Religious Education
First Form
September 2024
Topic: Introduction to Religion
What is religion? Religion is a system of beliefs related to having a relationship to a
supreme being/deity.
The word religion comes from a latin word meaning bind closely together or to connect.
Religion provides for many people to connect to a Supreme being, other deities or to a
greater power beyond their own existence. Religion binds its followers together by its belief
and practices, such as rituals and festivals. It draws people together in a common search for
the meaning and purpose of life.
Religion is a belief in and worship of a supernatural power that created the world; sometimes
the power also controls humanity.
World religions
There are many religions in the world. Some centre on the belief in and worship of one,
unique God: they are called Monotheistic faiths and include Christianity, Judaism and
Islam. Other religions believe in the existence of more than one deity(god). This is called
Polytheism. Hinduism is polytheistic.
Why religion is important
Even though we do not all share the same beliefs, thoughts and actions, religion is important
in our lives as individuals and in society. It affects the ways in which we think and act.
1. Answering the ultimate questions in life.
Many see religion as a form of security because it provides answers to the big questions in
life. Each religion has its own beliefs about these questions, usually based on the teachings
from Sacred Writings or Holy Books that followers accept as true.
Many religious persons also feel that their faith gives them the strength and courage to be
able to cope with life’s many challenges. Religion can also offer guidance when we are
struggling to know what to do and consolation when we experience negative and uplifting
emotions. Many find that praying and asking God for guidance can give them a sense of
assurance when they are not sure what to do.
2. Shaping our identity and way of living.
Religion affects the way we live and gives us a sense of identity. For many, religious belief
starts with the way they were brought up. For example., for children born into Christian
families, their Christian upbringing will influence their behaviour, the decisions they make
and the events they celebrate in their lives.
3. A moral compass to guide our conscience
Every human being, whether they follow a religion or not, has a conscience - an inner voice
that gives a sense of what is right and wrong.
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In religion, the conscience is often believed to be the voice of God, or being conscious that
God is all knowing and present everywhere. In other words, if you do something wrong, God
knows about it.
Many religions have rules or guidelines on how their followers should live. For example,
Christians and Jews follow the Ten Commandments, which include rules such as, ‘honour
your father and your mother’ and ‘you shall not steal’ (Exodus 20:1-17). For Muslims,
Shari’a law governs both their public and private lives. Religious rules or laws encourage us
to treat each other well and to care for our surroundings, and they protect us from harm and
wrongdoing.
Reasons why people practice a religion.
Religion meets the basic religious and spiritual needs of people and helps them in their
search to understand and relate to the Supreme Being or spiritual nature of the universe.
There are many reasons why people practise a religion, including the following:
To fulfil a need to revere (worship) something or someone greater than themselves
To experience a sense of connection with the Supreme Being or the divine, or both as
individuals and with a community of fellow believers.
For guidance, strength and support in solving personal problems, family and community
problems
To find value as a person and to serve others as fellow human beings.
What is Religious Education?
Religious Education (RE) is the academic study of religious groups and their beliefs and
practices. The subject contributes to a school’s curriculum by developing students’
knowledge and understanding of beliefs, practices, terms and traditions of various religious
groups. The study of RE also helps students to understand how religion influences people,
communities, societies and cultures around the world.
RE allows students to look at spiritual and moral issues. This helps to develop and reinforce
positive values and attitudes. Students develop an awareness and appreciation for
questions relating to issues such as the meaning and purpose of life.
Religious Education (RE) aims to:
● Develop an awareness of cultures other than one’s own.
● Develop tolerance and understanding of religions other than their own.
● Promote student’s moral, spiritual, social and cultural development.
● Develop within students and understanding of numerous religious backgrounds
which will prepare them to relate amicably and professionally to persons of various
religious beliefs.
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What does RE teach us?
1. Learning about religion
2. Learning from religion
3. Learning how religion influences change
Reasons for teaching RE
1. RE teaches about Spirituality: A belief in powers beyond our own existence, religious
beliefs and worship fascinate people. This explains why religious practice has been a part of
human existence for so long. RE offers you the opportunity to explore questions, seek and
discover answers for yourself. It is an exploration of the relationship that many people claim
to have with God, the Supreme Being or Deity, with other spiritual beings or deities.
2. RE teaches important common values: RE will help you to understand more about people’s
different religious faiths, how they live as people of faith and the reasons for this. But RE is
not just learning facts; it is also about learning from the values within these faiths. At the
heart of RE are civic and moral values such as helpfulness, stewardship, responsibility,
self-worth and respect for others.
3. RE teaches about life: RE has an important role in helping every student develop a sense of
identity and to explore their own meaning and purposes in life. RE gives students the time
for reflection and discussions about difficult life issues.
4. RE teaches life skills: RE aims to support students as they prepare for adult life. The skills
and knowledge you learn during RE lessons will help prepare you for the future as a
confident person with an important role within Jamaican society.
5. RE teaches us about our communities: RE is important because it helps us understand the
different faith groups in our community, country and region. To understand Caribbean life,
you must know something about the history of these different religious groups and the ways
in which they have contributed to life on the island, both in the past and in the present. RE
helps you to discover and learn from our religious heritage in Jamaica.
The story of the Good Samaritan, as told by Jesus and recorded in the New Testament, is used
by people of many backgrounds, religions and cultures to teach important values about living
together as good neighbours.
