Religious instruction at German confessional schools in the period of National Socialism dictatorship.

Abstract

The scientific research reveals specific features of teaching Religion at schools of Germany in the period of National Socialism, the demands of new authorities to teaching Religion at schools, including the confessional ones. The article represents transformation of the content of religious teaching and upbringing: untruthful representation of the Bible content and adjustment of the Biblical truths to the dogmas of National Socialism, introduction of the racist teaching, use of folk traditions and customs at Religion lessons, extraction of the Old Testament excerpts out of the curriculum, prohibition of teaching Religion at schools. The author highlighted the experience of teaching Religion at confessional schools, Evangelical and Catholic schools, and extracurricular church work with the youth. There is also examined learning and methodical literature that was published at church to help school teachers of Religion.

Key words:

National Socialism; Religious instruction; confessional schools; Religious educational content; Evangelical Church; Catholic Church; Religious lesson; the Bible truths; Christian teaching.