Professional and Personal Values in the Role as Religious Educators in Kindergartens in Norway

Abstract

The personal worldviews and religious adherence of educators seem to influence to a large degree the way they deal with religion and worldview in kindergarten, albeit in different ways. This chapter discusses how kindergarten teachers can be more aware of the personal and professional aspects of their role as educators regarding religious education in the kindergarten without compromising their ideal of authenticity. The significance of secularization and of a culture of authenticity plays a role in the discussion. The approach is philosophical discourse, based on hermeneutical studies of educators’ views and attitudes in two kindergartens in Norway. The author argues that kindergarten teachers in Norway need to raise their awareness of the professional aspects of their role in the field of religious education, and towards this end, five recommendations for a more professional approach are presented.