a.

Identify and explain any two definitions of religion presented by philosophers and
theologians.

-Paul Tillich, a philosopher has defined religion as the state of being grasped by an ultimate
concern, a concern which qualifies all other concerns as preliminary and which itself contains the
answer to the question of the meaning of life. As a philosophical definition of religion, it
suggests that religion is primarily based on human reason or the intellect. It also implies that the
full understanding of God or Transcendent reality in religion is beyond the competence of human
wisdom.
- Rudolf Otto offers a theological definition of religion. Religion is that which grows out of, and
gives expression to, experience of the holy in its various aspects. This definition suggests that
religion originates in God; a mysterious supernatural power that is terrifying one hand, and
attractive on the other hand. It also suggests that religion is rooted in a firm belief in existence of
God or Transcendent reality.

b. Rationalize why Religious Education should be included in the school curriculum in

Swaziland

Religious education should be included in the school curriculum, because the Religious
Education has a body of knowledge and understanding about religion just like any other
academic subject which has bodies of knowledge on their respective content in the school’s
curriculum in Eswatini. It must be included also, because the school curriculum qualifies
subjects that allow for those students that they may learn the content and be transformed
positively, thus, as Religious Education is academic not devotional; students doesn’t not only
require religious education to just know and understand about religion, however learning
Religious Education goes an extra mile through that it also impacts on the moral outlook of
students. Religious education should also be included, because it is relevant for all children
regardless of their religion, culture, values or beliefs, hence learning Religious Education offers
students with the opportunities for personal reflection and it also encourages reflection on other
issues of life like virtues and vices.

c. Explain the rationale for the inclusion of the curriculum studies in Religious Education
course at the University of Eswatini

The Curriculum Studies in Religious Education must be included in University of

Eswatini because, it fundamentally introduces the student teachers to the theoretical and
practical aspects of teaching Religious Education in the fields. These aspects may include
the approaches, enquiries, information about Religious Education. The Curriculum
Studies in Religious Education course aids in familiarizing and acquainting the Religious
Education student teachers with the skills, knowledge, acquisitions and attitudes essential
to teach Religious education efficiently and effectively in the fields. It is also significant
 to include it because it doesn’t only introduce the trainees in the University to the
theoretical and practical aspects of teaching Religious Education in the fields .but it also
initiates and equip them with skills and tools to handle Religious Education as a subject
for all students of diverse abilities, cultures, values, and religions.

d. Describe the concept of Religious Education as education activity.

Religious Education is understood as an educational activity, because of its nature, features
and purposes. Religious Education is perceived as an education activity due to its role in
transmitting and transferring different cultural views. Religious Education may be an
educational activity because of its role in changing the attitudes of those who learn it. This is
through that as Religious Education is teaching about religion, the subject itself is inclusive
and that inclusivism feature allow for the change in the attitudes of students which may
enable them to tolerate other cultures, religions or world-views. Religious Education in
schools is taught mainly to children, thus it is considered as an educational activity, because
of its vital contribution to the moral development of the students.
e. Establish the relationship between Religion and Religious Education

-The relationship between religion and Religious Education fundamentally lies on the fact that
Religious Education in the school curriculums is an educational endeavor or a programme which
involves the learning and understanding of concepts and contents by which religion can be
apprehended, known and empathized. Religious education is about teaching about religion not
teaching religion; therefore, the relation between religious education and religion may be found
in that Religious Education applies both the theoretical and practical educational skills that are
used in religious education to study religion, and bring about knowledge and understanding.