Religious education in Zambia: Towards religious literacy, religious pluralism and liberalism

Abstract

Religious education in Zambia: Towards religious literacy, religious pluralism and liberalism This paper stems from a study conducted to ascertain whether or not the current Zambian senior secondary school RE syllabuses could lead to the attainment of religious literacy and the promotion of religious pluralism and liberalism which are integral parts of modern RE. The methods of data collection included in-depth semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and document analysis, using semi-structured interview guides, focus group discussion guide, lesson observation checklist and document analysis checklist, respectively. The study found that Zambian RE is poorly handled, and that the current syllabuses are deficient in attaining religious literacy. It recommends that RE teachers should go beyond teaching for examinations if the subject is to contribute to the promotion of religious literacy, religious pluralism and liberalism.