On On Teaching Religious StudiesTeaching Religious Studies

Mary Lahaj

The Way I Plan to Teach Religious Studies Goes The Way I Plan to Teach Religious Studies Goes Beyond Just Reading From a Textbook…Beyond Just Reading From a Textbook…

In this short presentation, I’ll discussIn this short presentation, I’ll discuss

* My approach to teaching religion,* My approach to teaching religion,

* Some beliefs and ideals that inform and motivate * Some beliefs and ideals that inform and motivate me, me,

* Some of the challenges of both teaching religion * Some of the challenges of both teaching religion and living in a globalized, diverse world, and living in a globalized, diverse world,

* And my approach to tackling these challenges.* And my approach to tackling these challenges.

I present the beliefs of a religion the way they are presented by those who follow it, e.g. “Muslims believe that Jesus is the Messiah.”

I Apply a Phenomenological Approach to I Apply a Phenomenological Approach to Teaching ReligionTeaching Religion

The story of humanity begins with Adam because being human is our first identity.

“We all need bread and a name (all 6 billion of us). We are all more human and more alike than we regularly affirm.”

The Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill

“Loving and respecting humanity merely because they are human is an expression of love and respect for the Almighty Creator.” Turkish scholar, Fethullah Gulen

I Believe That Humanity Precedes ReligionI Believe That Humanity Precedes Religion

“Religion begins with a consciousness that something is asked of us. It is in that tense, eternal asking in which the soul is caught and in which man’s answer is elicited.”

Abraham Joshua Heschel

I See Value in Connecting Deeply With One’s I See Value in Connecting Deeply With One’s Spiritual ConsciousnessSpiritual Consciousness

“I draw sustenance from images of pluralism… Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marching with MLK in Selma, saying it felt like he was praying with his legs. MLK, the Baptist minister consulting with the Hindu Gandhi. Gandhi sitting alongside Abdul Ghaffar Kahn in Indian villages, reciting alternately, the Qur’an and the Bhagavad Gita, insisting that the “word of God be heard.”

Eboo Patel

I Admire Historical Figures Who Have Acted I Admire Historical Figures Who Have Acted on Their Faith & Discovered Each Otheron Their Faith & Discovered Each Other

The Challenges of Teaching Religion are Related to The Challenges of Teaching Religion are Related to the Challenges of Living in a Pluralistic Societythe Challenges of Living in a Pluralistic Society

Diversity is a reality, but accepting those that are different from ourselves is not easy

Grouping people by religion requires delicate care—sweeping generalizations never tell the whole story

Extremists have the tendency to dominate the public discourse, but moderate voices need to be heard

BERLIN (AFP) – “Germany's attempt to create a multi-cultural society has failed completely,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We feel tied to Christian values. Those who don't accept them don't have a place here."

Rev. William Coffin (Yale)

“Diversity is the most difficult thing to live with and the most dangerous thing to live without.”

The Need to Address Diversity Constructively The Need to Address Diversity Constructively is Timely, and Success is Vitalis Timely, and Success is Vital

Thich Nhat Hanh“I believe with all my heart that …our enemies

are not man. They are intolerance, fanaticism, dictatorship, cupidity, hatred and discrimination that lie within the heart of man.”

Reverend Dr. Robert Cummings Neville“Warfare against those demons is at the heart of

our spiritual lives.”

Teaching About Religion in a Balanced Way Teaching About Religion in a Balanced Way Requires Engagement with Religious ExtremismRequires Engagement with Religious Extremism

Here is a sample of common beliefs shared by the three Abrahamic traditions.

Monotheism Prayer Justice ProphetsHoly Books Fasting Modesty Angels

Moral & Ethical Values Day of Judgment Laws Free will Submission

Love of God & Neighbor (the other)

My Solution, My Purpose, and My Goal Are:My Solution, My Purpose, and My Goal Are:Education, Education, and EducationEducation, Education, and Education

““Faith in its ultimate dimension is not the affirmation of truth. Faith is a lifetime of gratitude.”

Dr. Bijlefeld, Hartford Seminary

Contact: Mary Lahaj 978-394-0335

Marylahaj@gmail.com