Integrating Christian Values in Contemporary Education: A Philosophical Perspective on Catholic Religious Pedagogy
Keywords:
Christian values, Catholic education, religious pedagogy, philosophy of education, moral formationAbstract
This paper explores the integration of Christian values within the framework of contemporary education, emphasizing a philosophical perspective rooted in Catholic religious pedagogy. In a rapidly evolving and pluralistic society, the challenge of preserving spiritual and moral foundations in education becomes increasingly vital. Drawing on both classical and modern philosophical thought, as well as Church teachings, the study examines how Catholic educational principles can offer holistic formation by nurturing intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions of students. The paper argues that integrating Christian values does not hinder modern educational goals but rather enriches them by fostering ethical consciousness, critical thinking, and compassionate engagement with the world. The findings highlight the importance of recontextualizing faith-based education to remain relevant while staying faithful to its theological and moral traditions.
References
[1] V. Braun and V. Clarke, "Using thematic analysis in psychology," Qualitative Research in Psychology, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 77–101, 2006.
[2] J. W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2014.
[3] H.-G. Gadamer, Truth and Method, J. Weinsheimer and D. G. Marshall, Trans. New York: Continuum, 2004.
[4] T. H. Groome, Will There Be Faith? A New Vision for Educating and Growing Disciples. San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 2011.
[5] John Paul II, Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1998.
[6] T. Lickona, Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility. New York: Bantam Books, 1991.
[7] S. B. Merriam and E. J. Tisdell, Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, 4th ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2016.
[8] L. P. Nucci and D. Narvaez, Eds., Handbook of Moral and Character Education. New York: Routledge, 2008.
[9] J. O’Higgins-Norman, "Catholic education and the challenges of pluralism," International Studies in Catholic Education, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 7–20, 2012.
[10] J. Pieper, Tradition: Concept and Claim. Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2000.
[11] J. Sullivan, Catholic Education: Distinctive and Inclusive. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001.