In South Africa, where faith communities weave a vibrant tapestry, the line between religion education (RE) and religious education (religious instruction) gets blurry. The South African Secular Society (SASS) believes that only one belongs in public schools.
Religion Education: A Kaleidoscope of Faiths
Imagine a classroom buzzing with curiosity about Hindu Diwali celebrations, Buddhist meditation practices, Humanist beliefs and Christian theological debates. This is the essence of Religion Education (RE). It’s an academic study of diverse religious traditions, beliefs and practices, fostering critical thinking, tolerance, and historical awareness.
In the CAPs curriculum the Intermediate Phase (Gr 4 – 6) includes a study of the major religions found in South Africa. This falls within the Life Skills subject.
In Senior Phase (Gr 7- 9) Life Orientation includes a study of the roles of various religions as part of constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Religion Studies is a subject in the FET phase (Gr 10 – 12) and it examines a variety of religions. SASS welcomes the “analysis of secular worldviews with reference to the definition of religion and universal dimensions of religion: atheism, agnosticism, humanism and materialism.” Indigenous knowledge systems are also valued.
However very few public schools offer the subject.
RE doesn’t endorse any specific faith. Rather, it equips students to navigate the religious landscape with informed perspectives. SASS supports the principle of learners learning about all religions.
Benefits of RE
- Interfaith Dialogue: Learners learn to respect and appreciate differences, building bridges across faith divides.
- Ethical Grounding: Exploring diverse religious values shapes moral compasses and guides responsible citizenship.
- Critical Thinking Skills: RE encourages questioning, analysis, and respectful debate, nurturing intellectual flexibility.
- Cultural Understanding: Unpacking the cultural contexts of religions fosters empathy and understanding of South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry.
Religious Instruction: Anchoring in Faith
On the other side of the fence stands religious instruction. Religious instruction is instruction in a particular faith or belief, with a view to preparing children and adult converts to practice a specific faith. It aims to deepen personal belief and understanding, guiding learners within the tenets of their chosen religion. Prayers, rituals, and scripture study are central, nurturing faith development and spiritual growth.
Religious instruction should take place in the home and within religious organisations such as temples, mosques or churches.
According to the National Policy on Religion and Education religious instruction may not be part of the formal school programme in public schools.
Non-religious learners
SASS maintains that, in pursuit of equality, schools must support children of non-believing parents, or learners who themselves disbelieve in any religion in particular, as well as followers of other religions. Furthermore, schools must afford learners the option of opting out of specific religious observances, or enabling them to practice their own religious observances free from coercion, humiliation or discrimination.
SASS offers assistance to parents or learners in reporting religious discrimination in government schools. Refer to our website for more details.
Challenges and Controversies:
- Finding Neutrality: RE’s objective approach can challenge some who seek faith-based education for their children.
- Teacher Training: Equipping educators to be able to teach Religion Education requires specialised training and resources.
- Differing Needs: Balancing the diverse needs of learners from various faiths while respecting parental preferences can be demanding.
Striving for a Balanced Equation
Finding the sweet spot between RE and religious instruction is crucial. Open communication between schools, parents, and religious communities can build trust and address concerns.
Teacher training, sensitive curriculum development, and respect for individual and communal needs are essential ingredients in this delicate equation.
Ultimately, both RE and religious instruction have a role to play in shaping South Africa’s future citizens. By fostering understanding, respect, and critical thinking, both approaches can contribute to a more tolerant, informed, and harmonious society.
The above discussion focusses on religion in South African government schools. Private schools have more freedom in allowing specific religious beliefs and practices to form part of the life of the school.