Hermeneutics and Religious Education by
In the context of secularisation, globalisation and pluralisation, 'hermeneutics' emerged over the last decades as a relevant discipline to address the ever widening gap and the lack of understanding between religious traditions and contemporary society and culture. 'Hermeneutics' is a challenging and complex concept. Traditionally it is understood as the theory/art of interpreting texts in reference to their original and present contexts. But what does it stand for in recent religious education theories? What are the questions hermeneutics is expected to address in the area of religious education today? Taking into account recent developments in philosophical, theological, linguistic, and anthropological disciplines, religious educationalists show in this volume the need to broaden the meaning of hermeneutics and to highlight its importance in the educational realm. In more then 20 contributions, internationally recognised scholars carefully diagnose the present situation and contribute to a new understanding of religious education based on hermeneutics as a new paradigm.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by
"Adventure," Celebration," "the way of Love" "Mysterious Growth," "Growth in Joy,"-these words, taken from some of the titles of the essays in this volume, convey the deep appreciation and commitment of those involved in the work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This celebration volume marks 50 years of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Those familiar with this approach to the religious formation of children will delight in learning more about its very early years; those who are new to this work will be drawn into the spirit of respect and friendship the Catechesis inspires. Contributors include those who have worked in Rome with Sofia Cavalletti, the founder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, for most of its 50 years as well as those who have been responsible for shepherding its growth in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Book jacket.
Catholic Curriculum by
In this second volume of the Mission and Education series two Australian Catholic educators face squarely the issue of the Catholicity of the entire formal curriculum - what is involved, and why it is a vital matter for the consideration of all those committed to the education of young people in Catholic schools.
Catholic schools : hope in uncertain times by
This book is premised on the conviction that hope flourishes only when it is grounded in reality. All the writers in this volume are passionate and emboldened by the possibilities offered through good schooling and recognise the role that quality religious schooling can make to society. They are people who in practice and reflection have tried faithfully to honour their vision. The structure of the book reflects this premise: Part One: Foundations of Catholic Schools; Part Two: Learning from Broader Perspectives; Part Three: Leading Catholic Schools into the Future. The authors bring experience and insights from Catholic schools in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, United States and the United Kingdom. They also bring different faith perspectives.
Children and Spirituality by
Brendan Hyde identifies four characteristics of children's spirituality: the felt sense, integrating awareness, weaving the threads of meaning, and spiritual questing. These characteristics can be observed in children if those who work with them know what to look for and are alert to the time, place and space in which children find themselves. This book provides ways in which schoolteachers and parents can nurture and foster these particular characteristics of children's spirituality. It also considers two factors, material pursuit and trivialising, which may inhibit children's expression of their spirituality. Children and Spirituality will be of great interest to educators, policy makers, parents, and others who work with and seek to nurture the spirituality of children.
Church documents on Catholic education (1965-2002). by
Declaration on Christian education -- The Catholic school -- Catechesi tradendae -- Lay Catholics in schools : witness to faith -- The religious dimension of education in a Catholic school -- The Catholic school on the threshold of the third millennium -- Consecrated persons and their mission in schools.
A common search : the history and forms of religious education in Catholic schools by
This book surveys the major historical currents and themes that have contributed to the contemporary shape of religious education in Australian Catholic schools. It provides students of religious education and practitioners with a context for understanding the theory and practice of religious education in classroom and school. The contents are organised to bring perspective from the early Christian centuries through to the development of Catholic schools in colonial Australia and with a thorough consideration of contemporary questions and issues confronting religious educators in Catholic schools. [Back cover].
Cornerstones of Catholic secondary religious education : principles and practice of the new evangelisation by
It brings together in the one book current theory and practical principles of religious education for the Catholic secondary school. It is written for a wide audience of academics, undergraduate, and post graduate students and teachers"--Provided by publisher.
Educating for purposeful living in a post-traditional age by
This text represents the culmination of decades of Dr Hughes' commitment, research, exploration and deeply held belief that young people need a sense of purpose if they are to lead lives of dignity and meaning. As schools and educators grapple with how to better support young people, this advice is a valuable guide, provocation and context for action.”
- Elisabeth Lenders, Principal, Kingswood College, Box Hill.
“At a time when the value of religion and religious education is increasingly questioned in Australia, Philip Hughes’ new book takes a fresh and different approach to religious education and how schools can contribute positively to the future lives of their students. After examining the evidence about the effectiveness of existing approaches and strategies, he proposes what might be a more realistic, creative and fruitful path for schools to take in helping students develop purpose in life. I found this a stimulating discussion.”
- Dr Jon Newton, Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Harvest Bible College.
“Philip Hughes has once again demonstrated his mastery of the field of religious education across a range of Christian faith traditions. In this book, he draws on his vast experience of survey and interview research with many thousands of students from Catholic, Independent and other schools around Australia to propose a very thoughtful and comprehensive approach to education that assists young people to develop a sense of purpose in life. In what Pope Francis has called a change of era, and not simply an era of change, all faith-based schools, indeed, all teachers in those schools, will do well to avail themselves of Dr Hughes’ wisdom and insight.”
- Dr Bob Dixon, Retired Director, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Pastoral Research Office
Explorers, Guides and Meaning Makers by
Within the community of believers, theology is not only something Catholics receive instruction in, it is something they do. In this first volume of the Mission and Education series, Australian Catholic educators Jim and Therese D'Orsa invite and assist colleagues to become 'grassroots' theologians themselves. It is an invitation to deeply integrate their human experience in the service of today's young people with the Catholic community's living faith tradition. To view a sample of this work see: https: //garrattpublishing.com.au/pdf/SampleChapters/ExploreMeaningMakers-SampleChapter.pdf
Faith for the Heart by
Thomas Groome invites the reader to enter more deeply into the rich treasury of the spiritual resources of the Church's faith, practice, and traditions. Our hunger for God draws us to community in church. Groome draws on multiple resources, from the scriptures to church documents and writings of holy men and women, to restore hope and draw those who have left back into community.The author reflects on some of the human heart's deepest longings: for fullness, for love, for happiness and a reliable way to achieve it, for freedom, and for a wholesome holiness of life toward authenticity as human beings. He proposes foundational Christian convictions concerning who and how God Is for us, about the historical Jesus as the Christ of faith, and of the sanctifying role of the Holy Spirit.Then he turns to some distinguishing "Catholic" perspectives on Christian faith and how they might lend spiritual wisdom to help satisfy other pressing hungers of heart. +
From the Heart of the Church by
The Catholic social tradition is one of thinking and acting. Within this tradition stand the social encyclicals as unique manifestations of the Church's ethical intuition and commitment to the Gospel as lived in society. From the Heart of the Churchprovides a view of the social encyclical tradition within a broader understanding of Catholic theology. In From the Heart of the Church, Judith Merkle, SNDdeN, examines the social teaching of the Church since Leo XIII from the perspective of its links to the Church and its life. While the social encyclicals of the popes since Leo XIII form a key expression of the social teachings of the Church in the last century, this book also explores the roots of these teachings in the life and theology of the Church today. Chapters in Part One: Foundationsare Social Teaching: A Message Lived or Professed? - - The Faith to Walk, - - Spirituality for the World, - and - The Church in Society. - Chapters in Part Two: The Catholic Social Traditionare - Social Teaching Before Vatican II, - - Social Teaching of John XXIII and Paul VI, - - Political Theology, - - Liberation Theology, - - Social Catholicism After Vatican II, - and "Social Teaching of John Paul II. - Part Three: The Future of the Catholic Social Tradition includes - Communities Formed in the Heart of the Church: A Thought Experiment. - Judith A.Merkle, SNDdeN, PhD, is associate professor of religious studies at Niagara University, New York. She writes and lectures in the area of Church and society, religious life, and Christian ethics. She is the author of Committed by Choiceand A Different Touch: A Study of Vows in Religious Lifepublished by Liturgical Press. "
Global Perspectives on Catholic Religious Education in Schools by
This book covers theoretical aspects of Catholic Religious Education in schools and examines them from multiple theoretical and contextual perspectives. It captures the contemporary academic and educational developments in the field of Religious Education while discussing in detail the challenges that Religious Educators face in different European, Asian, African, Australian, American and Latin American countries. The edited collection investigates how to pass on a Catholic heritage as a "living tradition" in diversely populated schools and communities. In this way it explores and asserts the proper identity of Catholic Religious Education in dialogue with Catechetics and with the wider discipline of Religious Education. As the different articles of this publication demonstrate - through a series of interesting and critical points of view - Catholic Religious Education is confronted with many challenges from the risk of marginalization to the confusion produced by a religious indifferentism leading to a strictly comparative or neutral method in the study of religions. It is essential to take into account in our research perspectives that Catholic Religious Education is not only a subject but also a mission in the light of the diakonia of truth in the midst of humanity H.E. Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, Prefect, Congregation for Catholic Education, Holy See, Vatican City Religious education teachers cannot by themselves overcome the ills of society, but religious education...can help to create better citizens of the world as some authors argue throughout this collection. could not ask more from such timely and provocative collection. It is a gift to the profession and to Catholic Religious Education. Prof. Gloria Durka, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
Identity in Dialogue by
Situated in increasingly pluralizing cultural contexts, Catholic schools face the challenge of recontextualizing their identity in a culturally plausible and theologically legitimate way. To this end, across Victoria, Australia, the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project (ECSIP) has developed a suite of empirical instruments that provide an in-depth analysis of a school's current - as well as desired - identity in a statistically reliable way. The results are discussed in this book. After describing and interpreting the results, the empirical insights lead to well-informed recommendations aimed at the identity development of Catholic schools, with a normative preference for the Recontextualizing Dialogue School model as the way to enhance Catholic identity in a context of diversity. In this manner, ECSIP supports on-going processes of (self-) assessment that form the basis for continuing dynamics of (self-) improvement of the identity of Catholic educational institutions. (Series: Christian Religious Education and School Identity - Vol. 1) [Subject: Religious Studies, Christianity, Catholicism, Education, Australian Studies]
Leading for Mission by
Leading for Mission: Integrating Life, Culture and Faith in Catholic Education is the third volume of the Mission and Education Series. It is designed to provide leaders in today's Church with the capacity to confidently match the strategic and operational elements of their leadership with a deep and contemporary commitment to mission.
Now with Enthusiasm by
The spiritual families of the Church offer Catholic schools, and the Church more generally, compelling and fruitful ways to capture the hearts of students and teachers for God's mission, argues Michael Green in this sixth volume of the Mission and Education series. He understands this as the Spirit at work. In this book he explores the challenges and opportunities that emerging contexts provide for old paradigms, and what needs to change.
Religious Education in Australian Catholic Schools by
The teaching of Religious Education in Australian Catholic Schools has faced many challenges. Since Catholicism first planted its roots in the Australian countryside in the nineteenth century, R.E. has grown, changed, adapted and been threatened. And now it thrives. This book explains how, in a modern world where Catholicism reworks and reconstructs its methodology in the interests of pastoral care, evangelism, and Christian Education, religious education is moving forward successfully to meet the needs of Australian families. Over twenty leading Australian educators share their experiences and expertise on addressing the challenges of teaching Religious Education in today's Catholic Schools. In its leaves you will find critical perspectives on the development of Australian Catholic School R.E. In the first nine chapters you will read about curriculum, leadership in R.E., varying contexts and the historical developments. In the following nine chapters you will be able to explore different curriculums across the country and compare the different approaches to Catholic religious education. For those involved in religious education, this book will provide an enhanced understanding of key issues and how these shape teaching and curriculum planning.
Religious education in Australian catholic schools : framing paper. by
PDF available online
Religious Education is a learning area with a formal curriculum for the classroom learning and teaching of religion. It is a distinct learning area, a scholastic discipline with the same systematic demands and the same rigour as other disciplines. It is distinct from but complements faith formation. Religious Education is responsive to the variations in the life and religious experiences of students and their degrees of connection with the Catholic Church. Irrespective of their situations, all students have an entitlement to learning in Religious Education that seeks to develop deep knowledge, understanding and skills. Religious Education interacts with and is reinforced by the religious life of the Catholic school which aims to nurture and enrich the religious and spiritual development of students through prayer, celebration of the liturgy and sacraments, faith formation and social justice activities. Religious Education and the religious life of the Catholic school are expressions of a wider partnership with parents, the primary educators of their children, and with the parish. [Religious education in the mission of the catholic school].
Religious education in Catholic schools : an introduction for Australian students by
This book is an undergraduate tertiary textbook for pre-service teacher education students in religious education. Chapters are devoted to the history of religious education, a consideration of the readiness of students, the professional development of teachers, a consideration of issues in teaching and learning the classroom religion program, an overview of the Catholic tradition and an examination of the religious dimension of the Catholic school. Features include an extensive list of further readings for each chapter, lists of useful websites, tutorial activities and exercises, extensive practical examples, a glossary of terms, primary source documents and relevant links to other curriculum areas.
Thriving as an R.E. teacher: a handbook for secondary religious educators by
Thriving as an R.E. Teacher: A Handbook for Secondary Religious Educators is essentially a 'how to' book for religious educators in Christian schools. It sets out a vision of religious education, and the theoretical and practical principles that will ensure that a teacher not only survives the religious education classroom, but also thrives within it. The three authors have been highly experienced and successful teachers of religious education in Christian schools, and are effective teacher educators in the discipline. The book is infused with their experience and knowledge. It will be of interest and assistance to those who are new to religious education in schools, to more experienced teachers who seek re-visioning and renewal, and to very experienced teachers who may need to update their knowledge about religion education theory and curriculum practice. The book will also be very useful for professional development for religious education teachers, either at school or regional level.
Will There Be Faith? by
A Modern Manual for Sharing a Relevant, Vibrant, Enduring Faith In the face of mounting obstacles, parents and educators find themselves increasingly challenged by the task of leading people toward lives of faith. Now Thomas Groome, a world-renowned authority on religious education, has created a contemporary, holistic approach to teaching Christian beliefs and values that offers real, effective solutions for today's parents and teachers. His guide to religious education--which aims to "bring life to Faith and Faith to life"--is a hopeful road map for reenergizing the faith community and family from the bottom up.
Children's Voices by
This book deals with themes concerning religious education and the spirituality of children. Throughout the seventeen chapters, the book stimulates a scholarly discussion about children and theology. The book makes clear that classical Christian theology can benefit from taking seriously children's voices and reflections about children. The volume demonstrates how nuanced and interdisciplinary reflections can be relevant for Christian and social practices of adults with children and how these practices can influence theology. This volume asks the following questions: - Why is it important that we hear the 'voices of children' and what does this mean for how we treat children and relate to them? - What do the 'voices of children' express? How do children experience society and, in particular, religion, and what do they have to say about it? - What do the 'voices of children' mean for theology, ethics and religious education? In what way can our theology change when we see reality from the perspective of children? This book consists of five parts. In the first part the reader receives an overview of the current challenges concerning children and spirituality. The two chapters of this part offer an introduction to contemporary thinking about children, theology and spirituality and the place of 'children's voices' within this scope. The second part refers to biblical sources for contemporary theological reflection on children. The third part contains pedagogical and ethical reflections on children, as well as a view from practical theology about children in the world and the responsibility of churches. This third part looks mainly at children in relation to society, both in the past and in the present. The fourth part focuses on children living in the family, which is seen as a domestic church. The fifth part takes up the theme of children's spirituality again, showing children's own spiritual reflection and ways of theologizing with children in church and family contexts, by communication, literature and all forms of religious education and/or catechesis.
Religious education in early childhood : a reader by
This collection combines research perspectives with practical implications. The discussions included will influence teaching and learning practice, policy making, church pastoral formation and family education.
Sharing Faith by
Provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of religious education and pastoral ministry and gives an in-depth inquiry into the philosophical, educational and theological theories for sharing faith.
Spiritual and Moral Development in Schools by
This book is designed to serve as a personal development resource for all who work in schools and have responsibility for the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils. It provides materials for staff development activities and resources for use in classrooms. The first section covers the background, relating to the Every Child Matters agenda; the second section offers practical strategies for implementing the key components of spiritual and moral development as outlined in the first section.
Spiritual Education by
This volume is intended to break new ground and provide a key text for debates on spiritual education in the twenty-first century. Issues of cultural, religious, gender and social differences are addressed in research and pedagogical terms. Also explored are the ways in which faith traditions and secular stances contribute to values and understanding of human purpose.
Theology and the university by
"Theology and the University presents a compelling argument as to why theology still matters. It considers how theology has been marginalized in the academy and in public life, arguing that doing so has serious repercussions for the integrity of the academic study of religion. Its chapters demonstrate how theology, as the only discipline which represents religion from within, provides insight into aspects of religion which are hidden from the social sciences. Against a backdrop of heated debates on the role of the humanities in the university, the book highlights the specific contribution of theological education and research to the work of a university, providing essential information for academic and social/political decision-making. Whilst the book has an emphasis on the Catholic tradition, it explores the prospect of fruitful complementarity and interdisciplinarity both with secularized studies of religion, and other disciplines in the university, such as literature, philosophy, and the social sciences. This book provides orientation for decision-makers, particularly those concerned with the broader question of humanities in the university; students in their choice of study; those interested in the wellbeing of today's universities; and ecclesial authorities seeking to form leaders capable of intelligent responses to the issues of contemporary society. It is a must read for all researchers of theology, as well as anyone interested in the role of the humanities more broadly"-- Provided by publisher.
Beauty for Truth's Sake by
Much of the confusion and meaninglessness of the twenty-first century stems from the fragmentation of knowledge. Our postmodern times cry out for a return to wholeness. Enter Stratford Caldecott, who calls for renewal in education in Beauty for Truth's Sake. By reclaiming the classic liberal arts and viewing disciplines such as science and mathematics through a poetic lens, the author explains that unity is present within diversity. Ultimately, God is behind all truth. This book will benefit parents, homeschoolers, lifelong learners, and readers interested in the history of ideas. It is appropriate for Christian college and university students and will play an especially important role in curriculum development.
Beauty in the Word by
What is a good education? What is it for? To answer these questions, Stratford Caldecott shines a fresh light on the three arts of language, in a marvelous recasting of the Trivium whereby Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric are explored as Remembering, Thinking, and Communicating. These are the foundational steps every student must take towards conversion of heart and mind, so that a Catholic Faith can be lived out in unabashed pursuit of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. Beauty in the Word is a unique contribution to bringing these bountiful aspects of the Real back to the center of learning, where they rightfully belong. If your concern is for the true meaning of education for your children, here is the place to begin. "Those responsible for new initiatives in Catholic schooling have a chance to recreate the inner spirit of education and not just its outer frame. They will not easily find a programme more inspirational than the one presented here." - Aidan Nichols "Stratford Caldecott offers a rare combination of intelligence and profound vision, yet combines this with accessibility and luminous transparency." - Catherine Pickstock
Renewing the Mind by
Renewing the Mind includes an introductory essay on the history and renewal of Catholic education, followed by 38 selections each with an introduction, biography, and study questions; adorning the text throughout are illustrations from the National Gallery of Art. Educators of children and college students will find this an essential guide to the best of what has been said about what it means to be conformed to the mind of Christ.
The Great Tradition by
Frustrated with the continuing educational crisis of our time, concerned parents, teachers, and students sense that true reform requires more than innovative classroom technology, standardized tests, or skills training. An older tradition--the Great Tradition--of education in the West is waiting to be heard. Since antiquity, the Great Tradition has defined education first and foremost as the hard work of rightly ordering the human soul, helping it to love what it ought to love, and helping it to know itself and its maker. In the classical and Christian tradition, the formation of the soul in wisdom, virtue, and eloquence took precedence over all else, including instrumental training aimed at the inculcation of "useful" knowledge. Edited by historian Richard Gamble, this anthology reconstructs a centuries-long conversation about the goals, conditions, and ultimate value of true education. Spanning more than two millennia, from the ancient Greeks to contemporary writers, it includes substantial excerpts from more than sixty seminal writings on education. Represented here are the wisdom and insight of such figures as Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Cicero, Basil, Augustine, Hugh of St. Victor, Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Erasmus, Edmund Burke, John Henry Newman, Thomas Arnold, Albert Jay Nock, Dorothy Sayers, C. S. Lewis, and Eric Voegelin. In an unbroken chain of giving and receiving, the Great Tradition embraced the accumulated wisdom of the past and understood education as the initiation of students into a body of truth. This unique collection is designed to help parents, students, and teachers reconnect with this noble legacy, to articulate a coherent defense of the liberal arts tradition, and to do battle with the modern utilitarians and vocationalists who dominate educational theory and practice.