Module 2: RESPECT OTHERS

Page 26

activity two - religious artefacts

An explanation of their meaning/function should be given (if possible by the class members who brought them in). Perhaps more research wilt be called for after this. The illustrations on worksheet 10 page 28 give an opportunity to identify some of the major religious artefacts/symbols and space to add those they have found out about from each other.

activity three - visits to places of worship

It would help to increase the class's understanding and respect if visits could be arranged to some places of worship.

In preparation they could

a) walk around the local area making a note of places of worship, cemeteries, war memorials etc. especially noticing whether they find them welt looked after; in class or group discussion ask them what conclusions they draw from what they have found.

and/or

b) read the two excerpts from Walkabout on resource sheet 4 page 29 Quite suddenly and then create a poem, piece of prose or artwork expressing a similar personal experience; awe and wonder are very close emotions to those experienced through much religious worship.

The class will benefit most from the visits if:

• they are told about, and expected to abide by, the accepted codes of behaviour when they are there.
• they can observe worship taking place so that they experience the spiritual dimension of the use of the building by believers.
• they can hear from believers about the significance of the building to them personally and what they would consider sacred. All this should be possible if arrangements are made with those concerned in a spirit of openness and respect.

The class could make a very real contribution to creating trust and understanding between people of various faiths in their community To do this they could reconsider their original findings in the local area in the light of their experiences and then decide how best to show increased respect in their own behaviour, and raise the awareness of others to this need.