Learning World Religions and Belief Systems in the Context of Senior High School Students in a Philippine Schools Division

Abstract

Utilizing a quantitative approach in research with descriptive-correlational design and through a survey and test instruments, this study determined the attitudes of Grade 12 students of selected senior high schools in Nueva Vizcaya toward religion and the level of their knowledge about the basic tenets, historical contexts, and core teachings of the eight (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shintoism) world major religions. Findings showed that the Grade 12 students had positive and favorable attitudes toward religion. However, the students generally lacked full knowledge or mastery of the basic tenets, historical contexts and core teachings of the eight world major religions. Finally, the study found out that the attitudes of students toward religion did not affect or influence students’ academic performance in the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems subject.