Chapter VII

Necessity of Promoting

Scientific Study

SCIENTIFIC STUDY

131 Because of the rapid development in present-day culture, the catechetical movement will in no way be able to advance without scientific study.

Hence if is necessary that the national organs of the Conferences of Bishops promote joint research projects. Clearly if is necessary that a program of questions to be researched be determined, that there be awareness 0f the questions already under study and occasional consultation with the experts who are working on them, and that a study be undertaken of questions that have not yet been researched, the necessary financial support for this having been provided.

There can be subjects for research that have universal importance: for example, the relations between catechesis and modern exegesis, between catechesis and anthropology, between catechesis and the mass media, and SO on. Because of the nature and difficulties of such kinds of research, international co-operation is often advisable.