Religious Education in Europe – Quo Vadis? Unconventional Thoughts in Unconventional Times

Abstract

The Corona crisis is forcing scholarly circles of religious education in Europe not only to answer local organizational questions, but above all to start a more general self-reflection on what the fundamental contribution of religious education at school could be in times of deep social and existential crises. In this paper a narrative and performative reconstruction of the European learning space of religious and worldview education is undertaken. In three biographical steps, the author goes on a journey in Central-Europe, deals with the writings of John Amos Comenius and reconsiders his own work in light of the ongoing struggle with uncertainties and ambiguities. Of central concern is the issue of working “on equal terrain”, the necessary connection of generations, seeking together shared perspectives for the future, and being aware of the permanent “cloud of unknowing” that is affecting religious learning processes in these unconventional times.