Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

R.E.

There has been a great deal of controversy earlier in the week about whether RE lessons in schools should be expanded to include teaching on atheism. A left-leaning independent think-tank has brought out a report recommending precisely that.

It has caused a stormy reaction

Although a believer myself, I have long thought that Religious Education taught badly is probably one of the turn-offs of the century. In that case maybe it would be better not to inflict it on our children at all. But taught well it can change a child’s life. And at a time when social cohesion is showing signs of unravelling at the edges, when more and more people are looking for a compass to guide their lives, now is not the time to further dilute the value system that has defined our culture for 2,000 years.

So I would go in the opposite direction – not water down the great teachings that can be a source of wisdom and guidance, but actually try and teach them better.

Whether or not anyone believes Jesus of Nazareth was divine is a matter of personal choice and should not be taught by state schools. However, it is a well-established historical fact that he lived and said things that turned the world upside down.

And what did he say? In an action packed three-year period he came up with some remarkable insights.

For example, that a good code for life is to treat others as you want to be treated yourself. If every school child could be taught that simple principle, there would be much more respect and tolerance in our society. He taught that we should love our neighbour as ourselves. In the midst of a self-obsessed “me” generation, is this not a voice that needs to be heard?

He also hammered home the point that each of us is unique, special and of value just as we are. If this were more widely known perhaps we would have fewer teenagers struggling with self worth and starving themselves to get their naturally size 14 bodies into a size 10 pair of jeans, just to be cool.

I am pleased that this debate has broken out. We must constantly review the way we teach our children to give them the best chance of achieving their potential. But we would be foolish to abandon principles that have shaped our freedoms and helped make Britain great. What do you think – mail@garystreeter.co.uk

posted by Nigel on Thursday, March 04, 2004