The people of the Caribbean live in multi-cultural societies where they are in constant contact with numerous religious ideas.  This variety, along with scientific and technological developments and rapid social changes has led to the questioning of traditional values.

The CSEC Religious Education syllabus is designed to provide students with opportunities to participate in the age-long search of human beings for the meaning and purpose of life, and to facilitate an appreciation and an affirmation of their own sense of uniqueness and identity.  It is intended to assist them in understanding the concept of god in religions.  It also seeks to help them become aware of the interconnectedness among God, human beings and the world.  The syllabus exposes students to different religious ideas, values and ways of expressing them so that they can interact meaningfully with people of different religious and cultural persuasions in the Caribbean and the world.

Further, the syllabus seeks to foster understanding, appreciation and respect for t he religious, ethnic, cultural, political and other aspects of plurality in the Caribbean.  It is intended that the study of the CSEC Religious Education syllabus will help students to understand their society and the belief systems of others, clarify their own belief systems, deal with problems, and resolve conflicts.

The syllabus aims to:

• Develop an understanding of the meaning and purpose of life as advanced by religions practiced in the Caribbean;
• Encourage informed dialogue among various cultural and religious organisations and groups to foster harmony and peace among people of diverse customs and beliefs within the Caribbean;
• Encourage a crucial and reflective approach to religious beliefs and practices;
• Encourage appreciation and respect for various belief systems;
• Create an awareness of the diversity and communality that exist in religion;
• Create an awareness of our religious heritage as a Caribbean people.

The Religious Education syllabus is made up of a compulsory Core and four Options.  Each candidate must study the compulsory core and one option.  Initially only option A is being offered.

Core

The Core emphasises the beliefs and practices of four world religions and six indigenous religions in the Caribbean.  This section is intended to provide a foundation for the study of the central concepts of the religions that will follow in the options. 

The sections making up the Core are as follows:

1. Essentials of Religion
2. Christianity
3. Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma)
4. Islam
5. Judaism
6. Caribbean Indigenous Religions

Options

Each Option explores the meaning and purpose of life from the perspective of each religion, and the application of its teaching and principles to the challenges and demands of Caribbean society. 

Four religions intended as Options are alphabetically listed below:

• Christianity
• Hinduism
• Islam
• Judaism