Innovative Approaches to Religious Education

Just as members of one religion or worldview will find it difficult, yet instructive and perhaps inspiring, to learn about those involved in other religions or worldviews, so will those from one RE tradition find it difficult, instructive, and inspiring to learn of other RE. As with this inspiring, instructive, and, I should say, not always so difficult book! A superb collection of contemporary research on German-language RE. Prof. Julian Stern, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK This book presents a rich overview of timely approaches to RE by established German scholars. It gives particular weight to pedagogical approaches facilitating pupils= own agentic role in constructing their personal worldviews. Thereby, besides serving international scholars working in the field, it can function as a toolkit for teachers aiming to equip the younger generations with skills and competences needed in navigating their paths to good life. Prof. Arniika Kuusisto, University of Helsinki, Finland Although specific contexts differ between and within countries, the issues and challenges regarding RE in schools are essentially the same worldwide. It is therefore valuable and relevant that this volume makes the rich insights and approaches to RE developed and brought together by German scholars available to a wider audience. Prof. Gerdien Bertram-Troost, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands The volume is an important work for the multiple contexts in which RE is increasingly struggling to find its place. 22 authors approach questions relating to integrity and diversity, power and human rights, experience, inclusivity and particularity in RE. The collection yields a rich variety of approaches - each focused on the needs of students and the ways in which RE can be renewed as a liberative praxis. These reflections speak directly to the difficulties of teaching RE both in Germany and internationally. As such, they open up new horizons for the anglophone world and make a valuable contribution to dialogue. Prof. Robyn Horner, Australian Catholic University In this book we have a wonderful example of the depth of research being done in RE in a specific context - that of Germany - that yet has widespread resonance and useful interrogation for a variety of differing realities. Written with clear intent to offer complex theorizing combined with accessible and effective pragmatics, 22 essays offer a wise, compelling way forward in honoring expressive and participatory competence amidst respect for pluralism and the dignity of difference. Prof. Mary E. Hess, Educational Leadership, Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA This volume offers a clear and thoughtful contribution to the international field of RE. 22 essays underline the importance of tolerance, critical engagement, and freedom of belief. Rooted in German academic discourse, yet framed for an international readership, it combines theoretical rigour with practical applications. A clear structure and accessible style make it a valuable resource for teachers and their professional development. Dr. L. Philipp Barns, King's College London, UK This volume contributes substantially to the body of literature in the field of RE, taking seriously the many questions and challenges facing religious educators today. The contributions recognise the diversity of classrooms in which RE takes place, its particular challenges, its way of proceeding, and its potential to engage students as agents in the process of meaning-making. Australian educators will find that its pages provide a springboard for the consideration of their own practice. Dr. Teresa Brown, Australian Catholic University