The Theme of Asian Religions as a Challenge and an Opportunity for Nonconfessional Religious Education

The research on Asian religions informed by the postcolonial/critical perspective has contributed to rethink the concepts, theories, and methods of the study of religions. This article explores the role of this theme in relation to nonconfessional Religious Education (RE). It first discusses the three “challenges” brought forth by the study of Asian religions: the inadequacy of the Eurocentric concept of religion, the legacy of modernity and colonialism, and some globalizing dynamics informed by neoliberal values. Then, on this background it analyzes some recent RE developments in Sweden and England. I argue that the theme of Asian religions is useful in spotting and overcoming Eurocentric, Christian-centric, and modernist assumptions, even when an inclusive and self-critical RE is supposedly set up.