Alternative Schooling Styles : Religious and Cultural

Ancient Wisdom, Tradition, and Sound Moral Instruction

A religious education is directed by a traditional, organized system of beliefs. It is concerned with existence (being), spirituality (transcendence of the soul), and morality (right living). It helps make sense of the world and gives meaning and purpose to life. It explains joy and sorrow and gives a map to the good life. It helps us understand where we came from, where we are going, and how to live during the journey.

Looked at this way, a religious education is the ultimate "back to basics" program.

In this style the pupil studies not only the sacred beliefs of his forefathers, but their culture as well. This is because culture -- the sum of human work, thought, institutions, and social patterns -- is heavily influenced by religion. Culture in turn supports its religion, helping people live as they believe they should.

This style is teacher-directed and can be used in private or home schools. Examples are Catholic schools, Protestant schools, Jewish schools, Greek schools, Welsh schools, and Friends schools. As you might imagine, there is a large selection of curricula and guide books available, from conservative to progressive and everything in between. A curriculum might be loaded with courses specifically about religion and culture, or may contain conventional courses -- math, history, science, language, etc. -- which are taught in a way favorable to a certain worldview.

Religious and Cultural education, like classical education, is concerned primarily with making a life, not a living. Older students need to add modern science and "practical" or vocational studies to their curriculum.

Resources and Curricula