Appreciation

Religious education expert Wolfgang Weirer explains how people from different religious backgrounds can live together peacefully

Do we congratulate Muslims on Sugar Feast? Or do we wish them a good Ramadan? Do we expect them to respect Christmas? “It is not a matter of which belief is the right one”, emphasises Wolfgang Weirer, religious education expert. “It is a matter of talking to each other.” Then we can find out that there is a ray of truth in every conviction and that we can meet each other peacefully and appreciatingly. And yes, the Christ Child will visit Ahmed, so to speak. “In the Islamic belief Jesus plays a roll as a prophet”, Weirer explains.

Video with Wolfgang Weirer (in German)

Wolfgang Weirer from the Institute of Catechetics and Religious Education investigates how to encourage appreciative interactions between members of different religious communities in Austria. Religious education is a central pillar in this context, as the school is a valuable place for children and young people of different religions and denominations to meet and exchange ideas. Photo: Christa Strobl

Dagmar Eklaude

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