RE

26th September 2003, 1:00am

Share

RE

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/re-17
Secondary RE can face the way that eligions sometimes encourage or ignore the abuse of those who are different. A video clip of the mole sequence from the film Austin Powers’ Goldmember can be used to raise our preoccupation with looks. But religions have also risen above freak obsession. Paul’s words (Galatians 3.28) that in life in Christ there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female and by implication neither able nor disabled can be matched in other religions. Those who submit to Allah are one. We stand in the same prayer line. The Buddhist view of impermanence implies that it’s easy to be over-concerned with the body and so on. But we can also discuss whether the freaks in today’s society are not merely the unfortunates exposed on some talk shows, but members of religions themselves, who in a secular society can easily be presented as freaks - eccentric, demented or plain stupid. Are we giving them and their views an equal opportunity?

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared