DESAFIOS DO ENSINO RELIGIOSO EM UM PAÍS MULTIRRACIAL COM DIVERSIDADE RELIGIOSA: PROPOSTA CURRICULAR PARA O ENSINO RELIGIOSO VOLTADO AO COMBATE À INTOLERÂNCIA RELIGIOSA E À PROMOÇÃO DA IGUALDADE

Abstract

This dissertation examines the challenges of implementing Religious Education in a multiracial and religiously diverse country. It proposes a curriculum framework aimed at combating religious intolerance and promoting equality within the classroom—recognized as a key environment for such educational initiatives. The study explores the complexities surrounding the Religious Education curriculum in Brazil, a nation of continental dimensions, deeply rooted religiosity, and rich cultural diversity. The central research question asks how Religious Education can be instrumentalized to play a leading role in addressing religious intolerance within Brazilian public schools. The theoretical foundation is based on the work of Ivor Goodson, who views curriculum as a form of social praxis, and Paulo Freire, particularly his concept of education as a practice of freedom grounded in dialogue. Through bibliographic, documentary, and exploratory research, the study reveals that while progress has been made in understanding Religious Education’s contributions to a more inclusive and tolerant society, further advancements are needed. The role of a well-qualified educator is emphasized as crucial in bridging regional differences within classrooms prepared for meaningful discourse. The study concludes by presenting a course plan aligned with the BNCC (Base Nacional Comum Curricular), utilizing the Maguerez Arch as its methodological foundation.