Katecheza w świetle zasady formalnej teologii pastoralnej

Abstract

According to Rev. Franciszek Blachnicki, the basic problem of religious instruction lies not in methods of conveying religious knowledge, but in the way of defining its purpose and role within the Church. The problem of integrity of catechesis and the Church has often been understood incorrectly and superficially as a result of the lack of full, theological vision of the Chuch and the influence of the modern time’s spirit. This has deprived religious instruction of its preternatural effectiveness. Rev. Blachnicki’s idea of catechesis as a separate part of pastoral theology was not objective, but subjective. Catechesis is not an abstract concept of religious tuition, but a way of the Church self-realization in the process of instructing the immature in faith, namely catechumens. It has to take into account all the elements of the presence of the Church in the people receiving religious instruction. According to Rev. Blachnicki, catechesis is also the knowledge of catechumenate as a basic task for the Church. As a result, teaching religion will be perceived as a function of the Church with all the elements contributing to its effectiveness.