Religious education

Religious education, program of instruction in the doctrines, beliefs and practices of a given religion. This is done primarily through church-related schools or programs or religious organizations. Large sanctioned faiths, such as Roman Catholic, Protestantism and Judaism, have extensive, well-organized programs of religious education with well-qualified teachers. Smaller churches and religious sects may offer informal systems of teaching their beliefs, often in members' homes. Religious education usually uses books (primarily the Bible), visuals, and oral transmissions of doctrine. Persons planning to teach religious education must often undergo a formal program of study.