The role of reflexivity in shaping the open religious identity of youth

Abstract

In the process of shaping the open religious identity the key competence is the reflexivity. The reflexivity – as a way of intelligent understanding of the self and the world in the horizon of the past, present and future of the religion – enables rational use of knowledge, alphabetisation of person’s own convictions and acquisition of ideas, conducts and religious attitudes which are open toward ideas and attitudes of the others.

In the study the conditions of development of reflexivityand open religious identity in the process of religious education is presented such as guaranties of free expression on person’s own religious convictions; subject, contents and quality of reflection about other religions and confessions; underlining the common values; meeting and conversations with people of other religions; role of religious education teacher who is reflective and open on other confessions.

The development of reflexivity as a condition of shaping an open religious identity and its component – is one of the essential tasks of contemporary religious education of youth.