Perception of Christianity and Christian Peers in the Drawings of Muslim Children: The Example of Pforzheim/Germany

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the perceptions of Muslim children aged between 9 and 15 years old about Christianity and their Christian peers via drawings they draw. In total, 57 students participated in this research. The pattern of the study is based on art-based research listed among the qualitative research methods. The data were collected by the descriptive analysis of semi-structured interviews as well as semiotic analysis of the drawings. It was observed that children use an “icon” the most in their drawings since it has a literal meaning, secondly the “index”, which implies a causal relation while the children use the “symbol” the least. It is comprehended that the drawings of children reflect the inner world of the children. The drawings of children, stating that the religion does not constitute an important factor and they are not bothered to live with people from other religions, reflect the indicators based on the tolerance. On the other hand, the drawings of those who expressed that they are not content to live in a Christian society and that the religion is important for them, reflect the indicators based on the prejudice.