Abstract
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENCE
The period covering the age range of 12-25 is called adolescence. Adolescence, which is a very turbulent time, has three periods within itself. The awakening of religious consciousness and interest in abstract concepts begins to be seen during adolescence. The individual, who initially shapes his/her religious understanding according to his/her family, starts to criticize and question with the transition to adolescence. His/her friends, who now influence him in almost everything, undoubtedly influence his ideas about religion. Considering that everyone is born with a need for religion, it is inevitable that religious education is also a need. As a matter of fact, religion provides a window through which individuals can breathe during this period of problems such as depression, anxiety and emotional intensity. In order to ensure that they can see this, there is a great responsibility on the family, but also on educators. In fact, the methods and approaches to be used in the process of religious education should respond to the needs of adolescents. The question-answer method, discussion method or lecture method to be used should be used by taking into account the developmental characteristics of adolescence.
Keywords
Ergenlik Dönemi, Din, Din Eğitimi, Gelişim.