Crisis, Controversy and the Future of Religious Education

L. Philip Barnes is Emeritus Reader in Religious and Theological Education, King’s College London. He is the author of Education, Religion and Diversity: Developing a New Model of Religious Education (2014), also published by Routledge.

'This thorough critique of recent thinking about religious education in England and Wales is apposite and timely. Barnes’ analysis is not only carefully argued, as one would expect of a trained philosopher, but also engaged, passionate and practical. He pays close attention to assumptions, argument and evidence in confronting what are often insufficiently self-critical – although very widely accepted – claims about what should constitute an educationally and ethically justified approach to RE in schools today. His criticisms are always interesting and often hit their targets. No one should attempt to enter the debate over the "crisis in RE" without first facing the challenges posed in this well written, lively and thought-provoking book.'- Professor Jeff Astley, Honorary Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion, and Professorial Fellow of St Chad's College, Durham University, UK; Visiting Professor of Religious and Spiritual Experience, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK; Visiting Professor, York St John University, UK'Barnes presents us with a timely, coherent and comprehensive critique of the present state of religious education. His book identifies the gaps to be addressed and is a very welcome contribution from a significant scholar in the field.'- James Arthur, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Staffing and Professor of Education and Civic Engagement at the University of Birmingham, UK; Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues'In the context of current radical challenges to religious education in public schools, Barnes reflects on the fundamental issues involved. He does so with such profundity and wide horizon that his analyses yield valuable insights and stimulations far beyond the UK situation.'- Professor Manfred L. Pirner, holder of the chair of religious education and director of the Research Unit for Public Religion and Education (RUPRE) at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.'Over the years, L Philip Barnes has been an important and robust commentator on the debates about Religious Education (RE) in British schools... In his latest monograph, he reflects on what he sees as the complacency and unwillingness to be self-critical among those who are influential in shaping the subject. The publisher describes the book as ‘critical, wide-ranging and provocative’. It is all those things and, I would add, an engaging read, well-written and insightful.'- Trevor Cooling, International Journal of Christianity & Education'No one should attempt to address the issue of school RE without first facing the challenges and insights contained within the covers of this timely, thorough, well-argued and thought-provoking book. Scholars and practitioners should warmly welcome it.'- Jeff Astley, British Journal of Religious Education'A magisterial survey of the reports and debates concerning the teaching of RE in our schools. It is commended as indispensable reading for a proper consideration of the subject and especially to those who, whether professionally or politically, are contending with these issues.'- Gerard G. Moate, ACT The Journal"The book is a well-written and important contribution in light of the present watershed moment in religious education" - Paul D. Melley, ET-Studies

• Acknowledgements About the Author Preface Introduction 1 What is Wrong with Religious Education? 2 Democracy, Ideology and a New World Order 3 Religious Studies, Religious Education and the Return of Theology 4 Human Rights, Values and Religious Freedom 5 Worldviews, Justice and Inclusion 6 Humanism, Worldviews and Hermeneutics 7 Religious Education and a Statutory National Religious Education Curriculum 8 Compulsion, Conscience and the Right of Withdrawal 9 The Holy, the Idea of the Holy and Religious Education 10 Towards the Future Bibliography Index