New report reveals teaching religion in our schools reduces extremism
Religious
Education in schools can strengthen multi-culturalism and reduce extremism in
our wider communities, according to a new report.
The report found schools offering Special Religious Education (SRE), Religious
Instruction (RI) and General Religious Education (GRE) were ideal settings
"for children to develop an understanding of peace and tolerance.” The
goal of teaching students how to live harmoniously with others in a
contemporary and diverse society is a pillar of modern education, said the
report. "Multicultural education is a key instrument in achieving social
cohesion.”
The
report was written by world-renowned academics Professor Zehavit Gross (the
UNESCO/Burg Chair in Education in Human Values, Tolerance and Peace at Bar-Ilan
University, Israel) and Professor Emerita Suzanne Rutland, of the University of
Sydney.
The report highlighted the recent mass shootings in New Zealand, suicide
bombings in Sri Lanka and the San Diego synagogue shooting as potential topics
of discussion among students. For example, religious education teachers could
discuss the fear and concern which affected Muslim, Christian and Jewish
students in Australia, the report found. Removing in-faith education from
government schools detracts from the government's multicultural aims by denying
students a crucial avenue to explore their own religious identity and heritage.
The report found SRE and GRE played a key role in dismantling stereotypes and
strengthening social cohesion. Professor Gross said the belief that religion is
irrelevant in a postmodern world is a myth. "Religion continues to play a
major role in our public life and acknowledges the legitimate spiritual needs
of each individual." Professor Rutland said religious belief and
spirituality provide students with an anchor for their individual identities
and contribute meaning to their lives. A strong grounding in one's individual
identity, combined with knowledge of other religions, helps to combat extremism
by teaching respect for diversity. Christian SRE CEO Murray Norman said it was
vital students were provided with a safe place to explore their religious
identities.
August 22, 2019 by J-Wire Newsdesk
