Religious Education From A Critical Realist Perspective

This book examines the possibility and necessity of critical thinking in religious education through the lenses of critical realism and the Christian doctrine of sensus fidei (âsense of faithâ). Drawing on Bhaskarâs original critical realism and data from a survey of over a thousand teachers in the Philippines, the author argues for a view of critical thinking based on components of âdispositionâ and âcompetenceâ. As such, critical thinking becomes the expression of a commitment to judgemental rationality and, in a Christian religious education, is guided by the individualâs sensus fidei. A philosophical and theological discussion of the process of coming to know in the religious domain, Religious Education from a Critical Realist Perspective also offers concrete recommendations on how to promote the practice of religious critical thinking in confessional religious education classrooms. As such, it will appeal to scholars of philosophy, theology and pedagogy with interests in religious education and curriculum development.