Between Progress and Faith: Religious Education, Theology and the Retrieval of Person

Abstract

The glorification of scientism, individualism, and collectivism affected the eidos of religious education as it dissociates the meaning of good from truth, the dualistic but isolated anthropology that isolates the body from the soul, and the subverting of transcendence into appearances. In effect, reasonability has died because of too much rationalization that have led to the demonization of the religious and the Divine. But, education of the person must be holistic This leads to the question: how can religious education stand as a beacon towards the recovery of reason and dignity of the person? In this research, I argue that religious education has a crucial role in the progression of reason and the defense of the human person amidst the tension between progressive ideologies in the form of diversity, inclusivity, and equality and traditional values. This is true, even if one is a believer, non-believer, or a “nonvert”. In this research, I will present the overarching significance of religious education through its effects on reasonability, rationality, and personality in the overall goal of education: to know the truth and fulfill it.