Researching non-formal religious education: The example of the European study on confirmation work

Friedrich Schweitzer

doi:10.4102/hts.v73i4.4613

Abstract

This article discusses the need for researching non-formal religious education as a neglected field of empirical research in religious education. By describing the growing awareness of the theological and educational meaning and importance of non-formal education and by reviewing the literature on research in religious education which appears to be focused somewhat one-sidedly on the formal context of the school and of the school subject of Religious Education, the author creates a background for the presentation of current research on confirmation work in Europe. The author gives an overview on a more than 10-year-long project on confirmation work in nine European countries, with an emphasis on the research design, methods, and main results. The experiences from this project are then discussed from the perspective of research on non-formal religious education. Finally, the author considers implications of this research for religious education and practical theology in general.

Highlights

For more than 10 years, one of my main research tasks has been directed at confirmation work in Europe
The study has a number of general implications for research in religious education and in practical theology which have not yet been described and discussed in any detailed manner
I want to use the present article as an opportunity for discussing some of these implications more thoroughly and to advance our understanding of the needs and possibilities of research in religious education and practical theology

Summary

Original Research

Researching non-formal religious education: The example of the European study on confirmation work. Dr Schweitzer is participating in the research project, ‘Gender Studies and Practical Theology Theory Formation’, directed by Prof. How to cite this article: Schweitzer, F., 2017, ‘Researching non-formal religious education: The example of the European study on confirmation work’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4613. The author gives an overview on a more than 10-year-long project on confirmation work in nine European countries, with an emphasis on the research design, methods, and main results. The experiences from this project are discussed from the perspective of research on non-formal religious education. The author considers implications of this research for religious education and practical theology in general

Introduction

Open Access

Research design and procedures

Main results

Feasibility of research

Research as a starting point for improvements

Findings

Empirical research and theological interpretation