Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Religious Textbooks

ABSTRACT

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to present the challenges and prospects of religious textbook development through religious pedagogical analysis and evaluation of religious subjects and religious textbooks. [Contents] Religion and culture are important factors and variables that define an era and society. Therefore, religion serves as an important conduit to recognize the culture and history of a society. However, Korean society, which needs a broader understanding of religious phenomena, does not have access to education about religion to alleviate religious illiteracy and strengthen religious literacy. Religious education in most schools is perceived as a one-sided indoctrination of religious ideology, or as a system that restricts freedom of faith, as it operates under a specific religious background. Instead of promoting interreligious peace, it promotes antagonism and religious illiteracy. [Conclusions] In this light, this study aims to trace the changes in religious education and suggest the direction of desirable religious education through the analysis and evaluation of religious pedagogical materials. Furthermore, it proposes religious education as a universal liberal arts education with religious neutrality.