CHAPTER
II
Elements of methodology
Diversity of methods in catechesis
(1)
148. The Church, in
transmitting the faith, does not have a particular method nor any single
method. Rather, she discerns contemporary methods in the light of the pedagogy
of God and uses with liberty "everything that is true, everything that is
noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honour and
everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise" (Phil 4:8).
In short, she assumes those methods which are not contrary to the Gospel and
places them at its service. This is amply confirmed in the Church's history.
Many charisms of service of the word have given rise to various methodological
directions. Hence, the "variety of methods is a sign of life and richness"
as well as a demonstration of respect for those to whom catechesis is
addressed. Such variety is required by "the age and the intellectual
development of Christians, their degree of ecclesial and spiritual maturity and
many other personal circumstances".(2) Catechetical methodology
has the simple objective of education in the faith. It avails of the
pedagogical sciences and of communication, as applied to catechesis, while also
taking account of the numerous and notable acquisitions of contemporary
catechesis.
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