Nation and religion in religious education : between conflict and harmony

• Based on empirical study of the memory material after the terrorist attacks in Norway 2011, this paper discusses how religion and nation is intertwined in popular expressions of values like democracy, openness and tolerance. Such values were prominent in the aftermath of 22. July and seemed to express a strong unity between government and people. Here religion plays a 67 complex role. The perpetrator saw his mission as defending the Christian religion and national heritage, particularly against Islam. Immediately after the attack, Muslims were blamed for carrying it out, before the majority background of Anders B. Breivik was known. In memory messages, religion often merged with national and societal values. Encountering this material, future religious education can play a critical and also constructive role by investigating and challenging the past and present role of religion in society.

Ämnesord

HUMANIORA  -- Filosofi, etik och religion -- Religionsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Philosophy, Ethics and Religion -- Religious Studies (hsv//eng)

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