Religious education involves instruction in the beliefs of a particular religion. This type of education is the work of organized religions, through their school and religious organizations. Religious education may also be defined as general education that follows religious instructions and ideals.
Public schools
in the United States have sometimes offered religious instruction to students through various arrangements. But many people feel that such instruction violates the principle of the separation of church and state.
Various court decisions have affected religious education in the public schools. In the 1948 case of Illinois ex rel. McCollum v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that religious instruction could not be conducted within public school buildings. In the 1962 case of Engel v. Vitale, the court forbade public schools to require the recitation of prayers. A year later, in School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp, the court banned school-sponsored prayers and Bible readings even if student participation in them was voluntary (see School prayer ).
All three of these Supreme Court rulings held that religious activities in public schools violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment guarantees freedom of religion and separation of church and state (see Freedom of religion ). However, the Supreme Court said that public schools could teach about religion if they did so without favoring some beliefs over others. As a result, many schools in the United States introduced courses in comparative religion, the study of various faiths. Other courses dealt with the role of religion in history or with the Bible and other religious writings as literature.
Since the late 1940’s, there has been new interest in religious education given during school hours in classes held outside the school. Churches or religious organizations pay the cost of such instruction, called release-time instruction. The school merely arranges for the time. Some communities release pupils from regular school hours so that they may attend such classes in the faith of their choice. These classes are taught by special teachers provided by the religious groups. These groups also provide the lesson materials. However, this practice is declining in popularity.
There are differences of opinion as to the merits of this system. Some parents say their children are embarrassed by it. If they belong to no particular church, they may not wish to attend these classes. In that case, their classmates may point to them as “different.” Other parents feel it is not the function of the school to teach the doctrines of any religion, or to provide the time for such instruction.
Private education.
Many religious groups have their own educational buildings. Roman Catholic and some Protestant groups maintain grade schools, high schools, and colleges. Such schools offer both secular and religious courses. Some Jewish elementary schools, high schools, and colleges have been established. Jewish synagogues and temples offer instruction in religious subjects and Hebrew to children after school hours and on Sunday mornings. The various religious groups educate their own leaders for teaching their doctrines. See Parochial school .
The Roman Catholic Church conducts religion classes at least once a week for students attending non-Catholic schools. The classes present oral and written instruction in the doctrines of the Catholic faith. Many Protestant churches offer similar classes. Some of these classes, held in a series, are concluded by a ceremony called confirmation.
In Protestant churches, one of the chief methods for religious education is the Sunday school. The modern Sunday school uses specially prepared programs and lessons, such as the International Sunday School Lessons. These courses present graded lesson materials. Other material includes religious history and background, problems in living, and ideals as taught in the Bible and interpreted today. Some churches also sponsor vacation Bible schools. These schools offer religious education for one or more weeks during summer vacation.
Children who do not attend church seldom receive any formal religious education. However, their parents may educate them in their own religious beliefs and teach them from the Bible.
Career opportunities.
The clergy and various religious orders offer the best opportunities for religious education. Churches may give training for students interested in this type of work. Most students attend college for a general background and continue specific study at a seminary. There, they study religion and related subjects, as well as educational techniques. With this training, they can preach, instruct, and counsel, as well as perform other duties that are connected with the field of religious education.
Persons serving in religious education may teach religion classes in colleges, lead educational programs for such organizations as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), or teach in missionary schools. Some churches have a director of religious education who is responsible for planning and directing the church’s overall program of religious education. These officials usually work with the pastor of the church. They direct and supervise the Sunday school and other activities, such as adult classes, teacher training classes, club programs, family life education, and home Bible classes. Most people holding such positions have studied religious education. Some of them have attended a seminary and have graduated as ordained ministers.
Educators in religious education may also work with young people. The director of children’s work handles the religious program of children up to the age of 12. A director of youth work plans and guides the study, worship, and recreation of junior and senior high-school students. Other religious education that is directly connected with the church includes supervising or teaching in weekday church schools and instructing Sunday school classes.
Religious education also includes such work as publishing, editing, or writing religious literature. Many churches and religious organizations sponsor regular publications. Some may be magazines or newspapers on a national level. Others may be intended for local or parish work. Some groups publish books and pamphlets for general use or for educational purposes. So-called “inspirational” novels may also form part of educational programs. Many newspapers and magazines publish articles and columns written by religious educators.
