Children's spirituality in social context: A South African example

Abstract

This discussion presents a critical and thorough review of spirituality in Religion Education in the South African context. In the democratic South African education system issues such as personal well-being, spirituality and multi-religion education are confronting teachers and learners who have to cope with a new approach to religion in education and life skills. It is not quite clear whether teachers understand the concept of children's spirituality as outlined in the policy document Religion and education. As the purpose of schooling should also be to promote human well-being or personal wellness, and education for life, the curriculum should reflect the priorities of life in general, and the values of a society in particular. For many years curricula in religion education in South Africa had no indication or any content concerning spirituality per se. In this article, the understanding of spirituality, especially in its different social and economic contexts, in the school curriculum and the challenges thereof will be discussed. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.