Cole Sahib : The Story of a Multifaith Journey

ISBN-13: 9781845193362 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 204 str.

W Owen Cole

Opis

Owen Cole has taught at all stages of education from primary school to university. He began his teaching career as a very conventional Christian supporting the daily act of collective worship punctiliously and arguing with head teachers who did not observe the requirement that they were breaking the law. The content of Religious Education (RE) was Christian and its purpose to persuade children of its truth if not to convert them. His dogmatic approach changed radically in the light of experience. The author is now of the firm opinion of a need to be pragmatic. He would abolish school worship whilst opening up RE further to a broad study of beliefs and values with the aim of enabling pupils to become religiate, in the same way that they should be literate and numerate. Schools should be places where diversity of culture and belief can be explored and celebrated. Although religion is at the core of Owen Cole's journey it is clear that he believes that since the end of empire Britain has lacked vision and the religious and political classes are still clinging to the world of yesterday rather than recognising, embracing and cherishing our multifaith society. The year 1945, which saw the beginning of the end of empire, is far away and fast receding but parliament and the churches still behave as though it lies in the future. They give little place or attention to other faiths in Britain's national life, treating them often as guests who they wish would soon go home, even though their members are third generation citizens at least, or as children who should be seen but not heard at most of the national events to which they are invited. This tokenism is unacceptable and dangerous as it can result in alienation, especially of the young. A social and spiritual revolution is required. What is true of Britain is equally applicable to the rest of the West if humanity is globally to become a species worthy of its creator and of survival. We must also reconsider our views on the authenticity of other religions. Owen Cole's journey has led to him being an interfaith consultant to Archbishop Runcie, visiting Pakistan, India, Canada, the USA and Australia, sharing the hospitality of people of faith in the UK and abroad, to being a founder member of the influential Shap Working Party on World Religions in Education, and also serving on many national and interfaith committees."