Pluralistic Religious Education in Austria

Abstract

Although faith-based, denominational religious education has a long tradition in the Austrian school system, public opinion and discussion on the topic of religious education are hardly objective. The public image of religious education and its contribution to pluralism in society tends to be very controversial. Moreover, increasing sociocultural, ideological, and religious pluralism in both Austrian and European society, caused by society-transforming processes such as secularization, globalization, migration, and refugee movements bring challenges for the Austrian school system and (denominational) religious education. The present chapter reviews current academic and practical approaches and discussions on the topic of pluralistic religious education in Austria.