Intercultural Dimension Of Educational Dialogue In Understanding Religion

Working with children of different nationalities and cultures is a challenge for the Romanian teachers. It requires both new research in the methodology field and a reconsideration of the importance of some of the subjects taught in schools. In this regard, the article shows the role of religious education in the context of the global challenges and quick changes, which require a new approach of child education based on transversal competencies. Considering the primary Finnish School of Sibiu model, the authors’ view is that the class of religious education can contribute through tools and methods of non-formal education to the holistic project of educating man, namely body-mind and soul. They consider that it trains the child to be a responsible citizen with a strong identity, able to face the new challenges and to understand the civic and ethical dimension of life. Moreover, it contributes to developing child’s spiritual intelligence, preparing him to live responsibly in the religious pluralism and offering the chance to assimilate and apply the common values, namely love, respect, communion and spirit of justice.