INTRODUCTION

The teaching of Religious Education at Cranleigh Preparatory School

In today's world there are many religions.  Although each religion is different, they all share similarities and they all confront similar issues.  People either through ‘faith' or otherwise ask questions about meaning and value, in a search for truth.  The major world religions seek to put these questions into context.  We look at how each religion answers such questions.

Everyone has beliefs of some kind.  How do we know what to believe?  How do we use evidence to decide what is true? The impression given today is that answers to all questions can be found exclusively through science.  However as humans, there is another side to our nature - the spiritual aspect, which science cannot easily explain.  We seek to identify how the spiritual needs of people today are awakened, channelled and satisfied.

Looking for ways of understanding their world leads everyone to have beliefs, whether or not they are religious.  Some people believe in ‘God', a ‘Divine Being' and state that truth has been given or revealed by God in a variety of ways; through special people, sacred writing, worship and extraordinary experiences.  Others either reject or are unsure about belief in God.  They point to the challenges to religious belief raised by continuing developments in new areas of science.  Despite all the wonderful scientific advances, it is religion which provides the world with optimism, of life after death.  One of the greatest mysteries that the world religions have to face is ‘Why do people suffer'.  The world is full of news of disaster, of hurt, of suffering.  Yet we often see individuals, throughout their lives and despite terrible experiences, acting with courage, sacrifice, understanding and compassion.

Religious Education is a living subject which demands a dialogue between pupil and teacher.  It seeks to pose questions about God and the purpose of life, involves a great deal of reflective and critical thinking and leads us towards an important part of ourselves, namely the spiritual side or our nature.