ABSTRACT

The book examines ancient religious traditions and modernity in a globalized Asia that is as much in need of a moral compass as it is economic development. Religious education has been an aspect of many societies over time and irrespective of culture. Yet as globalization advances local values are challenged every day by internationalized discourses and global perspectives. It is this context that provides the rationale for this edited book. It seeks to understand what forms religious education takes in Asian contexts and what role it continues to play. On the one hand, the societies which are the subject of this book reflect ancient religious traditions but on the other they are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s economic development.

The book will appeal to researchers interested in the current state of religious education in Asia, policymakers with responsibility for religious education and teachers who practice religious education on a daily basis. 

chapter 1|11 pages

Religion, modernities and education

Contexts for Asia’s religious education

chapter 2|16 pages

Religious education in China

Religious diversity and citizenship building

chapter 4|13 pages

Changing religious education in Hong Kong

Emergence of madrasah learning

chapter 5|17 pages

Religious harmony in Singapore schools

Issues and challenges

chapter 6|14 pages

Character education

The future key for developing Indonesian citizens with character

chapter 11|18 pages

Religious education in Bangladesh

History, politics and curriculum

chapter |13 pages

Conclusion

Religious education as a regional influence on life and values education in Asia