Freedom and Authority in Religious and Religious Education

Abstract

Contributors to Freedom and Authority in Religions and Religious Education address the issues arising out of the tensions which exist between freedom and authority, both within and between different religions. One of these tensions is between instruction and discovery when introducing young people to the beliefs and practices of a religious tradition and it is a concern shared by both teachers of religious education (RE) in schools and the faith communities themselves. The book acknowledges that not all the tensions can be resolved but insists that they can be understood. The inclusion of RE in the school curriculum is seen as the best means of promoting such understanding, provided it recognises the importance of RE for those with no religious belief and is inclusive of the study of secular humanism and all the major faith traditions.