Germany
Election trend
Parties

Should religious instruction in schools be replaced by state ethics instruction?

Poll results

Should religious instruction in schools be replaced by state ethics instruction?
Support
Reject
Don't know
50%
44%
5%
PolitPro Community – 3901 respondents – 05.12.2023-12.12.2023

Poll information

Should religious instruction in schools be replaced by state ethics instruction? 50% voted in favor of replacing religious instruction, 44% were against.

:undecided% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3901 users of the PolitPro app during 05.12.2023-12.12.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.

Pros - What's in favor?

  1. Neutrality and separation of state and religion: A state ethics class would ensure that schools take a neutral position with regard to religious beliefs. This would ensure that students of different religious backgrounds are treated equally and that no one is forced to follow a particular faith. This is in line with the principle of separation of state and religion.
  2. Promote pluralism and tolerance: an ethics class that focuses on ethical principles and values allows students to learn about and respect different religious and non-religious perspectives. This promotes pluralism and tolerance in society and supports the development of intercultural competence.
  3. Relevance to all students: ethics classes can be broader and cover topics that are relevant to all students, regardless of their religious affiliation. This could include issues of ethics, morality, social responsibility, and global challenges. Such instruction could help students develop a fuller understanding of the world and their role in it.

Cons - What's against it?

  1. Religious literacy and freedom: religious education enables students to develop their own religious identity and better understand their religious beliefs. This is an important component of religious freedom and individual liberty. A state-run ethics class could neglect this religious education and interfere with students' right to freely practice their religion .
  2. Tradition and Cultural Heritage: Religious education often has a long tradition and is closely linked to a country's cultural heritage. It provides students with an opportunity to explore and appreciate their cultural heritage and the values associated with it. Replacing religious education could lead to a loss of this cultural heritage and limit the diversity of educational opportunities.
  3. Student choice and needs: some students would like to receive religious education and deepen their faith. Retaining religious education preserves freedom of choice and better meets the individual needs of students. A state ethics class could limit this freedom of choice and deprive students of the opportunity to deepen their religious beliefs.
  4. articles.school-religious-education-con-head-2: articles.school-religious-education-con-body-2