Theo van der Zee Livres

Religious education seeks to help students acquire religious ideas by interpreting religious and other stories in accordance with their life world. Schools pursue this goal by organising religious learning activities. The question is whether the acquisition of religious ideas is possible for young students, considering the difficulties such as the complex and not readily understandable religious stories, and social developments as de-institutionalisation, de-traditionalisation and pluralisation? What are the possibilities for primary schools of teaching their students knowledge about religious ideas? What is the influence of feelings on the acquisition? What possibilities in the form of learning arrangements can be created for primary school students, with their diverse religious backgrounds, to acquire religious ideas optimally? That is the cardinal problem explored in this study.

Society is a complex phenomenon marked by constant change and conflict, evident in the intersection of individualism, pluralism, and globalization. Despite the fast-paced, materialistic nature of modern life, religion and spirituality remain vital components of human existence and must be integral to contemporary education. Teachers of Religious and Spiritual Education (RSE) are tasked with enhancing students' religious and spiritual understanding alongside their overall development. This book presents interdisciplinary research findings from international scholars, each offering surprising insights that challenge conventional assumptions about RSE. It serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding the role of religious and spiritual education, exploring its relationship with modern schooling, contemporary curricula, and today’s educators. The diverse contributions from various experts provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, encouraging reflection and re-evaluation of RSE’s significance in the educational landscape.