Religious Education in Finnish School System

Abstract

The Finnish solution for RE in public education is a unique model if we compare it to the solutions used in other European countries. In Finland RE is given according to the pupils' own religions. The Finnish model of RE implies the idea of democratic, civil society, where different faiths, beliefs and worldviews can co-exist. The curriculum of RE in Finland emphasises religious literacy and religious competence. Furthermore, elements of cultural heritage and identity are also present in the curriculum. The pupils need skills for inter-religious dialogue and also skills for living in a multi-religious society. The Finnish approach to RE emphasises tolerance towards others. The subject teachers of RE have very good education; they have a master's degree from a university and they are also qualified to teach some other school subject, usually psychology. Although RE is not a PISA-subject it has a role in comprehensive education in supporting the formulation of pupils' attitudes and worldviews in Finnish schools.