Restoring the Foundations of Reason and Faith in Religious Education

Abstract

This paper explores reasons for the apparent ineffectiveness of religious education programmes in the Catholic schools of the West. It examines the impact of the anti-realist educational philosophy of Constructivism and the inadequacy of responses to these challenges, including those proposed by Recontextualisation theologians. The paper examines the work of the nineteenth century English Cardinal, John Henry Newman, and recommends possible solutions to the crisis in religious education based on the work of his insights. It also argues the case for certitude as a necessary component of religious education.