Religion is a strong belief in power or powers that control human destiny. Religion and Education are seemingly two different roads in the present day scenario. But religion is as much a part of education as education is a part of religion. Yet both are distant from each other when it comes to the modern-day system of education. The fact is that Religion itself is an education and education has been influenced by Religion in more than one way. Today, there are very few institutions which actually utilise religious teaching in education or impart religious education as a part of school curriculum. What we see in our schools is that educational institutions have become a spectrum of movement including the annual event to the daily round. Kids have become like sheep's which are kept for a particular moment and then herded from one place to another for lessons inside locked doors until the time to go outside again arrives. Such an exercise is hardly likely to become trustworthy or become delightful in the mindset of students. Religion seems to be lost in such a sphere. The importance of the schools is evident in the architectural marvel of the buildings and the advanced facilities like computers, refreshment during the school day which lay more emphasis on materialistic gains but what about spiritual growth. In all kinds of schools, whether simple schools or schools with a religious character be it Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, religious teachings are the important component of education and as such schools have a prime obligation to promote the understanding of religion and its fundamentally important place in human attitudes and contribution to human flourishing. It is important to introduce it at the right stage of development for a proper understanding of different religious traditions. It is only out of this understanding that a respect will grow for different faith and traditions amongst the students.
Importance of Religious Teachings in Education/Why Religious Education is Important?
- One of the most common importance of Religious teachings is that it helps students understand the place of various religions in our society. It helps them resolve the important questions of their own inner self and this understanding contributes to a more just and cohesive society.
- Religious education in any school should not simply be a subject making up a proportion of the taught curriculum. It needs to pervade ta congenial environment in the school. Such an environment is not just good for the school but also for the society as a whole as well primarily because students are themselves the propagators of moral values and these are the values that are the most valued and cherished for the quality of relationships amongst the whole humanity.
- By listening and responding to stories from religious traditions, students are assimilating it as part of their personal, social and emotional development. They have opportunities to take part in celebrations and special events whilst using their understanding in communication, language and literacy. Utilising artefacts, music, stories and art from varying cultures helps them in increasing their knowledge and understanding of the world increases as they ask questions about religion, culture and worship and develop attitudes of curiosity and respect.
- It introduces students to different cultures and religions through various learnings about stories, people, places and times of special importance, and artefacts and beliefs that are part of modern life and society. Students are encouraged to respond sensitively to all religions, traditions and cultures, using their imagination and sense of wonder. Their study of faiths develops appropriate, secular view of the world and a religious community with a significant local presence.
- Students continue to learn about the faiths and cultures included in the syllabus through more systematic and thematic work. They investigate beliefs and practices in various principal religions, considering different forms of religious expression and learning about similarities and differences within and between religions and beliefs and the importance of dialogue between them.
- Students understanding of religions, cultures and beliefs in a local, national and global context deepens their understanding of various religions. Pupils develop an understanding of rights and responsibilities and consider the importance of interfaith dialogue as a response to tensions within and between religions and beliefs.
- Students deepen their analysis of religions and beliefs and of diversity, including the impact of beliefs on individuals, communities and societies at local, national and global levels.
- Religious teaching makes one a person who values diversity and who promotes multicultural understanding and respect. It enhances pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development'. This further makes them capable of applying the teachings of religious traditions and leaders to real-life situations and the study of human rights.
- Religious principles help in promoting a multicultural and anti-racist environment thereby valuing diversity.
- Every religion has diverse traditions of belief and practice. Each religion is multicultural, its forms (and followers) vary in ethnicity, language, customs and practices in different communities, countries and continents. It clears certain myths and false notions regarding various religions. Sikhs are often identified as Taliban's whereas the fact is that there's is a vast sea of difference amongst them excluding certain characteristics like beard and turban which look similar.
- The study of a range of faith traditions can be made an interactive experience. Schools should hold certain events where they can meet people of different faiths and cultures to develop a respect for people with different beliefs and practices without feeling that their own identity or views are threatened.
- Students explore the historical and current relationship between faiths and cultures, the ways in which one religion has influenced the development of another religion and how religions influence each other in contemporary society.
- Religion is itself an important contributor to life. Schools need to have at least 5% of curriculum time, have its own guaranteed place in the timetable and be offered to all throughout the school from the foundation stage to secondary school
- Schools should ensure extra merit to all pupils and should have no less reward than the head of English or Maths.
- Religion has far-reaching positive results as it teaches equality, cooperation, peace, happiness etc. Moreover, the belief in God keeps the moral fabric of the society intact which is a big contributor to preventing crime and anti-social activities. Teachers can relate their own experiences as well as on the experiences of others in developing a deep respect of the spiritual aspect of religion.
- Most importantly it promotes self-awareness, respect, open-mindedness, appreciation, communication, working with others and problem-solving.
