Forum: Religious education benefits students by raising cohesion across cultures
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The benefits of educating students in the tenets, beliefs, and practices of the religions of Singapore extend beyond directly combating misconceptions about religion that lead to radicalisation (Radicalised individuals are not ignorant of their faith, July 31).
Religious knowledge can improve students’ critical thinking and cultural competencies through discussing the beliefs of various faith traditions, while also strengthening our religious harmony.
As a Singaporean student, I have seen how misunderstandings about other religions can spark conflict and disagreement, while also limiting true interreligious understanding.
Of course, this necessitates that we move beyond the religious knowledge curriculum of yesteryear, and cover a diverse set of religions in the curriculum, as opposed to looking into individual faiths on their own.
I trust that my fellow Singaporean students, upon being exposed to the various religions and beliefs of their peers, will be more open to coexisting in our multicultural and multi-religious society.
Comparing the religious beliefs of world religions, while engaging in respectful discussion, is sure to improve students’ perspective-taking and critical thinking. Having a knowledge base of the religious sensitivities of others will also raise our cultural quotient and cohesion as a society.
The mitigatory effect against religious radicalisation is a nice side effect.
Adwin Lau Yu Tan, 17
Junior college year 2 student
