The Greek Religious Education: From Religion Tradition to Religion Innovation

Abstract

The Orthodox religious tradition constituted an important element of Greek religious education for many years. The existence of innovations in the new Program proposed by the Ministry of Education and the effort for a complete form of religious education, compose the outline of this new effort. Even if certain practical questions have been discussed further, the undertaking is very serious, and perhaps for the first time it can be considered as a scientific approach based on theoretical conditions and instructive objectives. Although religions are well-structured systems, which reproduce themselves through traditional elements such as myths, sacred narratives, religious practices and national identities, their presence in school complements the knowledge of the students. The new program of religious study attempts to give emphasis to renewal, with the introduction of other religions, without cancelling Greek Orthodox religious tradition.