Inter-religious dialogue in schools: A pedagogical and civic unavoidability

Abstract

Social and civic conflict inspired by the fundamental convictions of different religious groups seems to be rife all over the world, also in schools. One way of addressing this problem is to promote inter-religious dialogue. To establish the viability of this solution, the authors take several steps. They analyze the phenomenon “religion” and discover that it is constituted of several layers or levels that have to be accounted for in the proposed inter-religious dialogue in schools. After discussing the term “dialogue” they consider several approaches to religious diversity or plurality to find a suitable basis for the proposed inter-religious dialogue in schools. Based on these analyses, the authors argue that schools (teacher-educators and learners) should be allowed to engage in inter-religious dialogue as part of their pedagogical and civic duty. This will ensure a better understanding of others and their religions, also at the deepest spiritual level. Such comprehension can contribute to the more peaceful co-existence of people in religiously pluralist societies

Mediation as a Leadership Strategy to Deal with Conflict in Schools

“…Its intention was to encourage schools to promote reconciliation -to bridge the religious divide through a greater understanding of others (DoE, 2001), to ensure peace and tolerance amongst learners belonging to widely different religious affiliations (Abdool et al., 2007), to help learners understand the colourful religious heritage of the country, thus developing respect for other human beings while simultaneously closing the geographical and religious gap between various communities in the country -a space created in the name of civilisation and Christianity (Mkhatshwa,1998). Put differently, the ultimate aim of the policy is to promote religious freedom, pluralism, diversity, tolerance, respect, justice, compassion and commitment in young South Africans (DoE, 2001).…”

Is it possible to be accommodative of other religions as a school principal?

“…Its intention is to encourage schools to promote reconciliation-to bridge the religious divide through a greater understanding of others (DoE 2001), to ensure peace and tolerance amongst learners belonging to widely different religious affiliations (Abdool et al 2007), to help learners understand the colourful religious heritage of the country, thus developing respect for other human beings while simultaneously closing the geographical and religious gap between various communities in the country-a space created in the name of civilisation and Christianity (Mkhatshwa 1998).…”

“…Put differently, the ultimate aim of the policy is to promote religious freedom, pluralism, diversity, tolerance, respect, justice, compassion and commitment in young South Africans (Abdool et al 2007). In spite of its clearly educational aims (Chidester 2003), the religion policy in schools provoked a storm of controversy (Chisholm 2005).…”

Religion in education: is there yet another solution?

“…Other Christian educationists have positioned themselves on the side of the rule of God, convinced that his rule cannot be restricted to only the private spheres of people's lives but should be recognised and confessed also in the public sphere, including the public or state schools (cf. Fowler, 1991:79-80;Abdool et al, 2007;De Klerk-Luttig & Van der Walt, 2008;Valenkamp, 2008;Van der Walt et al, 2008;Wolhuter et al, 2009). …”