Christian Religious Education (CRE) is taught in schools for several important reasons:
- Promoting tolerance and appreciation: CRE helps learners understand and respect the differences among people in society. It teaches them to tolerate one another and appreciate diversity, leading to better relationships and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Fostering national unity: CRE promotes national unity by teaching that all people, regardless of gender, race, or religion, were created by the same God. This awareness helps learners develop a sense of unity and shared values, contributing to a harmonious and cohesive society.
- Cultivating international consciousness: The study of CRE also promotes international consciousness by highlighting the fact that all human beings were created by the same God. This understanding encourages learners to value and respect people from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering global understanding and cooperation.
- Providing a career foundation: CRE provides an important background for entry into various careers and ambitions, such as law, clergy, CRE teaching, and administration. By studying the subject, learners gain knowledge about the Bible and its personalities, which can be relevant for future vocations.
- Exploring life’s mysteries: CRE helps explain certain mysteries in life, such as the origin of mankind and the reason for human mortality. It provides insights into questions of existence and purpose, allowing learners to develop a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.
- Developing moral, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being: CRE equips learners with basic principles and rules that guide personal development. It helps them acquire moral values, emotional intelligence, intellectual growth, and physical well-being, leading to a holistic and balanced life.
- Enhancing spiritual insight: CRE enables learners to acquire spiritual insight, which aids in making appropriate decisions when facing various life issues. It equips them with the knowledge and understanding to handle challenges such as drug abuse, incest, corruption, and homosexuality from a spiritual perspective.
- Appreciating the environment: CRE teaches learners to appreciate and understand the environment as the creation of God. It emphasizes the need for conservation, preservation, and care for the environment, promoting environmental awareness and responsible stewardship.
- Contributing to national goals of education: CRE aligns with the national goals of education, including patriotism and nationalism. By teaching learners about their religious heritage and values, it instills a sense of pride in their country and encourages active participation in nation-building.
In conclusion, CRE is taught in schools to promote tolerance, national unity, and international consciousness. It provides a foundation for various careers and ambitions, explores life’s mysteries, develops holistic well-being, enhances spiritual insight, and contributes to national goals of education. By studying CRE, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of religious beliefs and values, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and compassion.
