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Milestones
WHY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS

IMPORTANT IN OUR

CHILDREN'S LIFE ?

R eligious education (RE) assists OUR CHILDREN in forming values and
beliefs that are reflected in behaviors and communication. For exam-
ple, when approached with an ethical or moral dilemma, people with
religious education can reflect on the teachings of the church to make a deci-
sion that is in line with their values and beliefs.
Religious education is also important because the information prompts
people to challenge ideas and questions about their purpose in life, their beliefs
about God and what it means to coexist with others in a peaceful environment.
The knowledge offers guidance for how to behave in line with religious tradi-
tions and world views of the church, and often prompts people to put others
before themselves and give back to the community through financial, physical
and social support.
Religious education teaches OUR CHILDREN about the history of the world
through the eyes of Christianity, and encourages them to acknowledge and Tomy Kunnasseril
understand different values, traditions and religious beliefs that exist within
various cultures. Many times, religious education also prompts people to eval- Director of Religious Education
uate issues of truth, ethics and faith within their personal lives, ESPECIALLY IN
OUR CASE THE VALUES AND TRADITIONS OF OUR KNANAYA CULTURE.
RE contributes significantly, indeed uniquely, to the education of the whole
person. Defined in a way that is appropriate for the young person's age and Religious education teaches
stage of development, good RE honors the freedom of conscience of the young OUR CHILDREN about the
person while revering their family faith or belief traditions and expectations.
RE in SUNDAY SCHOOLS/ REGULAR schools contributes not only to the personal history of the world through
reflection and development of young people, but should also heighten respect the eyes of Christianity, and
for the beliefs of the other and help build a diverse but cohesive society. To
neglect RE MEANS to neglect MORAL FUTURE OF OUR YOUNG GENERATION. encourages them to
IN CONCLUSION RE CAN HELP YOUNGER GENERATION TO EQUIP WITH THE acknowledge and
·
FOLLOWING WHILE THEY MEET CHALLENGES IN THEIR DAY TO DAY LIFE. understand different
Provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose
of life, beliefs about God, the self, the nature of reality, issues of right and values, traditions and
·
wrong and what it means to be human. religious beliefs that exist
Enhances pupils' awareness of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices
and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religion on individuals, within various cultures.
·
families, communities and cultures. Many times, religious
Encourages CHILDREN to learn from different religions, beliefs, values
·
and traditions, while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. education also prompts
Challenges pupils to reflect on, consider, analyze, interpret and evaluate
·
issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their response. people to evaluate issues of
Encourage pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It
enables them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens truth, ethics and faith within
·
in a pluralistic society and global community. their personal lives,
Has an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and
·
lifelong learning. ESPECIALLY IN OUR CASE
THE VALUES AND
Enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in partic-
ular those whose faith and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes dis- TRADITIONS OF OUR
cernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice.
KNANAYA CULTURE.

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