THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN SHAPING CIVILIZATIONAL VALUES: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Religious education has historically played a pivotal role in shaping civilizational values by informing ethical conduct, social cohesion, and intellectual frameworks across societies. This paper explores how religious education contributes to the development of civilizational norms, moral systems, and cross-generational knowledge transfer. It investigates the historical evolution of religious pedagogy and its modern relevance, particularly in multicultural and pluralistic societies. By integrating theological, sociological, and educational lenses, the study presents a comprehensive overview of how faith-based education fosters civic responsibility, tolerance, and collective identity. The paper also assesses the contemporary challenges religious education faces, including secularization, globalization, and curriculum reform. Recommendations are offered to reinforce its constructive role in nurturing holistic human development and inter-civilizational understanding.