The topics of religion, religiosity, and religious diversity are currently of great concern worldwide; the diversity of religions that exist in 21st century Sweden, for example, is greater today than at any other time in Swedish history – and Sweden is not alone in this regard. Given this outcome, professionals in many fields (e.g., teachers and school staff) require an understanding of religion and a comprehension of how religious expression is understood in various contemporary societies.
The field of religious education (RE) involves the academic study of religions in the context of teaching and learning; and because its starting point is practical pedagogical activity, it is often described as a practice-based discipline, the studies of which are conducted in both religious and non-religious settings. Religious education, as expressed from our point of view, provides scope for reflecting upon the teaching and learning of religion(s) both inside and outside the classroom. Within the framework of religious education, theories of knowledge, truth claims and values related to teaching are of great relevance. Questions regarding selection, communication, legitimacy, and identity are also of central concern; and knowledge from the fields of both education and the study of religions is necessary for researching as well as teaching religious education.
