Thinking about thinking

It is reported today that the number of pupils taking a Higher exam in Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies has increased, 1323 candidates in 2006 and 1751 in 2007 (The Herald, Monday 13th August 2007). In recent years Christian churches have bemoaned the reduction in Religious Education and Religious Observance in our schools. Clearly a course on Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies will only include an element of Religious Studies, but some is better than none.
We now live in times when fundamentalist atheists, like Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion, do not recognise a place for theological or religious study and make the attempt to argue for a non-religious morality. However, an increasing number of young people are making the connection between religious studies, moral decision making and philosophical thinking about life. And we can hope that as they reflect upon their studies they will recognise a place for religious thinking when facing some of the difficult questions life will throw up for them.
The challenge facing Christians is to show how Christian thinking can be part of a well rounded and reasonable pattern of living today. We cannot plead for special treatment for our Christian faith or expect a traditional level of respect. We too must think about moral issues: abortion, climate change, poverty, injustice. We must reflect upon the questions of the philosophers: why is there something rather than nothing? Who am I? Who are you? Our unique contribution is to bring a Christian perspective to our engagement with these areas of life. A robust, thought through biblical and theological perspective can take a leading place in such studies. Any young people coming to our churches or meeting will expect nothing less.