How Religion Shapes Cultures, Values, and Social Structures in Different Societies

Admin / / Interfaith and Education

How Religion Shapes Cultures, Values, and Social Structures in Different Societies

Religion has been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, playing a significant role in shaping cultures, values, and social structures across different societies. It provides individuals with a framework for understanding the world, defining their beliefs, and influencing their behavior. In this article, we will explore the ways in which religion shapes various aspects of society and examine case studies from different religious traditions.

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SBS Teacher Resource: Observing Ramadan

Admin / / Islam

SBS Teacher Resource: Observing Ramadan

This resource is based on a published SBS article around observing Ramadan. Classrooms can learn about the many cultural observations around this event and how it is celebrated in Australia and throughout the world. We hear from some of our SBS Language editors and producers as they reflect on their own countries’ customs, many of which are continued here in Australia.

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Launch of Special Religious Instruction Book

Admin / / Interfaith and Education, News

Launch of Special Religious Instruction BoA new, ground-breaking report will be published dealing with the importance of Special Religious Education/Instruction, known colloquially as scripture classes. The report presents five important values that will bring integration and less bullying in schools.
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Is the cheery praise for mindfulness based on expert evidence?

Admin / / Interfaith and Education, News

mindfulness in schools

Educators, desperate to offset the mental health impacts of COVID on students, are taking up mindfulness programs to address the wellbeing needs of students. But is the cheery praise for mindfulness based on expert evidence?

It’s becoming a staple within Australian education – from preschool to universities. The Smiling Mind Primary School Program, for example, has been rolled out to 445 schools across NSW, including 13 specialist schools, and is gaining increased direct funding support from government.

Many in education – including educators, school leaders and policy-makers – have welcomed mindfulness and are excited about what mindfulness may hold for education. But is enthusiasm for mindfulness outpacing the evidence in its favour? Do applications of mindfulness in education retain an overly narrow account of what mindfulness is? If we are using mindfulness with young people, what is it best used for?

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Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity in Sacred Scripture

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Racial Justice, Equality and Diversity in Sacred ScriptureRacial Justice, Equality and Diversity in Sacred Scripture is prepared by the Education Service of the Diocese of Westminster, UK. It provides biblical expositions to illustrate that God does not discriminate: each person is equally called and valued and no-one can escape his infinite love and mercy. He is also fair and unbiased, protecting his people, especially those who are disadvantaged or suffering. Christian in focus, it is a useful adjunct to diversity, equality and racism studies.
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Islamic Teaching on Contemporary Issues for Young Muslims

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Islamic Teaching on Contemporary Issues for Young MuslimsIslamic Teachings on Contemporary Issues for Young Muslims is produced by the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies, University of Melbourne, and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to question many of the divisive and isolationist narratives that have emerged in recent times concerning Islam and the relationship of Muslims with those of other faiths, with a special emphasis on topics relevant to young Muslims living in Australia today.
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Book Launch: “Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society”

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Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society
Better Balanced Futures represents the major faith groups involved in public school religious education – is delighted to invite you to the national launch of the book, “Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society” on Monday 29th Aug 2022, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
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NSW: Meeting with Shadow Education Minister for SRE and GRE

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NSW: Meeting with Shadow Education Minister for SRE and GREHindu Council of Australia and other faith SRE providers met with Prue Car, Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Member for Londonderry, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Learning (Australian Labor Party) on 24th May 2022. The meeting was to discuss SRE and GRE in enrollment, and seeking bipartisan support for Special Religious Education and General Religious Education.

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Noosa Temple of Satan education challenge dismissed by judge as ‘jumble of confected nonsense’

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"Noosa Temple of Satan

A Supreme Court judge has dismissed a group of Satanists’ bid to teach religious classes in some Queensland schools, describing the case as a “deplorable waste of state resources” and a political stunt.

Justice Martin Burns also directed group founder Robin Bristow to appear before him in two weeks to prove why he should not be prosecuted over his testimony.

Mr Bristow’s attempt to meet legal criteria of a religious organisation resulted in a “jumble of confected nonsense”, Justice Burns found.

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