Religious Education

The term religious education can be understood in different ways, however, when the term is used by people in the UK they are generally referring to the religious education lessons that are taught in schools. However, some people may be referring to Sunday school when they use the term religious education; although in the UK the term religious instruction is generally preferred when referring to Sunday school or a similar religious class so as to avoid confusion with the secular religious education that takes place in schools.

The religious education that children in the UK receive in school will typically approach religion from a neutral secular perspective. Religious education in schools will generally focus on several different religions and children will be taught about the ceremonies and customs of these religions. Religions are not condoned in religious education classes as particular care must be taken not to offend people. Many people criticise compulsory religious education in schools, however learning about various religions from an objective perspective can help to promote multiculturalism in our society.

Religious education is studied at many different levels in the UK. Many school ages children will have compulsory religious education classes, but it is also available as an A level subject too. Some people will even go on to study religious education at a degree levels and there are many notable academics with doctorates in the subject.