2024/03/24 - In most religious traditions, the purpose of religious education is to transmit the doctrines and practices of the faith from one generation to the next, thereby creating the next generation of the faithful. According to William Ellery Channing, however, the purpose of religious instruction (or exploration, as we would say now) is to inspire a lifelong love of discovery, develop the conscience, and awaken the soul to the wonders of life. Our goal isn’t to create new members – although it’s nice when it happens – but rather to instill wholesome values and grow healthy individuals.