Poetics of Religious Education and Instruction

In the last triennium of compulsory education, the obligatory elective subject Religions and Ethics introduces learning about religious contents. Emphasis is placed on objectivity and absence of any direct religious experience. The stated basic objectives are tolerance, information, and cooperation among various (non) religious beliefs. The paper tries to determine, with the help of the living metaphor and poetics (as defined by P. Ricoeur), to what extent the didactic-methodic approach is in accordance with the basic objectives of the subject. Reflection and modern authors in this area emphasize that for the subject to be successful it should comprise a guided reflection starting at the personal experience of each pupil.