Religious Education in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

The religious education which is being taught in contemporary Spain constitutes a legacy of old and deeply-rooted 'national Catholicism'; this kind of confessional education is challenged by religious diversity and by the emergence of new ethno-religious communities. The current situation regarding Catholic and non-Catholic religious communities and institutions, their legal framework as well as their inter-relations since the transition period towards democracy are analyzed. The profound transformations which are completely reshaping Spanish society through generational changes, immigration and the increasing pluralization and diversification of civil society are illustrated with cases from the Muslim communities as well as from mainstream society's frequently islamophobic fears and reactions. The text illustrates the pending tasks of reforming and plainly recognizing religious as well as inter-religious education not as a concession to 'pacify Muslims', but as an educational achievement and as a right of any Spanish citizen of whatever belief. Adapted from the source document.