Religious education for sustainable development: challenges in conceptualizing and researching religious learning contexts

Abstract This article explores the complex interplay between religious education and sustainable development, particularly in the context of ecological crises. It begins by outlining current global environmental challenges and the response of various religious traditions, highlighting both their potential for fostering ecological awareness and the contradictions inherent in their teachings. The research project “Religious Education for Sustainable Development” is introduced as a framework to investigate how religious education can influence environmentally conscious behaviour among students in lower secondary education. The article presents a detailed conceptualization of the research project through three main steps: analyzing theological and social dimensions, establishing principles of religious education for sustainable development, and designing research questions to evaluate learning processes. Empirical findings indicate that while cognitive knowledge about sustainability is essential, it alone does not translate into behavioural change; thus, holistic approaches that engage emotional and experiential learning are emphasized. The study aims to develop context-sensitive educational strategies that empower students to take action against ecological injustices. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute valuable insights into the role of religious education in promoting sustainable practices within diverse learning environments.