Teaching Christianity and cultivating intelligence.

Abstract

From its very beginnings, the teaching of Christianity has been characterised by its cultivation of intelligence. This task is still fundamental, especially as education does not always succeed in harmonising the intellectual dimension with other dimensions (especially the emotional or affective and social dimensions), which often come to the fore.

However, it is necessary to demand that the educational task refers to reason theoretically and in practice, and here this is presented as an objective. Within this framework, this work considers that Christian education provides the light of faith, faith which enters into relationship with reason and, therefore, with culture or cultures. This is presented, in religious education classes in a dialogue between ethics, science and religion, with a view to the interdisciplinary nature of education. The teaching of Christianity has its scientific roots in theology, on the level of both speculation and practical wisdom. In conclusion, religious education classes, with their humanising and educational potential and their proclamation of faith, can enrich reason and the works of humankind. All of this is especially relevant when illuminating the intellectual approaches and existential attitudes of young people.