The theological language of Montessori education and its effects on educational processes in childhood

The article relates to what historical educational research has been calling a theological heritage in pedagogy for some years now (e.g. Osterwalder 2005). The historical relationship between pedagogy and religion raises the question of how much theology there is in pedagogical concepts and what effects this theological content has on pedagogical practice. The study on which this article is based (Neff 2016) takes up these research findings and concerns and analyses them using the example of Montessori pedagogy. In addition to this legacy, findings of the analysis of Maria Montessori’s numerous writings reveal a further argument that makes her pedagogy relevant to the present day. Furthermore, the diverse reception history of Montessori’s statements on religion and religious education was analysed.