Bible Barriers In British Schools: Why British Schools Are Avoiding Popular Sacred Texts

Research from the Bible Society in Britain revealed that large numbers of schools are avoiding exposing students to popular sacred texts such as the Bible, Koran, and Torah.

But the same study revealed that almost two thirds of the 8- to 15-year-olds who were interviewed said that it was important to know about different religions. So why aren’t schools giving more religious lessons?

A report from the Telegraph said, according to the research, more than half of teachers lacked the confidence to incorporate sacred books in lessons.

The teachers’ reluctance stems from the fear that the religious lessons may be “taught inadequately or incorrectly, or create the perception that one religion is favoured over another.” According to the research, children were more likely to get religious lessons from Religious Education (RE) classes, but even this group of teachers is losing hope. One in 10 RE teachers expressed that they lacked the confidence to incorporate religious lessons in their teaching as well.

But the findings of the Bible Society are confusing because, as Yahoo! News reports, a separate survey had already indicated that 42 percent of school staff think teaching pupils more about the Bible and other sacred texts in schools would help youngsters’ social development, cross-cultural understanding and improve community relations.

Group chief executive of the Bible Society, James Catford, said it is not surprising that teachers believe giving lessons from sacred texts would be beneficial to students. He said an understanding of religion is essential to understanding and engaging in the modern world.

“Engaging with the Bible is essential to a good education. The Bible has not only shaped our politics, art, literature and music, it also helps change the lives of individuals and societies. We believe that every child has the right to encounter the Bible. We must work together to break down the barriers that prevent us from passing on the Bible in our schools for the benefit of future generations.”

The Bible Society study revealed that the Bible is more popular among British pupils, as 64 percent said they were familiar with the Christian text.

Yahoo! News reported that the next most commonly read were the Koran (25 percent) and the Torah (17 percent).

Amidst this, the research revealed that “weird,” “dangerous,” “old-fashioned,” and “threatening” are all words that students use to describe religious people.

The Inquisitir published an article in October which stated that some Christians are of the belief that the deadly Ebola virus throughout the world could qualify for the conditions that the Bible outlined for the end of the world. Is this an example of religion being “threatening” or “dangerous”? What are your views?

{Image courtesy of Bible Series TV}