Biblical stories removed, Christian beliefs retained: religious elements in the life education curriculum of Hong Kong's Methodist Church primary schools. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tse, Thomas Kwan Choi
• Is Part Of: Journal of beliefs & values. Volume 41:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Christianity -- curriculum -- Hong Kong -- life education; Religions -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Theology -- Periodicals; Religious education -- Periodicals; Values -- Periodicals; 200.1
• DOI: 10.1080/13617672.2019.1616399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-7672

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Methodist Church of Hong Kong has promoted a life education programme since 2004, and has progressively applied it in all affiliated schools. This article analyses the characteristics of the latest primary school life education curriculum compiled by this Christian school sponsoring body. There are three significant findings: 1) religious elements remain rich in the four strands of life education the Universe, oneself, other people, and environment; 2) biblical stories have been removed, but Christian beliefs are integrated into the curriculum materials and summaries in terms of Christian role models and the Holy Scriptures, in order to develop students' relevant values, good character and positive attitudes towards life; and 3) the importance of prayer as a religious practise for action. The intended curriculum demonstrates how religious elements like Christian beliefs can be applied in secular education to build students' sense of meaning and purpose in life.