'Why do we do RE?'

There are many good reasons for doing RE. A useful summary statement on the importance of RE can be found in the non-statutory framework for RE in England.

In simple terms, RE helps us think more deeply about what's important in life and helps us to live a good life.

Here are a few more sophisticated reasons for doing RE (in no particular order):

• cultural and historical: how can we understand the history and traditional cultures of Britain and every other country in the world without a knowledge and understanding of the religious and philosophical traditions which helped to form them?
• moral and ethical: in the light of the many moral and ethical dilemmas we meet in life, ranging from the personal to the global, what is it to lead a good life? How do we know? Whom should we trust? Religious and philosophical principles and insights can help guide us when faced with moral dilemmas.
• personal quest: what is the meaning of life? Where are we going? What is 'true'? How can I be happy? What skills do I need to succeed in life? We can get insights from religions and philosophies studied in RE and get practice in 'skills for life', such as empathy, sensitivity, humility, and in thinking and communicating well.
• political, social and psychological: How can we best understand the relationships between people? How can we appreciate the religious practices and festivals celebrated by our neighbours? What motivates people? Why are our public institutions set up in the way they are? How do/should people behave when in positions of power? How do/should people react when others have power over them? Without a knowledge of religion our understanding of these big questions will be incomplete.
• art, music and literature: many great artists, composers, musicians and writers had deep religious and/or philosophical motivation / inspiration for their work. Many use religious themes and employ references to religious literature and thought in their work. How can we understand the insights they are communicating without a knowledge of some key religious ideas and stories?

So, RE helps us understand more about the power and meaning of religion for ourselves and others in the world. And all in little over an hour a week (if you're lucky)!