Religiöse Unterweisung als Merkmal kultureller Identität

Abstract

The controversy about the question how the young generation of Muslim immigrants in Germany - more than 3 million by now - can be taught the necessary religious knowledge has kept the German boards of education engaged since the 1960s. Since it has become clear that the majority of this part of the population will stay in Germany, the goal can no longer be to prepare the children and adolescents for the return to their own cultural circle. On the contrary: it is imperative that they have to be integrated into the predominant system in this field. A solution to the problem is difficult to find for a number of reasons - in particular the controversy about the phantom of a "multicultural" society, the inability of the federal states to develope a common concept, and the estrangement of those involved on the Muslim side. Religious education in accordance to Article 7 Paragraph 3 GG - religious education as a "proper discipline" for the organisation of which the government is responsible and whose content is determined by each individual religious community - is not an option since the Islamic community is not a structure with "officially" appointed representatives who might cooperate with the government on an equal footing. "General religious education" as offered by the government may convey - neutral - information, but it cannot replace education by religious authorities. For these reasons the question arises whether the model of classes - held in German - in public schools, and organized by - reliable - Muslim institutions under the supervision of the government, should be expanded. This model does not pose a problem from a constitutional point of view, but it contains practical risks. However, considering the overwhelming importance of the integration of young Muslims into society, this road should be taken - while insisting on one's own point of view.