Introduction to Religious Education

Introduction

Religious Education helps learners understand religious beliefs, practices and values and how they guide behaviour. The Kenyan Senior School CBC (KICD) curriculum offers Christian, Islamic or Hindu Religious Education, and all promote respect, tolerance and national unity. Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom of worship.

What is religion?

Religion is a system of beliefs and practices about a supreme being or sacred power, and a way of life based on those beliefs. It answers questions like: Where did we come from? How should we live? What happens after death?

Elements of religion

• Belief in God or a supreme power
• Worship through prayer, songs and rituals
• Sacred writings and teachings
• Religious leaders
• Moral code guiding behaviour
• Community of believers and holy places

Major religions in Kenya

• Christianity - Bible; Jesus Christ; worship in churches.
• Islam - Qur'an; Prophet Muhammad; worship in mosques; the Five Pillars.
• Hinduism - Vedas and Bhagavad Gita; temples.
• African Traditional Religion (ATR) - belief in one God, ancestors and spirits; oral teaching, shrines and sacred places such as mountains and trees.
• Others include Buddhism, Sikhism and the Bahai faith.

Sources of religious teaching

Sacred books, oral traditions, teachings of leaders and prophets, and religious practices and rituals. All faiths respect their holy writings.

Reasons for studying Religious Education

• Develop moral and spiritual values
• Respect people of different faiths
• Promote peace and national unity
• Help make wise life decisions
• Appreciate cultural heritage

Shared values across religions

Honesty, love, kindness, justice, forgiveness, respect for life, hard work and care for creation. The Golden Rule appears in many forms: do to others what you would like done to you.

Role of religion in society

• Provides education and healthcare through schools and hospitals
• Guides conduct and reduces crime
• Reconciles communities in conflict
• Supports the needy and orphans
• Marks important life events: birth, marriage and death

Responsible religious living

Respect others' beliefs, avoid religious extremism, use religious ideas to serve communities, and practise tolerance in a diverse country like Kenya.

Worked example 1

A classmate belongs to a different faith and fasts during a religious season. How should you respond? Answer: Respect his or her practice, avoid teasing, and be considerate, e.g. not eating in front of those fasting.

Worked example 2

Explain how religion encourages peace. Answer: It teaches forgiveness, love for neighbours and justice, and religious leaders mediate in conflicts.

Try it

• List the places of worship found near your school.
• Interview a leader of another faith about one core belief.
• Write three values taught by your religion and how you practise them.
• Explain why religious tolerance matters in Kenya.