and taught us very little about other religions. He also actively discouraged any attempt to question the Bible. The other did not reveal his religion (he didn't consider it important for the class to know), but he did teach us about each of the major religions in turn, their history and beliefs. He also actively encouraged us to question what we are taught. A lesson which I think is important for all of us (whatever we believe) to learn.

The reason why I think it's good is because people (naturally) tend to fear the unknown. Some people will fight what they fear.

Whether we believe or not, Religion does form the basis of the lives of a lot of people. As such, it is an important part of their lives, and in many cases, an important part of their society.

When you get people not really understanding parts of a society, you tend to get wars. In these cases, Religion is the excuse, but ignorance is often the reason. RE can be used to combat that ignorance.

08-04-2012, 11:13	#32
Stuart - Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Somewhere Services: Virgin for TV and Internet, BT for phone Posts: 26,546	Re: Rowan Williams to warn of downgrading of religious education I agree with what seems to be the consensus here. RE, if taught well and not just as a way to force a particular religion on pupils is good. I had two RE teachers at school. One was catholic and taught us very little about other religions. He also actively discouraged any attempt to question the Bible. The other did not reveal his religion (he didn't consider it important for the class to know), but he did teach us about each of the major religions in turn, their history and beliefs. He also actively encouraged us to question what we are taught. A lesson which I think is important for all of us (whatever we believe) to learn. The reason why I think it's good is because people (naturally) tend to fear the unknown. Some people will fight what they fear. Whether we believe or not, Religion does form the basis of the lives of a lot of people. As such, it is an important part of their lives, and in many cases, an important part of their society. When you get people not really understanding parts of a society, you tend to get wars. In these cases, Religion is the excuse, but ignorance is often the reason. RE can be used to combat that ignorance.