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Describing Religious Diversity
Reading [
Lesson 3]
The important conceptual building block for the notion of "religious diversity" is the term religion. Yet in many situations, worldview is a term more in sync with the notion of civic diversity and a level playing field for all the public. Keeping a Civic PerspectiveEach and every person has a civil right to freedom of conscience ("religious freedom"). This right is irrespective of whatever category labels one may apply. Religion is a much needed term, but the word in general usage tends to center attention somewhat onto categories (labels) rather than onto people. One should avoid using it exclusively. To do so is to sacrifice the broader understanding of the full kaleidoscope of the public that must be of concern in a public school. Religion per se does not encapsulate a full range of understandings, and it segments the civic panorama. A teacher will properly use the term whenever he or she is referring to specific systems of belief and conduct that incorporate attributes we deem religious (e.g., associated with convictions of the divine that are articulated in conduct and often connecting ethics and a philosophy). The term is not helpful, however, for the broad sphere of human thought that focuses on like aspects (universe, death, ethics) that are similarly potent and treasured by individuals and shape their lives. For civic adequacy, one needs to be inclusive of the full range of ultimate beliefs.
Religion Stew Vs. Worldview StewThe phrase we have utilized already in this lesson as a description of U.S. religious diversity is "religion stew". Religion stew has a comfortable familiarity, but it is not the best and most accurate for the purpose of describing the array of diversity related to ultimate beliefs and related traditions. You may already have noted its inadequacy as you grappled with the national demographics of response when Americans are asked, "What is your religion, if any?" Consider at least two ways "religion" falls short for purposes of our goal of neutrality.
"Worldview" is a term that can be serviceable for teachers when people are the focus. It is preferable from a civic perspective.
If you were asked to list and categorize the religions in your community, would you think also to list the groups there that that deal with similar arenas of human concern but organized around nonreligious philosophies (e.g., humanism)? Probably not. In making your listing, you would almost automatically exclude nonreligious people from your thinking. "Religion" is not inclusive. It looks only at adherents. That's appropriate when "religions and the religious" are the topic. However, when the subject in reality is broader, it lends a form of tunnel vision. Attention focuses on a portion of the spectrum, while another portion goes unnoticed. At the Classroom LevelUsing a term attuned to diversity across individuals can be a good move toward classroom neutrality regarding religion. So is making sure all are included when that is the specific intention. Evenhandedness with individuals is, after all, the interest of teachers who are seeking to be neutral in a classroom. Because of family traditions and explanations and experiences, each youngster—each "citizen" of your classroom— has a nascent worldview that is his/her own. (The same cannot be said for a "religion.") "Worldview diversity" more clearly acknowledges all the youngsters than does the narrower concept of "religious diversity." When you want to be inclusive and advance equity, worldview is the term to use. Everybody is included. No one is excluded _________ Corrections and comments invited. [last modified:
2/04/02]
GLOSSARY TERMS: civic perspective
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