Schools help impart religious knowledge says new survey

For some 12-year-olds in Britain, Jesus performed one miracle too few: they wondered why he did not “fly like Superman”.

The finding emerged when Exeter University researchers asked more than 500 youngsters in this age-group about their religious knowledge. More than half (54%) did not know that Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus – and six per cent were unsure whether he existed at all.

However, three-quarters of the children (77%) were aware that according to the gospels, Jesus was raised from the dead, and most (67%) knew about the supernatural character of Christ’s birth.

The survey, which was sponsored by the Jerusalem Trust, an organisation supporting Christian education, found that 44% of children could name a specific biblical parable, with the story of the Good Samaritan by far the best known. Just over half (54%) were able to cite a miracle.

Schools are required by law to teach religion, which, according to the 1996 Education Act, must “reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain”.

Terence Copley, professor of religious education at Exeter University and the principal author of the survey, told Ecumenical News International (ENI): “The common idea among Christian groups that schools are failing to deliver on religion is not borne out by this survey. Jesus, however, often comes across as just a good man in a secular, 21st-century sense.”

Copley, a Christian, said one of the surprises from the survey was that children – even those who came from a faith background – were getting most of their religious education from school. (ENI)

National Marriage Week seeks romantic stories

Are you a romantic? Organisers of National Marriage Week (9 to 16 February) are attempting to compile a top ten of most romantically inspiring stories. The move springs from a recent Top Santé magazine survey of 2,000 women which found that most respondents thought sexual fulfilment was only to be found in marriage.

The week’s director, Richard Kane, said: "There must be more to romance than just love, affection and hugs. Marriage provides great security, but seemingly also great passion. We would like to hear of romantic moments for our ‘top ten’."

Hundreds of local events have been organised to mark the seventh National Marriage Week. For more information, see www.nmw.org.uk or contact Shears Building, Stone Lane, Wimbrone, Dorset, BH21 1HD (01202 883887).

Students encouraged by Christmas outreach

Reports are still coming in of successful carol services hosted by Christian Unions across the country. Venues included town halls, college buildings, a football stadium and a derelict church.

Bath CU had one of the biggest surprises of all. In previous years they felt they couldn’t compete with the official University Carol Service, but organisers of the 2002 event decided to be bold and hire Bath Abbey for the occasion. More than 400 students turned up.

Exeter University CU built on the success of the previous year’s brave step to hire Exeter City FC stadium and joined with churches and other CUs in the area to put on a city-wide carol service at the football ground. An estimated 4,500 people packed in to hear music, readings and a message by evangelist Greg Downes.

Plymouth University also chose an unusual venue for their event. The remains of Charles Church, which was badly bombed in World War Two, stand on a large roundabout in the city. The ruins have been preserved as a dramatic memorial to those who died in the Plymouth blitz, but in December around 250 students stood on the site to sing carols, hear the Christmas story and a Gospel message.

Other CUs had their carol services in Coventry, Durham and Liverpool cathedrals.

Many follow-up university missions are now planned for this current term, including Oxford Brookes and Oxford University (2 to 9 February); Birmingham (3 to 7); Cardiff (3 to 8); Manchester (8 to 14); Newcastle (9 to 16); Durham (10 to 16); Sussex (17 to 21); Nottingham (17 to 23); and Southampton (23 to 28). In March, missions are planned at Liverpool (1 to 7); York; Imperial College and St Martin’s Colleges, London; and St Andrew’s. More info at www.uccf.org.uk and www.fusion.uk.com

 

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