A recent survey conducted by polling agency Trend has revealed that nearly 60% of Bulgarians are in favor of introducing religion as a subject in schools, with many believing it could help instill moral values in students.
The survey, carried out between March 10 and 16 among a representative sample of 1,020 individuals, highlights a generational divide in opinions on the subject.
According to the findings, 57% of respondents support the inclusion of religion in the regular school curriculum, while 26% are opposed, either somewhat or strongly. The remaining 17% of those surveyed were undecided or did not express a firm opinion.
Generational Divide in Religious Education Support
Support for religious education appears to be significantly higher among older generations, particularly those over the age of 70. Many older respondents view religious instruction as an essential component of moral and ethical development.
In contrast, younger individuals, particularly those under 30, are less convinced about the need for religious studies in schools. Among this demographic, 23% rejected the notion that religious education would contribute to moral values.
Divergent Opinions on Tailored Religious Instruction
One of the more debated aspects of the survey focused on whether religious education should be tailored to students’ respective faiths.
For instance, under this model, Orthodox Christian students would study Orthodoxy, Catholic students would learn about Catholicism, and Muslim students would be educated in Islam.
This approach received a mixed response from the public. While 44% of participants supported the idea to some extent, 38% expressed opposition, with concerns over potential divisions in the school environment. A significant portion of respondents remained neutral or undecided on the matter.
Moral Values and Religious Education
A key reason cited by those in favor of religious instruction in schools is its perceived role in fostering strong moral values. Six out of ten respondents agreed that studying religion could contribute to students’ ethical development.
This belief was especially prevalent among women and individuals over 60, groups that were more inclined to see religion as a guiding framework for personal and societal values.
Despite this widespread support, the survey highlights ongoing societal debates over the role of religion in education.
While some see it as an essential foundation for instilling values and cultural identity, others argue that morality can be taught without a religious framework, through subjects such as philosophy or civic education.
Implications for Education Policy
The results of the survey could influence future discussions on Bulgaria’s education system. Proponents of religious education may use these findings to advocate for policy changes that incorporate religion into school curricula.
However, the generational and ideological divide suggests that any move toward religious instruction in schools is likely to remain a contentious issue.
As Bulgaria continues to navigate discussions around secularism, education, and cultural heritage, policymakers may face the challenge of balancing public sentiment with the principles of inclusivity and neutrality in state education.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members