Religious Pluralism: Ground Rules for Living Together

1. C1L2 Religious Pluralism:Ground Rules for Living Together

2. Michael Jackson – Black or White • Canada’s diversity is its greatest distinguishing characteristic. The phrase “unity in diversity” is commonly used to describe the co-operation and respect between different cultures, races, and religions within a society. It embodies a philosophy of tolerance that goes beyond its common boundaries to include appreciation of what others offer to our society.

3. Brainstorm • Look at Page 2 in your textbook • Discussion Question: • Why can't people live together in peace and work out their differences?

4. Journal Reflection • There are 3 forms of journals that we will be writing. – personal reflection journals (reflecting on personal experiences and emotions) – dialectic journals (recording ideas, notes, and research data for a project or future use) – creative journals (free-flowing creative writing such as poetry, fictional narratives, and lyrics) • See handout for marking rubric.

5. Religious Pluralism in Canada • The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees “freedom of conscience and religion.” • At Confederation in 1867, Canada had a population of around 3 million people, mostly Aboriginal, French, and English. • Today, the population is about 34 million people of tremendous diversity. • Canadians speak many languages, practice many religions, and come from many cultures and ethnic groups. • All ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions contribute to the fabric of Canada and its identity. • By law, all Canadians should participate equally in every aspect of Canadian life while preserving their cultural heritage. • Key factors that led to Canada’s diversity are: • Immigration • Canada’s policy of multiculturalism

6. Canada’s Policy of Multiculturalism: • The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees • freedom of conscience • freedom of religion • The Multicultural Act of 1988 broadens these rights for all Canadians regardless of their religion, culture, language or ethnic group.

7. History of Religious Pluralism – Pg 6 and 7 Please read History of Religious Pluralism in the text and summarize the four ground rules for living together. Canada is made up of people from many different cultures and religions. A common understanding of how to live together is necessary to live free from prejudice and conflict. It is important that everyone know and understand these rules or guidelines. Let us brainstorm a list of strategies for living together in harmony. How do we live and work together in harmony in this classroom? What rules or strategies are in place or should be put in place to help us?

8. History of Religious Pluralism • Canada has mostly been a Christian country. • When the first explorers brought their Christian faith to Canada, it became the faith for most Aboriginal peoples. • As immigration increased, so did religious pluralism. • Canadians today practise many faiths including Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Baha’i, and Confucianism. • Canada’s diversity of faith and culture will continue to grow in years to come.

9. Think Pair Share Please write down these statements: i. Do you agree with the policy of multiculturalism? Explain why or why not. ii. What examples of the policy of multiculturalism can you identify in your local community? iii. In what way(s) are you affected by the policy of multiculturalism? Independently, record your thoughts and reasons for your viewpoint. In pairs, share your ideas and thoughts before entering into a small-group discussion on the topic. In groups share some of your ideas with the class.

10. What is Religious Pluralism? • Religious pluralism is the co-existence of many religions in a society. • What are some terms that can we can think of that can explain religious pluralism? • Acceptance • Tolerance • Ecumenism • Harmony

11. Jigsaw Exploring the FOUR rules for living together - Pgs 7-9 Students in each group must: i. State the rule in their own words ii. Summarize briefly the key point(s) associated with the rule iii. Prepare to teach what they have learned to home groups In color home groups, students will share what they have learned and each student will complete the chart Rules for Religions Living Together.

12. Some Ground Rules for Living Together 1. Respect the faith and religion of others • To respect a person means to respect who they are. • Our faith is a large part of our identity and needs to be respected. 2. There is no neutral stance • Each person has a set of beliefs by which he or she lives his or her life, and that influences encounters with other belief systems. • To enter into dialogue with people of other faiths, Catholics need to be firmly grounded in their own faith. 3. The truth of other religions • Those who follow a particular religion believe the teachings of their faith to be true. • Despite the differences in our beliefs, it is important to appreciate and respect what others hold to be true. 4. Accept the importance of religion • Religion, even with its different forms, is important for human beings and their happiness. • Religious difference is a sign of human diversity. • Christianity celebrates this diversity while recognizing our oneness as children of God.

13. Poster Create a poster or flyer to educate other students on the four ground rules outlined. You should state and describe your interpretation of the rules in your own words. Images should be included to enhance the appearance and deepen the understanding of each rule.