Revision of Religion and Young People Unit LO: To revise everything covered in the unit on Religion and Young People

First … Most necessary: Key terms Religious references Find some to share in a Speed Learning activity.

We have covered: Birth ceremonies in religion, with a focus on Jatakarma and Namakarana Ceremonies of commitment, with a focus on the Sacred Thread ceremony Generation gap, marginalisation and influences on young people (e.g. peer pressure) Young people and rights (the UN declaration) Young people and schools – the role of faith schools, and the debate over whether religion should be taught in schools Activities of faith groups for young people, and the reasons for why they do them Relevance of religion for young people (is it difficult to follow in today’s world?) and the reasons why young people join them

Can you remember how to define these key terms? Generation Gap Marginalisation Peer pressure Secular society Empowerment Purpose Brotherhood/sisterhood The reason behind something Society which is not driven by religious or spiritual ideas treat someone or a group as insignificant or unimportant Lack of understanding between people of different ages A community of people linked to a common interest Being influenced or pressured by people who are the same age as you To feel enabled or confident for doing something

Ceremonies – Peer learning. Teach each other the following: What is Jatakarma and Namakarana? What happens at the Sacred Thread Ceremony? Jatakarma – happens as soon after birth as possible. The father puts ghee (butter) mixed with honey on the baby’s tongue. This is in the hope that the baby will have a good nature. The father will also whisper the name ‘Brahman’ into the babies ear, so that the baby is welcomed into the faith. Namakarana is the name giving ceremony. The baby is dressed in new clothes. An astrologer will read the child’s horoscope, which he has prepared after the child was born, and the name will be announced.

What is Jatakarma and Namakarana? What happens at the Sacred Thread Ceremony? Sacred Thread Ceremony: This marks the transition to adulthood and commitment to the Hindu faith. In this ceremony, the young boy is given the sacred thread which consists of three strands. These symbolise three vows: The duty to promote knowledge The duty to respect elders The duty towards society It initiates the child into the student ashrama stage, where the young adult must learn the rules and rituals of Hinduism, and must live a life of simplicity, celibacy and self-discipline Ceremonies – Peer learning. Teach each other the following:

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Interviews Prepare an interview in small groups outlining the debate over faith schools. You must include the following in your interview: Reasons for and against religion being taught in schools Reasons for and against having faith schools Reasons why young people join religion (include advantages and disadvantages and mention some activities put on for young people) Some of you will be selected to show your work to the class

Debate – Religion should not be taught in schools Points For Young people should not be pressurised Religion has be banned in some countries. The same should happen here. Everyone should be allowed to make up their own minds whether or not they want to know about religion Religion is a personal thing, and should remain a private affair Religion is not always taught well in schools. It should be left to Religious leaders Points Against It is the only opportunity to learn about beliefs from different faiths Helps overcome ignorance and prejudice Helps people to understand ethical issues Some people might not get any religious teaching outside school We live in an increasingly multi- cultural society, and so the need to know about Religion is becoming greater What you believe has a big impact on how you live your life, so studying about beliefs must be important in school

Faith schools Some reasons for: 1. To help children be educated in the faith 2. To remember the culture and identity of a particular religious group within society 3. A parent should have the freedom to choose which type of school their children go to 4. Faith schools have higher moral standards compared to non-faith schools Some reasons against: 1. Some say that faith schools promote division rather than community cohesion 2. There may be a danger of teachings being biased taught in faith schools, as opposed to state ones 3. Pupils should never be pressured to believe a particular view

How difficult? Advantages and disadvantages How difficult is it to become a member of a faith group in the modern world? VERY DIFFICULT Many distractions in a secular society Following a religion is hard if your friends do not Peer pressure Possible isolation Others don’t understand because they don’t believe in God NOT SO DIFFICULT People enjoy the brotherhood or sisterhood of religion Gain a sense of belonging from joining a religious community which is helpful We have the freedom to worship in Britain, without persecution Many pluses, including special activities organised for young people. E.g. Newday

Exam practise 1. What is meant by the generation gap? (1 mark) 2. Give two reasons why many young people join a religion. (2 marks) 3. ‘Religion should not be taught in schools.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3 marks) 4. Explain, using examples, why faith groups provide special activities for young people. (6 marks) 5. ‘It is difficult for young people to follow a religion in today’s world.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. (6 marks)

Consolidate Prepare a summative speech giving an overview of some of the things covered in the orange textbook Animal Rights Early Life Prejudice War and Peace Young people

Next presentation Ravi and Alex (Young People)