‘Religion in Britain: Challenges for Higher Education.

Religion and knowledge of religion in UK universities I have learnt that there is still a great number of students who are still practising religion in the UK, as some of the older universities are fading religion out. Some who are still participating allowing students to worship weekly. Its good as it will keep those ones still dedicated committed and encouraged to do so with other like-minded peers. Its great the option is still there. So it hasn’t been faded out completely. It would benefit those religious students of faith to be mindful of the Universities they choose.

The public sphere.

It is evident that Christianity and faith has declined over the years and a lot more categories/practises have evolved and has slowly found its way into connecting with mankind. With all of the additions and ways of life, some may seem confused and for others it’s a way of life and if newly found an answer or stable pathway for life.

My positionality as a person of faith believes that the original scriptures or manuscripts shouldn’t be changed or tampered with to fit people’s life styles. But everyone should do what is right for them and what makes them happy.

Even though everyone won’t agree with some of the thing its states. There is a positive foundation about life styles and the way of life how to live with others. For example, the scripture talks a lot about loving your neighbours and doing good to others. Which we can all benefit from. Years ago, when I was at school. We as students use to pray or lead a prayer at the beginning of the day. This was just us acknowledging that we need guidance and help to do and say the right things for the day. It was like a form of empowerment. No matter how hectic the morning had started out everybody settled and gave respect and came into agreement when it was prayer time.

Modood, T & Calhoun, C (2015) “Despite nationally low participation in organised religion. Religious engagement is an important part of satisfying academic life for many students”

Levine, S (2019) mentioned “Prayer is not banned in public schools. Students can pray by themselves or with friends as they wish. However, they have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to pray. COMPULSORY prayer in schools is what is banned, not voluntary prayer.”

Applying this resource into my teaching practice.

I could offer an optional breakout session about faith in the beginning, allow individuals and people of faith to share and express their different traditions, including the diverse intersectionality’s. Not discussing what is right or wrong. Avoiding topics that could cause outrage but more of sharing but expressing how it helps their family life, routine and sociably. Brining to light interfaith, I could also share the Religion in Britain pdf and the Shades of Noir, Higher Power: Religion, Faith, Spirituality & Belief link on website as it covers a great insight into religion, universities plus how some institutions operate in this current age.

So that the students are familiar with each other and can gain knowledge about other faiths and beliefs. Setting a critical pedagogy, I would open some padlets of groups where they meet 2 or more people from their class who practise different faiths and beliefs to find out any positive information about it then come and present it back. This would then allow them to have an understanding of the different types of cultures and ways of life in their environment, understanding the people they share the room with while respecting their space and cultures.   

Terms of reference from SoN around Faith

I have some of the same beliefs and understand what Bridget Crutchfield has said in her article questions and answers.  For me I believe faith and spirituality can play an important part of my life in everything I do in terms of it increasing my ability. When I feel things are impossible I supernaturally rely on my creator to guide and support me.

The beliefs and entities and strategies will differ depending on what you believe.
Some will say they need to pray, meditate to focus while others, may have something they call a guide. If It works for you, then it works for you.

Reference list

“Quora – A Place to Share Knowledge and Better Understand the World.”
Quora.com, 2014, www.quora.com/.

Modood, T. and Calhoun, C. (2015) Religion in Britian: Challenges for Higher Education.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah . The Reith Lectures. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds (Accessed: 1 July 2023). 

Shades Of Noir. https://shadesofnoir.org.uk/journals/higher-power-religion-faith-spirituality-belief/ (Accessed 28 June 2023)

Boston, YW  (2017) What is intersectionality, and what does it have to do with me? https://www.ywboston.org/2017/03/what-is-intersectionality-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-me/ (Accessed: 1 July 2023)

Kwame Anthony Appiah Reith lecture on Creed.

By sharing Kwame’s audio, it will defiantly stir some thoughts, beliefs and ideas in religion.
I mentioned before that there are so many views and practices that have evolved over the years, some students may not even practise faith or religion. Kwame listed many points of views from faiths and religion, it would be nice to allow the students to illustrate in a creative form what faith or religion means to them.

I would allow them to choose whatever medium, material/concept they choose to express themselves about this topic and then talk about it, and they dont want to talk, leave it open to intrepretation.

Kwame spoke about interpretation and I guess it’s up to the individual how they perceive it, while it’s good to ask questions and speak to someone who may be more skilled and knowledgeable than they are in the same faith.  I read scriptures and sometime because I may find it hard to understand I would often use the basic English versions and Hebrew and Greek translations to get my understanding. Also using context would help, also to see who the writings were actually for helps.

As there are so many belief and ideas I have learnt not to get into arguments or long-winded conversations with others or religious people about interpretation, I’ve done this in the past and it’s just a waste of time, people just trying to claim why their religion is the right way.

The Bible states “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (New King James Version) The Greek word translated “fear” in this context can equally mean “reverence” or “respect.” So, I take from that, I will work out for myself what I need to do in life. (Philippians 2:12)

 “So, then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)

Whatever we believe I feel that one day we will all answer to someone about our lives that we lived. I was amazed Kristina Reece’s question at the end, who is an activist in the church of England. She asked is there a truth beyond all the religions that incorporates them or is there something other. I thought that was amazing because I believe there to be one truth.

Appiah, K.A. (2016) ‘Creed’, Kwame Anthony Appiah – Mistaken Identities. The Reith Lectures, at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07z43ds

(Bible New King James Version)
https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-12.htm (Accessed July 2023)

https://www.hereford.anglican.org, Exploring the creative expression of faith through Art https://www.hereford.anglican.org/exploring-the-creative-expression-of-faith-through-art.php (Accessed July 2023)

Extended Activity ‘The Little Book of Big Case Studies’

We do not discriminate here…..(A subtle gesture from myself)

From a faith point of view, I guess Aalimah may have been a little offended but at a point where she wanted to express her opinion and share her beliefs. With the negative comments that she is sexually oppressed she is right to have felt disturbed and even attacked. With my statement of we do not discriminate here, would be a positive reminder to students of the rules and boundaries we have in place. It would be a good idea to set aside an area or table/ information rack, where people of faith could bring in hand outs and share content of materials for students to access at any time and we could agree how long to have them displayed.

It would be nice if people of faith wanted to share knowledge about themselves during an introducing of who they are in educating others so everyone gets an understanding of each other’s background.

In order for students to share openly without situations leading into heated discussions It would be great to set some ground rules that everyone can agree on so it’s clear when to reign the conversations in, so vulnerable or targeted people feel safe knowing there is a cut off point.

If for any reason the situation got out of hand beyond control not making it a safe and inclusive environment, pointing vulnerable people to using anonymous report if they felt it got way out of hand but this would be the last resort after approaching higher leads and services.

Shades of Noir Case Study (2015)  Faith
https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/shades_of_noir_case_study_-_faith_
(Accessed July 2023)

UAL (2022). Tell Someone. [online] UAL. Available at: https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/help-and-support-for-students/tell-someone [Accessed 27 Jul. 2023].