Encyclopedia of religious education

Unique in its field, the Encyclopaedia of Religious Education brings together in one indispensable reference volume an eclectic mixture of definitions and overviews covering a wide range of topics and ideas. This handy reference will be invaluable to all currently teaching or training to teach at primary level as well as co-ordinators, advisors, and teacher trainers.

Religion has taken a much higher profile in the media in recent years, particularly since 9/11. All students are required to study RE every week at school but the vast majority of teachers delivering this discipline are not subject specialists. There is a need for accurate source materials and for ones that present information and concepts in an empathetic manner to counter the frequent stereotyping which religions and their practitioners frequently suffer. In addition the breadth of religions required to be taught has expanded in the last three years and there are no materials to cover these.

As well as offering an introduction to religion itself and the ?Big Questions? to which RE relates, this indispensable new reference will also provide outline overviews of the nine recommended faiths for study: Baha?i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jain, Judaism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism. In addition it will include secular viewpoints (e.g. Humanism), new religious movements and other faiths/practices such as Rastafarianism and Pagan groups.

The Encyclopaedia also includes explanations of pedagogical terms associated with teaching and learning of primary RE. There are also commentaries of current issues in primary RE education, a who?s who of important current and historical figures and finally a top ten of key texts and research is included, as well further top 10s of influential figures, and difficult concepts.

• c. 400 entries
• religious definitons and pedagogical explanations/examples
• extensive commentaries of current issues in primary RE
• who?s who of current and historical figures
• top ten lists including influential figures, milestones in research and difficult concepts
• annotated further reading lists.