Critical Remarks on the State of Religions and Religious Studies in Hungary

Abstract

This paper deals with two major themes. First, it offers a survey of the religious landscape of Hungary with a focus on politics, religion and multiculturalism. In this part the legal status of religions in Hungary will be explained then, Christian religious education and the issue of education about religion will be critically discussed. The study sheds lights on how religious tolerance was valued as a treasured Hungarian cultural heritage. Out of this unique in European tradition religious tolerance flourished in Hungary. Some critical remarks are made about how nationalism created a myth of a Christian Hungary of for patriotic politicians. I tis argued that Hungary is a secular country with strong presence of Christian culture. However, it is also pointed out that devout religious practices are at low ebb which politicians often dismiss. Through some selected examples it is shown why education about religion is vital for the country. This leads us to the second part of the paper where the state of Religious Studies in Hungary is discussed and some suggestions are made about its possible contribution to the development of education about religion. Here the study presents an overview of three major circles influencing the landscape of the Study of Religions. The current situation of Religious Studies at Hungarian universities is also concisely described to demonstrate that Hungarian scholarship has a good potential to train future teachers to teach the public about religions. It is argued that education about religion, which is not to be confused with religious education(hittan, vallasoktatas), is vital to promote religious tolerance for building up a post-modern society.