Religious Education from a Critical Realist Perspective

<p>This book examines the possibility and necessity of critical thinking in religious education through the lenses of critical realism and the Christian doctrine of <i>sensus fidei</i> (‘sense of faith’). Drawing on Bhaskar’s 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 ‘disposition’ and ‘competence’. As such critical thinking becomes the expression of a commitment to judgemental rationality and in a Christian religious education is guided by the individual’s <i>sensus fidei</i>. A philosophical and theological discussion of the process of coming to know in the religious domain <i>Religious Education from a Critical Realist Perspective </i>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.</p>