 The stock answer is, and this is delivered in an aggressive,
'where-have-you-been-for-the-last-58-years?' tone of voice, "Because the law says you have to."
Of course, that does not satisfy the average
teenager's insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Why does the law require us to do R.E.?
What is it for? Will it get me a job?
- R.E. is important because religious beliefs provide valuable views on life. Scientific knowledge offers no ideas about
the reason or purpose for our existence; religion does.
- Whether or not you have religious beliefs, most people do. If we are to inter-act properly with other people in society, then
we must have an appropriate understanding of their beliefs and consequent life-style.
"There are atheists and rationalists, who see nothing but folly in religions, and they can be too easily led into thinking,
therefore, that the exploration of religion is unimportant. This is an absurdity, since what moves men, whether it be foolish or wise,
justified or unjustified, good or evil, must vitally concern us if we wish to understand man's various responses to life."1
- In order to take one's place in adult society, therefore, it is essential to be aware of, and be able to respond to the different
beliefs and lifestyles of other people. Whether we agree with those beliefs or not, we still have to be neighbours to, work with,
and engage socially with those people.
- Further, by considering those ideas too, it may help us in our own quest for fulfilment. Eventually we need to know NOT
'What's the point of R.E.?' but 'What's the point of life?' We can have all the money and possessions in the world and still be
unhappy because we can see no purpose. Religion gives us insights in how to live life.
1"Background to the Long Search" 1977 Professor Ninian Smart |
Why do we have to do R.E.? (This is
usually asked in a whining voice and with the emphasis on 'have').