Do religious studies still have a role in education?
Are religious studies still relevant to the classroom? Should the study of religion remain a staple part of the curriculum or would neglecting the subject lead to fear, ignorance and prejudice? Here ANDREW PEARCE and LYNDA MADDOCK, religious studies subje
There appears to be a growing perception that Religious Studies is an irrelevant and even outdated subject due to the increasing secularisation of society.
Sceptics may argue that it is a subject full of myths, such as elephantheaded gods saving princesses, and should be consigned to history.
However, this does the subject, those who teach it and those who study it a great disservice. Such a narrow approach in a multicultural but increasingly secular society is dangerous, because a lack of knowledge and understanding about religion can lead to ignorance and prejudice.
The view that RS is of less importance than other subjects appears to be borne out in a recent report from the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) which suggests that many schools are not recognising the importance of the subject or meeting the legal requirement in terms of curriculum time.
Schools at present place a heavy emphasis on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), while marginalising other subjects, including RS. So in the words of Monty Python, “what can Religious Studies do for us?”
The academic benefits of RS are well-documented. A-level RS is recognised as a “facilitating subject” by Russell Group universities, as it develops students’ critical thinking skills. The study of religion provides them with the skills to develop, analyse and evaluate logical arguments and present these in a variety of formats.
However, the benefits of studying RS aren’t limited to the confines of the classroom. It also encourages students to develop as individuals. It gives them the opportunity to work out what they believe in and question why they do. It allows them to discuss their views on a range of ethical issues from genetics to warfare. Importantly, it encourages students to empathise with those who hold opposing views.
According to a GCSE RS student at Cardiff High School, “RS allowed me to gain knowledge of other cultures and an understanding and appreciation of many religions that I would not have known about otherwise.”
A careful distinction needs to be drawn between an increase in secularism in certain societies and an increase generally. The fact remains that two-thirds of the world’s population adhere to a religious faith.
Indeed, even in the UK, over half the population claim to hold religious beliefs. To ignore this is to ignore a fundamental principle of human existence and the foundation on which many people build their lives.
Religion can promote compassion, respect, tolerance, charity and a fairer society. It can offer hope, fellowship and comfort. It can inspire and offer guidance for living life well.
Equally, it can be the cause of profound misery and destruction. It can oppress, marginalise and brutalise. It can justify acts of extreme violence and destroy hope and dignity. A force as powerful as this is ignored at our peril. Pretending it doesn’t exist, or wishing it didn’t, is at best naive. A quick glance at a newspaper will convince you of its power and influence.
Students need to fully engage with this subject and understand its complexities and its influence on people’s beliefs and practices. This is what RS aims to do and it should be given its fair share of curriculum time and resources to deliver it properly.
Ignorance of others’ beliefs, as history has shown us, can lead to fear and discrimination. RS is a crucial weapon against this. Lord Evans, a former head of MI5 recently noted: “Understanding different religions and world views, and therefore being able to understand the world you’re living in, has got to be helpful in giving people the power to reflect on their own beliefs.”
Religious Studies is not the same as the religious education or religious instruction from years ago. It is not about converting students to a particular religion. It helps students understand that, even if they are not religious themselves, religion has had and continues to have a tremendous impact on their society.
You cannot fully understand history, art, politics, literature, the legal system, music, sport or science without an appreciation of the role religion plays in each of these areas.
RS has for many years encouraged the non-religious world views of secularists, humanists and atheists to be heard and evaluated. Wherever you work or live, religion plays a part in people’s lives. Surely by giving students the opportunity to study the subject, we empower them to make up their own minds about whether religion is important or not?
In the words of a former A-level student: “In a multicultural society RS is more important than ever. I believe it can make us better students, better thinkers and ultimately better people.”