Abstract
Christianity is one of the cultural and ethical cornerstones of Europe. In the European Union (EU) there is no overarching policy on religious education (RE) in the school system. The authors use a comparative methodology to analyze the constitutions of Western European countries in relation to different aspects of RE. Specifically, it is focused in Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Whereas the right to religious freedom for all is clearly established in these constitutions, obvious differences are revealed in the legal provisions for and attitudes towards religious education. For example, the legal framework of this education has been included in the constitutions of all the analyzed countries, except in the case of France. Also, optional subjects are on offer in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, however no alternative subjects to RE are on offer in Austria. In this sense, the authors defend that it is essential to open up the academic dialogue about religious and spiritual issues.
Highlights
The policies planned at the heart of the European Union (EU) and favoring the establishment of a joint identity are encouraging initiatives for the creation of a European Constitution and more homogenized national education systems
Given the ongoing difficulties that EU countries are experiencing in adopting a common stance on religion, this study focuses on examining the current differences and similarities of the situation of Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands
The difficulties of a common policy are highlighted after observing differences in the treatment given to religion in the constitutions of each member country
Summary
The policies planned at the heart of the European Union (EU) and favoring the establishment of a joint identity are encouraging initiatives for the creation of a European Constitution and more homogenized national education systems. The role of religious education within these systems is questioned in order to predict and shape their future. In order to fully comprehend the current European culture it is necessary to take into account the pillars which have gradually formed it over time, including religion. Without expounding on the unavoidably complex history of the current situation, it should be highlighted that if we are to fully examine and understand this phenomenon we need a suitable historical cultural perspective which goes beyond our competence. In this regard, the history of Europe cannot be understood without taking into account the advent of Christianity, its subsequent expansion, or the religious conflicts of the 15th and 17th centuries
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