Forum: Consider structured religious education to counter extreme narratives online
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I read with interest the article “2 S’poreans, including student, 19, issued ISA orders over radicalisation triggered by Gaza war” (June 24).
The cases underscore a challenge confronting societies worldwide. Young people today increasingly learn about religion, politics and global conflicts through social media, online influencers and AI-generated content rather than from structured and credible sources.
Singapore discontinued religious knowledge in schools decades ago. At the time, there were concerns about maintaining secularism and preventing religion from becoming a source of division.
However, the information environment today is vastly different from that of the 1980s. A teenager can now encounter online discussions about the crusades, jihad and sectarian conflict long before encountering balanced explanations from historians, religious scholars or educators.
In the absence of proper context, complex historical and theological issues can be reduced to simplistic narratives that fuel misunderstanding, resentment and, in extreme cases, radicalisation.
The challenge is not that young people are learning too much about religion. It may be that they are learning too little, and from the wrong sources.
This is why there may be merit in revisiting some form of structured religious literacy programme. Such an initiative need not resemble the old religious knowledge curriculum, nor should it promote any particular faith. Instead, it could introduce students to the major religious traditions, their histories, values and contributions to civilisation, while equipping them with the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate competing claims encountered online.
Education alone cannot eliminate extremism. Nevertheless, a society whose citizens possess a deeper understanding of religion, history and culture is likely to be more resilient against those who seek to weaponise identity and exploit ignorance.
In an era where algorithms increasingly shape beliefs, religious literacy may be an important safeguard for social cohesion and national security.
Irwan Jamil
