Religious education and spiritual development as a cultural component of the lifelong learning policy in Romania. The example of orthodox Christianity

ABSTRACT

In a context of growing globalisation and European integration, Christian religious education seems to be more and more neglected within the social debate. Given the differences between European countries, the question may arise: What is the relevant situation in Romania? The article analyses the religious education and spiritual development as a cultural component of lifelong learning policy in Romania, based on more than 20 semi-structured interviews conducted with Romanian professionals, research workers, teachers and experts in education. In order to describe the role played by religious education in Romania three main aspects may be quoted: (1) Spiritual development completes the economic and social development of people; (2) The national culture and values contribute to the promotion of life models in accordance with Christian orthodox religion; and (3) The integral development of the person is part of the lifelong learning policy in Romania and includes orthodox spirituality. These aspects are analysed on the basis of the answers given by national experts in lifelong learning and religious education.

KEYWORDS:

• religious education
• spiritual development
• lifelong learning policy
• Romania

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mihaela-Viorica Rusitoru

Mihaela-Viorica Rusitoru is doctor in Educational Sciences at the University of Strasbourg and associated researcher at the University of Franche-Comté, Laboratory ELLIADD in France. Specialist in Lifelong learning policies developed by the International Organisations, the European Union and the national governments, Mihaela graduated previously in Orthodox Theology - Social Work in Cluj-Napoca as well as in Law, Educational and Political Sciences, Ethics and Human Rights in Strasbourg. She worked at the European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe, European Science Foundation and in different universities in France and Romania. Modest and sociable, Mihaela has a strong intellectual curiosity.

Arto Kallioniemi

Arto Kallioniemi is professor in the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki. He has specialized religious and worldview education. Furthermore, he is interesting issues related to inter-worldview dialogue and human rights. He has published academic books and also textbooks in religious education. Kallioniemi holds the UNESCO Chair on Values, Dialogue and Human Rights.