What is wrong with religious education? A response to Philip Barnes

This article reviews Philip Barnes’ account of problems with religious eEducation (RE), and explores the practical implications of his position. Acknowledging his compelling logic - that RE is premised on an acceptance of all religions as equally theologically true - this article argues for optimism...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of beliefs and values
Main Author: Whately, Hugo (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge 2008
In: Journal of beliefs and values
Further subjects:B Phenomenology
B Inclusive
B normative values
B attainment targets
B religious difference
B post‐liberal paradigm
B exclusive
B Syncretism
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This article reviews Philip Barnes’ account of problems with religious eEducation (RE), and explores the practical implications of his position. Acknowledging his compelling logic - that RE is premised on an acceptance of all religions as equally theologically true - this article argues for optimism: with controversy and ambiguity moving to centre stage, a re‐orientation of RE’s attainment targets could focus RE curricula and provide a measure of direction for future progress. Equally, a focus on developing individual values for life in a plural democracy - where personal destinies often conflict both culturally and existentially - would likewise give RE a more potent purpose and the foundations for a normative agenda. Inspired by J.S. Mill, this article concludes that such RE may have to move beyond the classroom to achieve its potential as a critical, inclusive, relevant and progressive subject with coherent social and educational aims.
ISSN:1469-9362
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of beliefs and values
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13617670801928209