First published in 1978. The world religions movement gave way to a new form of religious education which was wide ranging in content and open in approach. This development raised a number of issues. How broad should the syllabus be? Should Humanism and Marxism be included? How should Christianity be taught? What role has the believer of any one faith in the teaching of RE? As curriculum development gathers momentum so the need to discuss such questions becomes urgent. This book is devoted to examining the place of world faiths in education by members of a variety of faiths. It will help students and teachers to think their way through the many challenges facing RE today. The book argues a new framework for the subject. The contributors hope that they have provided a sign-post pointing to a future in which all who are concerned that children should grow up with an understanding of the ultimate meaning of life, whatever their own faiths, may be able to work together to make the subject vital and worthwhile.

First published in 1978. The world religions movement gave way to a new form of religious education which was wide ranging in content and open in approach. This development raised a number of issues. How broad should the syllabus be? Should Humanism and Marxism be included? How should Christianity be taught? What role has the believer of any one faith in the teaching of RE? As curriculum development gathers momentum so the need to discuss such questions becomes urgent. This book is devoted to examining the place of world faiths in education by members of a variety of faiths. It will help students and teachers to think their way through the many challenges facing RE today. The book argues a new framework for the subject. The contributors hope that they have provided a sign-post pointing to a future in which all who are concerned that children should grow up with an understanding of the ultimate meaning of life, whatever their own faiths, may be able to work together to make the subject vital and worthwhile.

The first to appear in Curzon's well respected 'Popular Dictionary' series.

The first to appear in Curzon's well respected 'Popular Dictionary' series.

Owen Cole has taught at all stages of education from primary school to university. He began his teaching career as a very conventional Christian supporting the daily act of collective worship punctiliously and arguing with head teachers who did not observe the requirement that they were breaking the law. The content of Religious Education (RE) was Christian and its purpose to persuade children of its truth if not to convert them. ... His dogmatic approach changed radically in the light of experience. The author is now of the firm opinion of a need to be pragmatic. He would abolish school worship whilst opening up RE further to a broad study of beliefs and values with the aim of enabling pupils to become religiate, in the same way that they should be literate and numerate. Schools should be places where diversity of culture and belief can be explored and celebrated. ... Although religion is at the core of Owen Cole's journey it is clear that he believes that since the end of empire Britain has lacked vision and the religious and political classes are still clinging to the world of yesterday rather than recognising, embracing and cherishing our multifaith society. The year 1945, which saw the beginning of the end of empire, is far away and fast receding but parliament and the churches still behave as though it lies in the future. They give little place or attention to other faiths in Britain's national life, treating them often as guests who they wish would soon go home, even though their members are third generation citizens at least, or as children who should be seen but not heard at most of the national events to which they are invited. This tokenism is unacceptable and dangerous as it can result in alienation, especially of the young. A social and spiritual revolution is required. What is true of Britain is equally applicable to the rest of the West if humanity is globally to become a species worthy of its creator and of survival. We must also reconsider our views on the authenticity of other religions. ... Owen Cole's journey has led to him being an interfaith consultant to Archbishop Runcie, visiting Pakistan, India, Canada, the USA and Australia, sharing the hospitality of people of faith in the UK and abroad, to being a founder member of the influential Shap Working Party on World Religions in Education, and also serving on many national and interfaith committees.

It is now recognised that in a pluralistic world of which a multi-faith Britain is a part, it is important for everyone to understand the philosophies and practices of the world's different faiths. Six World Faiths reflects the multi-faith nature of society in its authorship and thus presents an introduction to inter-religious understanding which will provide people working and living in a multi-racial society with the knowledge necessary to appreciate each other's beliefs, practices and values. Under the co-ordination of Dr W. Cole, a founder member and past chairman of the Shap Working Party on World Religions in Education, six experts have each contributed chapters on his or her own religion.

Examines six major world religions - Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. Each chapter is written by a member of the faith concerned and the book offers an introduction for all those seeking an understanding of a multi-faith society.