Conference paper
The Positive Role of School Religious Education. The Introductory Speech at the XIV. Encounter of the European Forum for School Religious Education on the Theme "Education at the Service of the Civilization of Love", Rome, 7. April 2010.
Zenon Grocholewski
Abstract
The Congregation for Catholic Education continually follows those who work in the field of education. True education takes into account the need for love. The role of the service of the Church in the field of education is to promote the civilization of love. Religious education in the school is also a principle of education. Education is not only preparation for work but also formation of the whole person. Parents have a right to choose the type of education for their children. The ability and freedom to choose religious education in public schools is also a sign of one's personal choice of faith. School religious education and parish catechesis are distinct but also complimentary. Denominational school religious education is of special importance. Prohibiting any mention of God and religious signs and symbols in public areas is symptomatic. Erasing religious signs and symbols is a unpleasant measure and also a sign of disregrad for one's choice of knowledge. Through it's diaconal service, the Church upholds and promotes an integral human education. School religious education can also help pupils in their search for God. School religious education needs to be more than just informative. True religious education is a stimulus and a lesson for posing the question of the "origin" of man's life and "where" it is headed.
Keywords
school religious education; integral education; civilization of love; personal choice of faith; choice of knowledge; searching for God
Hrčak ID:
113064
URI
Publication date:
20.9.2010.
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