Religious Influence, Indoctrination, and Freedom in Faith Schools - Philosophical and Empirical Perspectives

This novel volume explores the relationships between religious education, indoctrination, and student freedom within faith schools, connecting local practices in Norway to broader international contexts to explore the wider implications of religious education in diverse settings. Drawing on both theoretical discussions and empirical research, the book explores longstanding debates about faith schools’ role in shaping students’ beliefs and critical thinking. Chapters address key issues such as the risk of indoctrination in faith schools, the role of religious education, and the balance between religious influence and students’ freedom. The book also delves into the philosophical foundations of freedom, autonomy, and critical thinking in education, emphasising their importance in counteracting indoctrination. Through empirical examples from Norwegian faith school leaders, it analyses how these leaders navigate the challenges of indoctrination while fostering students’ freedom of thought.