The dreaming child: dreams, religion and religious education

Abstract

Dreaming is an integral part of human life. Whilst psychology has generated extensive knowledge and understanding about dreams, it was in religious contexts that they were originally understood. This relationship between dreams and religion is still evident in contemporary society in the scriptures of the Abrahamic faiths, which narrate dreams which God/Allah sent to convey messages to the dreamers. This article argues that discussion about dreams in Religious Education (RE) can be a valuable way of addressing aspects of both learning about religion and learning from religion. Previous arguments for the discussion of dreams in RE have justified the claims based on the relevance of dreaming to children, that is because all children dream, they can relate to the topic. This article draws on recent empirical research which shows that some children report dreams in which God appeared, and dreams which they believe God/Allah sent to extend that argument. The fact that some children experience these ‘divine dreams’ adds relevance and poignancy to a topic on dreams in RE. Teachers can, through sensitive management, lead discussions about dreams in such a way that not only fulfils syllabi’s criteria but does so in a meaningful way. The difficulties and perceived difficulties of such discussions are outlined in more depth than has previously been done. The article concludes that the topic is a valuable one for the RE classroom.

Keywords:

• children’s dreams
• dreams
• religious education
• scriptural dreams