Shared Mission: Religious Education in the Catholic Tradition

This book provides a critical perspective on religious education in the light of contemporary developments in Catholic thinking in catechesis and wider thinking in education. It explores the complex genealogy of the relationship between catechesis and Religious Education and proposes a Spirituality of Communion should underpin the Church's work in catechesis, education, and Religious Education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press

This book is a significant contribution to the field of religious education, with a clear and straightforward objective: to provide a critical examination of the nature of religious education in the context of contemporary developments in Catholic thinking in catechesis and broader educational thought. The issues raised within the book are rich in content and will serve as a valuable source for fruitful dialogue and constructive debate within the world of Catholic education.

The book is organized into three parts. Part One explores four historical contexts that are chosen specifically to shed light on the contemporary advancements in the field. Although these historical periods may overlap, they provide a framework that supports the central arguments of the book.

Part Two delves into the intricate history of the relationship between catechesis and religious education. It presents key thematic frames of reference that organize and examine the relevant Magisterial documents and academic literature chronologically. This chronological approach allows for cross-referencing across the themes, although the range of issues for debate defies a tidy categorization within specific time-frames. Nonetheless, the provided structure offers a helpful framework for understanding the complexities of the relationship.

Part Three proposes that a Spirituality of Communion should serve as the foundation for the Church's work in catechesis, education, and religious education. Shared Mission is presented as a satisfactory articulation of the necessary dialogic relationship between these fields, providing a suitable space for both distinction and reciprocity. The revised edition includes an appendix on the Global Compact on Education, which adds an additional dimension to the discussion.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and practitioners interested in religious education. It offers a critical perspective on the nature of religious education in the light of contemporary developments in Catholic thinking, providing ample material for dialogue and debate within the Catholic educational community. The revised edition enhances the book's appeal with an appendix on the Global Compact on Education, making it an essential read for anyone engaged in the field.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949822403
Edition number: Revised Edition