Former bishop calls for religion to be taught in historical context

Academic wants Christianity to be taught as part of the West’s history

A university professor and former bishop has said schools should teach Christianity as part of history rather than confining it to religious studies.

Tom Wright, professor of New Testament and early Christianity at St Andrews University, said the story of how Christianity “got going” in the Western world should be taught in a “historical context”.

The former Bishop of Durham fears the teaching of Christianity’s influence on the Western world was being “restricted” to religious studies class.

The Humanist Society in Scotland responded to the professor’s comments by saying children “do not suffer” by not being taught Christianity in their history class.

Professor Wright said: “If a pupil wanted to study Jesus in his historical context, this would not be seen as part of the general history syllabus, but would be something that was the preserve of religious studies.

“Religious studies staff would then say they had Judaism, Buddhism and Confucius, as well as Christianity, and maybe there would be something on the Gospels in the corner.”

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland, said: “Schools are already buckling under competing demands for inclusion in the syllabus and teachers must be allowed some professional autonomy.” For more on this story, including reaction to the academic’s claims, don’t miss Thursday’s Courier, also available as a digital edition.

Avril Craig, payroll manager: “I am against the idea of teaching Christianity and Jesus as part of history lessons. I’m against organised religion.”

I went to a Catholic school and am a practicing Catholic. I feel like there was a good balance between religion and other subjects we were taught.” Nick Clark, student.

I think Professor Wright might be correct with what he is saying – however, I think there might be too much focus on religion in schools.” Catherine Borland, nurse.

Picture: Getty Images. The former Bishop of Durham believes teaching Christianity as part of history will give it some historical context.