“Playing means discovering, experimenting, and shifting perspectives – but what does that have to do with religion? More than you think!” Under this motto, the Bavarian Research Center for Interreligious Discourse (BaFID) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg once again hosted an exciting workshop on April 9, 2026. As part of the Nuremberg Children’s University—an educational program offered by the Office for Culture and Leisure (KUF) for curious children between the ages of eight and twelve—the Energie Campus at AEG in Nuremberg was transformed into a place of playful learning.
Religious diversity came to life through some very special objects: Among other things, the children examined a building block set related to the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles, marvelled at a Christian “Action Hero Jesus” who can recite Bible verses in English, and discovered a Muslim squeaky duck wearing a headscarf. With plenty of humour and a wide selection of hands-on toys, the children immersed themselves in the world of the three monotheistic religions. Knowledge was not conveyed in a dry manner but was brought to life through their favourite leisure activities.
Through quizzes, exciting games, and these unique hands-on toys, the participants were immersed in the world of faith. Special highlights of the morning included an analogue “Kahoot” game, which got the group moving, while an interfaith memory game designed specifically for this occasion served as a special keepsake. This way, the children were able to take home not only new knowledge but also a piece of lived interfaith experience.