Religion and its place in education with particular reference to Malta

Abstract

The work deals with the question whether religious formation has a place in education~ It examines also the relevance of the Catholic religious education today in the light of the changing Maltese society. Chapter One deals with a definition of the word 'religion'. It also defines Catholicism as will come under review throughout the work. The second chapter analyses the concept 'education'. Chapter three deals with the question whether religious formation has a place in education, considering the formal teaching of religion and religious activities taking place in state schools. The fourth chapter investigates the prominent position that religious education had in the past. It mentions how religion ceased to be so important an element in the school curriculum in the last decades. Chapter five refers to the social changes that have taken place recently in view of the process of secularization. In the light of these changes, it seeks to discuss whether religious education is still valid in the education system of Malta. Chapter six analyses the practical research carried out.