Public Policies and Religious Coexistence

Abstract

The investigation into Religious Education in public education becomes relevant in the face of the challenges that still exist in the implementation of a secular, non-confessional pedagogical practice focused on respect for cultural and religious diversity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the process of secularization and religious pluralism in Brazil, evaluating the role of public policies and education in confronting religious intolerance. A systematic search was carried out through articles, books, dissertations and theses accessible on digital platforms, choosing the most significant materials for reading and evaluation. As a result, the article is based not exclusively, but in large part, on the theoretical contributions of Max Weber, Peter Berger, Cláudio de Oliveira Ribeiro and Carlos Eduardo Sell, among other authors, as well as on the analysis of legislation and public policies related to the theme of diversity and religious intolerance in Brazil. The results indicate that secularization does not lead to the end of religion, but to its change, characterized by the diversity of beliefs and the personalization of religious experiences. Although there is progress in laws and public policies aimed at combating discrimination, religious intolerance still persists. In this context, public schools play a crucial role in promoting respect for diversity, especially through education based on secularism and human rights. Thus, the fight against religious intolerance requires integrated actions between public policies, education and society to promote dialogue and democratic coexistence.