“Worldview”: the Meaning of the Concept and the Impact on Religious Education

Abstract

Abstract The article analyzes the concept of “worldview” in religious education. A distinction is introduced between organized worldviews, more or less established systems with a group of believers, and personal worldviews, individuals’ views on life and humanity. The focus of the first section is on presenting a more precise description of these concepts by analyzing whether four elements are conceptually necessary: existential questions, moral values, influence in people's acting and thinking, and providing meaning in life. The aim of the second section is to investigate the role “worldview” plays in education and to clarify questions that need reflection when schools want to pay attention to both organized and personal worldviews.