Potential of the Theological Segment in the Secular School’s Educational Process. Demarcation of Definitions and Goal Setting

The article addresses the complex interplay between religious and scientific structures within the realms of education and scholarly inquiry. It analyzes the period marked by the transition to freedom of religious affiliation, instances of interfaith conflicts, and the rise of traditionalist social movements. This study investigates the feasibility and implications of integrating theological education into the secular university setting, observing the potential catechetical and missionary impacts of such initiatives, and delineates both beneficial and detrimental aspects. Furthermore, the discourse examines the challenges of the coexistence of religious and secular education within the framework of standard educational institutions. Key to the discussion is the rigorous differentiation between “teaching religion” and “the teaching of knowledge about religion”. In light of the constitutional definition of the separation of religion from the state, the article formulates the need to teach knowledge about religion to both teachers and students in order to develop immunity to the destructive influence of deviant religious cults.