What is the difference between catechesis and religious instruction?
Why is the Christian community involved in the catechesis of children since there is still religious instruction in the schools?
The objectives and pedagogy are different for religious instruction and the courses in ethics and religious culture, as they are for catechesis.
Religious instruction transmits theoretical knowledge about God, religion, the Bible and the Church. It aspires to impart moral values that will contribute to the development of citizenship and facilitate living in society. On the other hand, it is not the mandate of this instruction to promote students’ adhesion to any religious beliefs that will be taught.
In catechesis, the transmission of knowledge is part of a process which will address the students’ actual experiences. By means of various activities and at their own pace, the students will discover that faith in God and a relationship with Christ will have a positive influence in their lives and may enable them to view the world with a different perspective. In other words, encountering Jesus Christ through a living catechesis may lead youth to find a meaning for their lives.
Some answers to your questions...
© 2006