How RE teachers see religion - and why it can be bad for pupils

David R Smith, Graeme Nixon, Jo Pearce

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract / Description of output

Wherever you stand on Cliff Richard, his 1988 number one, with its message that “Christmas is love, Christmas is peace” and “a time to rejoice in the good that we see”, succinctly summarises the common festive view of Christianity. From Christmas music to cards to charity TV adverts, we are continually reminded at this time of year of the positive values that Christianity can promote: love, peace, giving, receiving – and seeing goodness in others.Many people would argue, however, that it is wrong to think of Christianity or any other faith in such purely positive terms. Religion can surely be a force for good and bad, depending on the message and the messenger. It is perfectly possible to celebrate the virtues of Christian compassion while recognising problems with everything from creationism to some religious attitudes to homosexuality.
Original languageEnglish
TypeBlog post
Media of outputOnline
PublisherThe Conversation
Publication statusPublished - 14 Dec 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • religion
  • Christmas
  • Christianity
  • Religious Rducation
  • Cliff Richard
  • religious extremism
  • fundamentalism

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