Religion and Young People

1. Religion and Young People Amar Bains and Dom Wills

2. What is Jatakarma and Namakarana? Jatakarma • This happens as soon after birth, welcoming the new born baby into the family. • The father puts ghee mixed with honey on the child’s tongue. This is in the hope that the baby will have a good nature. • Then, the father will whisper the name of the Ultimate Reality to the baby to welcome them into the faith. Namakarana • This happens between the tenth to twelfth day after birth. • This is the name giving ceremony, where the baby is dressed in new clothes and an astrologer will read the child’s horoscope. • The name which has been prepared for the child will be then be announced. • Songs and hymns will be sung to show happiness and giving thanks for their child.

3. What is the Sacred Thread Ceremony? • This marks the transition to adulthood. • This initiates into the student stage (brahmacharya) and occurs in boys between the ages of 8 and 16. • Only the members of the 3 most upper castes have this ceremony, and they are said to be ’twice born’ to enter fully into their caste, living a life of celibacy, self-discipline and simplicity. • Given sacred thread by the teacher (Guru), which consists of 3 strands. They symbolise: • The duty to promote knowledge • The duty to look after and respect one’s parents and ancestors • The duty towards the society and nation in which one lives • It shows the importance of belonging to the Hindu community, school education and learning of Hindu scriptures (Vedas).

4. Video Time! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU0HLGHAri0

5. Young people and society • The failure of older and younger people to understand each other is known as the generation gap. • This includes differences in music, fashion, culture and politics. • As a result, young people can feels marginalised from society. • Young people also have to deal with peer pressure and can be very difficult to deal with.

6. Video Time! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_2nA49p3yw

7. Young People and rights; UN Declaration • All children have the right to what follows, no matter what their race, colour sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, or where they were born or who they were born to. • You have the special right to grow up and to develop physically and spiritually in a healthy and normal way, free and with dignity. • You have a right to a name and to be a member of a country. • You have a right to special care and protection and to good food, housing and medical services. • You have the right to special care if handicapped in any way. • You have the right to love and understanding, preferably from parents and family, but from the government where these cannot help. • You have the right to go to school for free, to play, and to have an equal chance to develop yourself and to learn to be responsible and useful. Your parents have special responsibilities for your education and guidance. • You have the right always to be among the first to get help. • You have the right to be protected against cruel acts or exploitation, e.g. you shall not be obliged to do work which hinders your development both physically and mentally. You should not work before a minimum age and never when that would hinder your health, and your moral and physical development. • You should be taught peace, understanding, tolerance and friendship among all people.

8. Video Time! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6QIbXLNcMs

9. Young people and schools Some facts.. In England there are around 7,000 faith schools 6,955 of them are Christian Schools, 36 are Jewish, 7 Muslim and 2 Sikh. In the USA it costs more to attend a faith school but the teachers are paid 45% less than at a public school.

10. What is a faith School? A faith school is a British school teaching a general curriculum but with a particular religious character or having formal links with a religious organisation. It is distinct from an institution mainly or wholly teaching religion and related subjects. The term was introduced in Britain in 1990 following demands by Muslims for institutions comparable to the existing church schools. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0J1Orh-hFQ

11. Should religion be taught in schools? Some argue that Religion should only be taught in faith schools, because the children that go to that school are allowed by their parents. If it is taught in public schools some children may not listen and find it offensive because its going against their free will and parents statement. On the other hand, since Religion is becoming such an important aspect in peoples lives shouldn’t students be taught about different religions so that they do not end up discriminating against another later on in life? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgK3RekDcoA

12. Young people and faith groups What is a faith group? A faith group is an organization or government idea or plan based on religious beliefs The term commonly refers to associated organizations such as Catholic Charities. Such "faith-based organizations" typically deliver a variety of services to the public, such as caring for the infirm and elderly, advocating justice for the oppressed and playing a major role as NGO's in humanitarian aid and international development efforts.

13. Why faith groups? Faith groups do some of the following: Develop a statement at your place of worship which highlights that domestic abuse is contrary to the teachings of your religion and promote this on posters, in leaflets and faith community newsletters. Ask for, or organise, domestic abuse awareness events at your place of worship. Make links with other faith communities working on this issue and arrange an interfaith event as part of the 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women (25th November – 8th December each year).

14. Why do young people join a religion? • Family upbringing and tradition • Personal religious experience • Enjoy the lifestyle and believe in the religious teachings • Gives their life meaning and purpose • Allows them to express their spirituality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpB5eqty348

15. Video Time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZa2efcNqk