ABSTRACT
Religious education (RE) is in need of a new direction and a new identity. This is a view expressed in different quarters of the profession and in an increasing number of its publications. Why this need has arisen and the direction in which the subject might develop are matters considered in this chapter. For some, the new direction should be towards a greater emphasis upon the moral and spiritual development of pupils (see, for example, Robson, 1996). For others, the future of the subject lies in the development of its academic ‘respectablity’ (for example, Wintersgill, 1995) or in its role in promoting intercultural harmony (for example, Bigger, 1995). These different views indicate that at the heart of the debate about identity and direction lies the question: What is of greatest value to teachers and students of religious education?
