Dragoljub Krneta, Ph.D.

Republic Pedagogical Institute

BANJA LUKA

RELIGION SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPKSA – BETWEEN APOLOGETICS AND DISPUTE

Summary

Although religion science was introduced in schools in the Republic of Srpska as early as 1992 (as a reflection of favourable position of religion in society), there is still a dispute of what kind of religion science a school needs: confessional or non-confessional, and judgments very from apologetics to dispute. The author explains several research findings in which the attitudes of citizens towards religion and religion science have been studied. It has been found out that younger population, females, refugees, craftsmen and workers, testees with secondary school attainment, and those who are well off have a more positive attitude to religion science. Additionally, a comparison between citizens' attitudes to religion science and several independent research conducted between 1993 and 2001, shows a tendency in percentage growth of the inhabitants justifying the introduction of religion science in schools and its positive impact.

Key words: social changes, religion, religion science.