What Church Documents Say About Teaching Scripture
The Renewal of the Education of Faith (REF) (1970)
This document was created primarily for those involved in the religious instruction of children. It does not not give explicit instruction in how to teach Scripture but clearly outlines its importance. According to Carswell (2010), "scripture is described as the first and 'most important' of all the sources of revelation" (p. 4) in the REF. The REF places such high regard on Scripture that it states it should be the basis of all religious instruction. The REF outlines three foci in regard to teaching Scripture.
(Carswell, 2010)
- Knowledge of Scripture is important. This includes, cultural and historical background and knowledge of the literary forms of the text.
- Scripture should be presented in its entirety, that is, it must be accurate and honest.
- Scripture must be presented in a way that is faithful to the Word of God.
(Carswell, 2010)
General Catechetical Directory (GCD) (1971)
GCD is a document to guide and assist those with the responsibility of religious education and catechesis. The document states that the gift of salvation is revealed in the Scriptures, for this reason, the foundation of religious education should be the source of this revelation, the Bible. "Catechesis should begin with a simple presentation of the Christian message and lead to a more developed and detailed study of Scripture" (Carswell, 2010, p. 7).
(Carswell, 2010)
(Carswell, 2010)
Catechesis Tradendae (CT) (1979)
CT is a document about catechesis. "Scripture is explicitly named as the source for the content of catechesis" (Carswell, 2010, p. 9). It outlines the importance of scripture in religious instruction, saying that "scripture is the very basis of what is to be taught" (Carswell, 2010, p. 10).
CT states that using scripture must be done in such a way that is in line with the church, further, it states that when adapting scripture, the integrity of the text must be kept pure.
(Carswell, 2010)
CT states that using scripture must be done in such a way that is in line with the church, further, it states that when adapting scripture, the integrity of the text must be kept pure.
(Carswell, 2010)