Education and Religion in Times of Secularization: Problems and Possibilities within the German Situation1

Abstract

In the current climate of increasing alienation from religion, traditional concepts no longer suffice to explain the relation between education and religion. Thus, Religious Education needs to take on the task of reconceiving of this relation. This article looks specifically at Religious Education in Germany. The term religious literacy, which is understood here as religious competency, is of particular importance. Competency in religion, just as in other subjects of study, is determined by one's knowledge and experience. This article begins by explicating the necessity of Religious Education using an example. The final two sections look at the notion of religious competency by examining the meaning of religious knowledge and religious experience.