Integrating Sustainability into Religious Education: An Interfaith and Interdisciplinary Approach

In a time of significant political change and educational challenges, this paper proposes a novel approach to Religious Education (RE) by integrating sustainability themes within its curriculum. The core objective is to explore how teachings from diverse religious and spiritual traditions can address environmental stewardship, thereby promoting sustainable practices among students. This integration not only enriches the RE curriculum but also responds to the urgent need for sustainability education in our changing world.

This paper will discuss the potential for an interfaith dialogue in RE, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting various religious perspectives on environmental care. By examining different religious doctrines, stories, and teachings about the natural world, students can gain a multifaceted understanding of sustainability. This approach not only fosters respect for different faiths but also encourages students to think critically about their role in environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the paper will explore interdisciplinary methods, combining insights from religious studies with environmental science, ethics, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to understand the complexity of sustainability issues and the role of religion in addressing these challenges. By bridging the gap between religious teachings and scientific understanding, students can develop a more holistic and actionable view of environmental care.

Finally, this paper will address the practical aspects of implementing such an approach in the classroom, including curriculum design, teacher training, and engagement with the wider community. The goal is to provide educators with concrete strategies to make RE a dynamic and relevant subject that prepares students to be thoughtful and responsible stewards of the planet.

This paper advocates for an innovative approach to RE that embraces sustainability, interfaith dialogue, and interdisciplinary learning, offering a path forward in these challenging times for education and the world at large.