The living art of religious education: a paradigm of hermeneutics and dialogue for RE at faith schools today. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pollefeyt, Didier; Richards, Michael
• Is Part Of: British journal of religious education. Volume 42:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Religious education (RE) -- faith schools -- hermeneutics -- dialogue; Religious education -- Periodicals; Christian education -- Periodicals; 207.5
• DOI: 10.1080/01416200.2019.1593106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-6200

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In light of ongoing debates about religious education as hermeneutical, this contribution proposes a 'hermeneutical-communicative' (HCM) paradigm for RE through the development of a twofold reflection: (a) a critical (re-)evaluation of the theological and anthropological foundations for RE in light of (b) a context marked by religious and philosophical diversity, disaffiliation and 'areligiosity'. In this way, the HCM approach proposes an identity for RE that lies at the intersection of 'hermeneutical' and 'dialogical'. Drawing upon theologies of interreligious dialogue, this contribution first analyses four paradigms for RE (exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism, particularism) and then advocates for a hermeneutical-communicative approach characterised by an emphasis on interreligious 'literacy', philosophical and religious hospitality and inter-hermeneutical dialogue. Such a paradigm results in a number of implications for practice, including sensitivity to 'big questions' in life, engagement with the Gospels and the faith tradition, respect and appreciation for other avenues in the search for meaning and identity, and attention to the personal growth of young people.