World Religions in 6th Grade Ancient Civilizations

One goal of the Ancient Civilizations” social studies sequence at Explorer West Middle School is basic literacy in world religions. While there is no prayer or promotion of any particular religion at Explorer West, we believe it is valuable for students to gain basic knowledge around the practices and beliefs of different religions. Public schools are often hesitant to venture into comparative religions because of controversy over the separation of church and state provisions of the U.S. Constitution.

Religions guide some of humanity’s highest aspirations to ethical behavior, as well as giving rise to remarkable art, music, and dance. Of course, religion has also been at the heart of conflict at many times in history.

In order to give students an insider’s perspective, Kumar’s mom, Rinku, visited the 6^th grade to share the artifacts and rituals of puja (worship) in Hinduism. Students viewed artifacts and icons representing different deities, and the class ended with them enjoying traditional sweets.

As the 6^th graders study civilizations from different continents, they explore world religions originating in those regions. Beginning with Paleolithic cave art connected to Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherers, students examine the purposes, symbols, and rituals of religious practice. Major religions covered in this Ancient Civilizations course include Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism.

One of the important and typical realizations for students in our study of world religions is that, although diverse in their outward expression and organizations, religions have more in common than not. Also, it usually comes as a surprise to students that Islam, Christianity, and Judaism all share the same god, as well as the succession of Old Testament prophets. Religion, one of humanity's common roots, deserves careful exploration.

Thanks to Rinku for making the mysteries of Hindu puja less mysterious!