Paedagogia Christiana (Oct 2011)
The Importance of Catechesis in Environmental Education
Abstract
Nowadays ecological problems are frequently addressed and in variouscontexts, also with reference to education in a broader sense. The Church participatesin the education, especially through catechesis. This reflection presents the strongestarguments for the participation of the atechesis in the ecological education. Moreattention is given to some chosen missions undertaken by the catechesis which areimportant for the ecological education. The presentation of the principles of Christianecological education discussed within the catechesis is also of great importance.In the light of the reflection undertaken it can be clearly seen that the catechesisconstitutes a unique space for the ecological education. One of the reasons is thefact that it provides the education with axiological foundations. The concern for theenvironment is justified by scientific reasons, but it also has a religious dimension.This religious perspective, which is important for catechesis, displays the underlyingsense of the concern for the environment as well as the right hierarchy of values.The problems of ecology are inherently related to the most important religious truthsspread within the catechesis in various groups, especially in families, parishes, andschools. In the view of the changes connected with a rapid development of electronicmedia it seems reasonable to state that the catechesis related to ecological problemsshould embrace the opportunities presented by the media.