Free religious education—a diverse alternative

The religious instruction provided by the Free Religious Community of Offenbach, as a public corporation, is on an equal footing with the religious instruction provided by other denominations in public schools. The Free Religious Community of Offenbach thus performs a public function. Instruction takes place outside of school in the community’s own premises and is organized in pedagogically meaningful learning groups. The Free Religious Community of Offenbach is a state-recognized religious community that has a teaching mandate for free religious instruction confirmed by the Hessian Ministry of Culture. The assessment of students in class is included in their report cards and affects their promotion to the next grade. The lessons cannot currently be chosen as an advanced course and are offered from the fifth to the final school year.

The main component of the lessons is the teaching of basic knowledge about all world religions, cults, and sects, giving students a broad overview of religions of the past and modern times. It is important that students are familiarized with other religions without prejudice and that they learn to tolerate those who think differently. The religious philosophy of the community focuses on people and religiosity free from dogma.

The lessons are basically divided into three main subject areas:

1. “Where do humans come from?”

This question, which is central to teaching in the lower grades, deals with the many different origins of world religions, findings in the natural sciences, myths, and simple archaic forms of religion. Students are introduced to a wide variety of cultures and learn about their fundamentals.

2. “Where is humanity headed?”

What happens after death? Is there another life in the “afterlife,” or do we simply cease to exist? Questions that are of great importance in a person’s life are discussed here, and the diverse answers provided by all religions are also included. This issue, which is anchored in middle school, is intended to confront students with a wide variety of views and discuss, for example, “man’s search for eternal life.”

3. “What is the purpose of human beings?”

This topic is rightly only covered in upper secondary school, as it is clear that it deals with fundamental questions about the meaning of life. Psychology, religion, philosophy, and natural sciences are examined in detail to find answers to these questions. Among other things, extreme situations and the connections between religion and psychology are analyzed. The now “more mature” students are encouraged to question and inspired to think scientifically.

The Free Religious Community of Offenbach considers it important and meaningful to address these significant questions, as they are no longer dealt with intensively today.

Individuals, i.e., students, should be encouraged to think about these questions and to engage more with themselves and their fellow human beings. This should enable them to take responsibility for themselves and others.

Classes are usually held once a month on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the premises of the Free Religious Community Offenbach, Schillerplatz 1.