Religious education and interreligious education: Their context in social capital and social cohesion in Australia

Whilst religious educators operate in the metaphysical, mystical, sacramental and other-worldly aspects of religious education, increasingly they also operate in a this-worldly context. The related concepts of social capital and social cohesion are most useful in exploring and highlighting what authentic religion adds to the successful functioning of a nation and how interreligious education is becoming necessary in the creation of social cohesion in multifaith societies. As well as describing the two concepts, this paper, based on a 2004 study for the Australian immigration department in the wake of 9/11 and the Bali bombings shows how the contribution of local and national faith communities to national social capital is substantial. The notion of social cohesion is built around five domains, and the paper concludes by relating them to the role and work of the religious educator who needs to oppose religious extremism. It also includes details of Australia's National Action Plan, especially in relation to Australia's Muslim communities.