Is religious education in school important?

Summary

In a recent study, it's revealed that many Academy Schools in the UK neglect religious education, with nearly 500 secondary schools offering zero hours of RE lessons. The debate on the importance of RE in schools is highlighted by Dr. Gavin Ashington, a former chaplain to the Queen, and Steven Evans, CEO of the National Secular Society. While Ashington argues for a broader societal understanding of religion's role in history and geopolitics, Evans calls for a reform in RE law and suggests a focus on religious literacy and civic education to foster social cohesion and respect for diverse beliefs.

Takeaways

• 📊 A recent study reveals that nearly 500 secondary schools in the UK offer zero hours of religious education (RE) to year 11 students.
• 🗣️ Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley criticizes the lack of RE, describing it as a 'gaping hole' in the school curriculum.
• 🏫 Steven Evans from the National Secular Society suggests that instead of enforcing compliance, the law regarding RE teaching needs reform.
• 📚 Dr. Gavin Ashington, a former chaplain, agrees with the need for law reform but emphasizes the importance of RE for understanding societal and historical contexts.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 There's a debate on whether the responsibility for religious education should lie with families or be integrated into school curriculums.
• 🌐 Dr. Ashington argues that religion is integral to understanding the UK's history and global geopolitics, particularly Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
• 🏛️ Steven Evans proposes a shift towards a more comprehensive civic and citizenship education that includes religious diversity and freedom of belief.
• 🤔 The discussion points to a broader need for 'religious literacy' to foster social cohesion and mutual respect in a diverse society.
• 🏗️ There's a call for a revitalized approach to education that goes beyond the traditional focus on theology and instead promotes understanding and tolerance of different beliefs.
• 📉 The conversation reflects a perceived decline in the importance of RE and a search for a new purpose that aligns with contemporary societal values.

Q & A

What is the main finding of the new study mentioned in the transcript?

The new study found that many Academy Schools do not offer religious education, with nearly 500 secondary schools having zero hours of RE lessons in year 11.

What does Peter Bottomley, the Father of the House, suggest about the current state of RE in schools?

Peter Bottomley suggests that the neglect of RE leaves a 'gaping hole in our school curriculum'.

What is Steven Evans' view on the necessity of RE in schools?

Steven Evans believes that RE is outdated and unpopular, and that there is a need for reform of the law around RE, rather than forcing schools to comply with it.

What does Dr. Gavin Alington think about the role of RE in providing a wider societal perspective?

Dr. Gavin Alington agrees that while families have a primary role in religious education, the state should help provide a proper education that gives a wider perspective on society's religious roots and development.

How does Dr. Gavin Alington perceive the resurgence of religion in society?

Dr. Gavin Alington notes a significant resurgence of religion, contrary to the secularist views of the 20th century, and emphasizes the importance of understanding religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam for understanding geopolitics.

What does Steven Evans propose as an alternative to the current RE curriculum?

Steven Evans suggests a revitalized Civic and citizenship education that teaches children about religious diversity, political literacy, democratic processes, and fundamental British values.

Why does Dr. Gavin Alington believe it's essential to understand religious heritage?

Dr. Gavin Alington argues that understanding religious heritage is crucial for comprehending the country's history and cultural context, even if one does not need to quote the Bible chapter and verse.

What is the importance of teaching children about freedom of religion and belief according to Steven Evans?

Steven Evans emphasizes the importance of teaching children about the freedom of religion and belief to foster respect for diverse beliefs and social cohesion.

What does the discussion suggest about the purpose of RE in modern education?

The discussion suggests that the purpose of RE in modern education is in flux, with some arguing for a broader understanding of religious diversity and others advocating for a focus on civic education and respect for different beliefs.

How does the conversation reflect the differing views on the role of RE in schools today?

The conversation reflects differing views on RE's role, with some seeing it as essential for understanding society and history, while others view it as outdated and in need of reform or replacement with a more inclusive civic education.