BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. A republican scientific-practical conference titled "Modern Models of Religious Education in the Context of Traditions and Global Challenges", organized jointly by the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology (AIT) and the Spiritual Values Promotion Foundation, has been held in Baku, Trend reports.
The conference aimed to discuss the current state of religious education in Azerbaijan and the challenges and potential solutions.
Participants included representatives from the State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions, the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Science and Education, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, the Caucasus Muslims Office, Azerbaijani Parliament members, and leaders of religious communities.
Speaking at an event, Azerbaijan's Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev emphasized that conveying religious messages to students under the guise of religious education is unacceptable.
He noted that parents should closely monitor the level of religious education their children receive.
"Teachers teach their subjects behind closed doors, and we cannot know what ideas are being instilled in children in the name of religion," he added.
The Rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology Agil Shirinov stressed the importance of conveying religious knowledge to society, taking into account the realities of the modern era.
He highlighted that such an approach is crucial for the safety of society.
"Religion, as a system of values, plays a key role in the spiritual development of society and in ensuring its unity.
However, misinterpretation of religion can lead not to national-spiritual unity, but, on the contrary, to social division," he remarked.
Shirinov added that religious knowledge should be interpreted based on reliable sources and communicated to society considering modern realities.
"Proper imparting of religious education protects religion from distortions, fosters national-spiritual unity, and shields society from radical religious tendencies," he emphasized.
Besides, the rector pointed out various models of religious education worldwide, one of which is confessional education based on a single religion or sect.
"This method is applied in countries that adhere to a specific religion or sect in their official ideology. Other models include the study of religion and the study about religion, which are more characteristic of secular states. The model of studying religion does not imply the superiority of one religious system over others, but rather provides descriptive knowledge about the fundamental nature and history of all religions.
The model of religious education helps to absorb universal
spiritual values that religions impart to humanity," he added.
Shirnov concluded that the teaching of religion at the Azerbaijan
Institute of Theology and the Baku Theological College, which
operates under it, is conducted in accordance with the 'study of
religion' and 'study about religion' models.
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