Introducing religion during early years

Religion plays a significant role in shaping individuals' values, providing direction, and fostering a sense of faith. However, conflicts and tensions arise when different religious advocacies clash, hindering global peace and progress. To address this issue, it is crucial to introduce religion to children in a way that promotes tolerance, respect, and appreciation of diverse faiths. This research proposal aims to investigate how religion should be introduced to children to achieve a utopian society where individuals respect and value all religions.

Bedtime prayers - July 2023

Mealtime prayers - July 2023

Research Question

What is the most effective approach to introducing religion to children to foster religious tolerance, understanding, and the ability to form unbiased opinions?

Objectives 

• To expose children to various religious practices, beliefs, and philosophies. 

• To encourage children to develop a well-rounded understanding of different religions. 

• To promote critical thinking and logical reasoning when forming opinions about religious topics.

• To instil religious tolerance, respect, and appreciation for all faiths.

Methodology 

• • a) Participants: The study will involve a pair of children named Eedha and Eeva aged 5 years, who have no prior exposure to any particular religion or caste. 

  • b) Intervention: The children will be exposed to various religious practices, beliefs, and philosophies.

    • Introduction through Stories: Religion will be introduced to the children through age-appropriate stories that portray the values and teachings of different faiths.

    • Chanting: Regularly playing chants from different religions before bedtime to familiarize the children with the diverse religious practices.

    • Festivals: Celebrating festivals like Diwali, Christmas, and Eid, which represent different religions, will allow the children to experience the cultural aspects of each faith. 

• c) Data Collection: Observational data will be collected on the children's reactions, understanding, and development of religious perspectives. Regular interviews and discussions will also be conducted to assess their comprehension and opinions about religious topics. 

• d) Data Analysis: The collected data will be analyzed qualitatively to identify emerging themes and patterns related to religious understanding, tolerance, and opinion formation.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced Knowledge and Choice: The children will develop an understanding of various religions and make informed decisions about practising a particular faith as they mature. 

• Unbiased Opinions: By exposing the children to diverse religious beliefs, they will be less likely to form preconceived notions or prejudices against any particular religion. 

• Logical Reasoning: The intervention will encourage children to think critically, apply logic, and develop their own opinions on religious matters. 

• Religious Tolerance: The children will foster respect, acceptance, and tolerance towards different religions, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Limitations

• Influence of Caregivers: The adult caregivers already practice Hinduism, which may inadvertently influence the children's religious perspectives. 

• Majority Religion Exposure: The children reside in a predominantly Hindu-populated locality, which limits exposure to other religions primarily. 

• Practicability Constraints: Certain religious practices may be omitted due to safety concerns, lack of humanitarian values, or being against nature.

Conclusion

By conducting a long-term study on introducing religion to children, this research aims to foster religious tolerance, understanding, and the ability to form unbiased opinions. Despite limitations, the proposed intervention seeks to broaden children's religious knowledge, enhance critical thinking skills, and nurture respect for all faiths. The outcomes of this research could contribute to creating a more inclusive and harmonious society that values and appreciates religious diversity.

02 July 2023 - Buddhism

Eedha-Eeva watched the following animated story of Gautham Buddha. They enjoyed it initially and raised a lot of questions. Whatever questions raised by Gautham are all part of children's life as well. Specifically, they are curious to know what is 'Death' and why people die. But the selected video was not good enough to engage them for long or the content might be higher than their current imagination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upr_I5k_FjU&pp=ygUfYW5pbWF0ZWQgYnVhZGggc3RvcnkgaW4gbWFyYXRoaQ%3D%3D