Religious Education: Interim Edition

Chapter III

Essential Strands of a Religious Education Curriculum

	An effective religious education program will have the following strands:
Personal and Communal Search for Meaning in Life
	The search for meaning embraces many areas of enquiry. Religious education is distinct in that it relies on living belief systems in its attempt to answer questions related to the meaning or purpose of life. The quest for meaning in life begins at a very young age and during the school years is often a predominant thought in the minds of the students. Questions such as: Who am I? Does my life have any significance? What does it mean to be human? Is there an Ultimate Reality? must have some focus and attention in the school curriculum. An important part of the religious education program is to help students work through some of these questions as they examine and reflect on Christian and other religious beliefs.
Teachings and Practices of Christianity and Other World Religions
	Because religious teachings and practices have had such an impact on our society, students should have knowledge of essential Christian teachings as well as the the teaching of other religions. While much of what is relevant to the faith community concerns itself with the abstract or spiritual, faith is often expressed and practiced in concrete observable ways. Stories from sacred texts and stories of individuals who led exemplary lives within faith communities will be included in the religious education program as well as artifacts, dress, daily routines and rites of passage. Attention will also be given to major celebrations and festivals of various religions. An exploration of how sacred scriptures came about is also of value in that it gives an inspirational and historical perspective. For example acquiring knowledge regarding the writing and development of the New Testament or of the Koran can help students gain an appreciation for inspiration as well as give them some sense of time and historical developments. Through the study of various religions their intrinsic worth will be considered.
Ethical and Moral Issues
	There is no doubt that there can be moral education without religious education, but there cannot be religious education without moral education. All societies must have a moral base and most moral and ethical teachings have their foundation in religious beliefs. As technology advances and impacts significantly on matters of life and death, new questions arise resulting in the re-examination of moral and ethical systems. Developing a system of morals and ethics becomes increasingly more difficult because often these systems have to be re-examined and re-defined. In the religious education program students will be assisted in their maturation to internal moral and ethical decisions through a study of the moral and ethical standpoints of various religious traditions.
Spirituality
	Religious education is more than learning about religions. In religious education there needs to be an experiential element. For students to get into the essence of religious faith they must receive more than historical data and statements of belief. It is in the area of spirituality that the experiential will most likely occur. Students should come to some understanding of what is meant by spirituality and how it has manifested itself through people. In the religious education program there will be a recognition of the spiritual dimension within people's lives. This could include an appreciation for the majesty of creation and an emphasis on the importance of inner peace, harmony and a sense of connectedness with the Ultimate Reality. A reflective approach to life will also be encouraged with thought being given to the belief that spirituality comes from within and is very personal. It will be emphasized that spiritual experiences are enhanced through prayer, devotion and the faith community. In the religious education program provision will be made for an experiential component which might include devotions and prayer. How this is offered depends on the school setting.
Contributions of Christianity and other Religions to Human History
	Religion has contributed immensely to people's world views during different periods of history. Students should have some awareness of how Christianity and other religions impacted and were expressed in periods of history such as the Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern. Throughout these periods religion has always been involved in the political sphere and at times it has been a dominating factor. Important consideration must be given to religion's influence on and contribution to literature, architecture, art, music, and theater. Throughout the program students will be encouraged to examine the positive and negative impact of religion on human history. Such topics and issues as education, social justice, hope and salvation, war, intolerance, temporal power (e.g. money power, land power) and hypocrisy will be critically examined and discussed.
Influence of Religion on Contemporary Life
	The fact that religion's influence on contemporary life is evolving will be reflected in the program design. The political sphere, and how religion impacts on it today, is an important component of this strand. As an example, the influence of religion on the countries of the former Soviet Block carries with it political implications. Consideration will be given to the impact of committed individuals on the global scene. People such as the Dalai Lama, Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa have impacted globally as a result of their commitment to their religion and their cause. In the social/economic sphere, religions worldwide have impacted in the areas of social justice and human rights. Religion's influence on the development of ethical and moral standards within a given society cannot be overestimated. Issues such as abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering and alternative lifestyles each have a place, not only in the political arena, but in the religious arena as well. Such topics and religious responses to them will demonstrate the relevancy of religion in people's lives and will demonstrate that there are many perspectives on some of the most relevant issues facing the contemporary global community. Because these issues are so sensitive and touch deeply on our sense of personal autonomy and beliefs, there will be dialogue and interchange with various sectors of society including families and faith communities.