account the wider aspects of the course, for example the critical thinking
skills that studying the subject can develop in pupils. I agree that we are
each entitled to our own opinion about religion but I wonder: with the
difficulties in society today, has it ever been more important to learn more
about people’s beliefs and religious practices?
It is easy to say that religion has no place in modern society but for many it
is still a very important aspect of their cultural identity and daily lives.
Whether we agree that should be the case or not, understanding why people
practice religion and how it continues today to influence attitudes and beliefs
within society is, I think, very relevant.
The trouble lies with another aspect of religious instruction in Scottish
schools: that of religious observance. The majority of people in Scotland,
when asked, still claim to be Christian but there has been a move in recent
years by some groups to attempt to ban religious observance in Scottish
schools. While parents have the right to withdraw children from religious
lessons and assemblies, the argument is that religious observance should
have no place in state schools. Scottish government guidelines currently
state that every school should provide opportunities for religious observance
at least six times a year.
The difficulty with this viewpoint, in my opinion is that it potentially robs
young people of the chance to explore and develop their own spirituality, in
the same way that participating in PE allows children to find out which sports
they enjoy and how exercise can benefit them. I would argue that there
should be more opportunities for young people to learn about the spiritual
aspects of religion and Christianity in particular: To find out more of what it
actually means to practice religion.
So, should schools opt out of teaching RMPS? Absolutely not. Schools
should however try to better communicate to pupils and parents, how the
subject is relevant and important and that religious observance is not about
indoctrination but rather developing pupils’ spiritual and cultural awareness.
Rebecca Cromwell
Chair of the Provincial Youth Committee
Rebecca’s article appeared on pisky.scot . “The online magazine of the
Scottish Episcopal Church” and “the place where the SEC can hold its
conversations – publicly, transparently and with the invitation to join in”.
The content comprises blogs with contributions from across the SEC and
beyond and a “Video Vault” offering an opportunity to see life across the
SEC. On-line readers can click on the link or enter
http://pisky.scot/sample-page/
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