Kathleen Engebretson Article Summary

When it comes to education in religion, there are many issues and different aspects that arise with the method of teaching and the method of learning. In Kathleen Engebretson 's peer-reviewed article, "Foundational Issues in Educating Young People for Understanding and Appreciation of the Religions in Their Communities", she discusses her developed ideas on how to embark on the education of the varieties of religion and how to overcome expected barriers. Engebretson 's article touches base with the in depth perceptions of religious studies, however, prefers referring to it as education for understanding and appreciation of the religions, as the term religious studies may presume too many assumptions. Her article is scrutinized into six
Engebretson firmly believes that if a teacher can engage in some careful reflection and students can respect the ideas presented while maintaining an open mind both parties will surely result in enrichment. Engebretson covers many main points in her arguments about how to educate students where they come to an understanding and appreciation of the studies of religion. Firstly, she discusses the issues about the terminology of religious studies, or also referred to as interfaith and interreligious education, and how by looking at it as trying to understand and appreciate the religions in their communities it builds awareness about certain aspects of human experience. Also, this method allows students to have imaginative participation where it enables them to "step into the shoes" of religious followers of all types, or at least come to a grasp of it. Secondly, she examines the barriers of religious superiority and how believing that one religion is greater than another and there is only one path to salvation can be a true obstacle. She notes that this ignorance opposes against the basics of education and rejects the growth of religious morals. As teachers, she states that the best way to come about this obstacle is to study