Religious Education and the Public Sphere

Patricia Hannam is County Inspector/Adviser for Religious Education, History and Philosophy, Hampshire County Council, and active in educational research.

"This important book makes a significant contribution to the debates about the place of religious education in contemporary society. Hannam presents an eloquent and well-informed argument, drawing together a range of thinkers that have shaped debates about the place of religious education in public life over recent decades as well as theorists hitherto unexplored in mainstream discussions of religious education, notably that of Hannah Arendt. The book reveals the pernicious influence of some of the key assumptions underpinning RE theory and practice, namely a conception of religion as propositional and a notion of education as limited to the development of reason and knowledge. Hannam’s fine book will be of great interest to educationalists examining the place of religion and religious education in contemporary society. Student teachers will find a trove of insight and inspiration within these pages."Dr David Lewin, Lecturer in Philosophy of Education, University of Strathclyde."Patricia Hannam offers new perspectives on the history of religious education (RE) in England. She employs the work of Hannah Arendt to outline a fresh understanding of the point and purpose of education, draws upon Simone Weil to champion an existential understanding of living a religious life, and outlines her own suggestions for a renewal of RE in the public sphere. It is good to examine assumptions that may lurk behind what we are saying about RE. It is good to hear female voices that challenge the knowledge transfer model of education, stress the importance of experience, and empower the individual pupil while valuing collaboration. I appreciated the critique of an instrumentalist education deadened by predetermined outcomes, and the importance of the creative teacher who does far more than ‘deliver’ curriculum or facilitate the development of skills. There was much food for thought here and a welcome re-examination of our complex but fascinating field. I would recommend scholars, teacher trainers, teachers, student teachers and anyone interested in the interface of religion and education to engage with the challenges provided by Hannam’s analysis."Denise Cush, Professor of Religion and Education, Bath Spa University.

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction Part 1 - An historical analysis of religious education in the public sphere1. The root of the problem 2. Three influential theoretical positions 3. Some contemporary responses to old problems Part 2 - Addressing assumptions 4. Reconceptualising education5. What does it mean to be religious?Part 3 - New possibilities for religious education? Introduction6. What should religious education aim to achieve in the public sphere?7. Practical considerations: what might this mean for the teacher? 8. Epilogue and some practical considerations: what might this mean for a religious education curriculum? BibliographyIndex