Christian religious education and the development of moral virtues: a neo-Thomistic approach

Abstract

This article explores the implications for Christian religious education of the theory of moral virtues formulated by Thomas Aquinas and developed by the contemporary Neo-Thomists. The analysis is divided into two parts. The first part introduces Thomistic virtue theory and presents cardinal virtues crucial for Thomistic ethics: prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude, as the reference points for moral education. This part also includes analysis of the relationship between cardinal and theological virtues, leading to the conclusion that Christian religious education also requires the development of theological virtues. The second part explores, through Thomistic theory, what factors condition the development of a person's moral character (i.e. his/her moral virtues) and what those factors mean for supporting moral education within Christian religious education, initially within the context of Polish schooling. Particular attention is given to three issues: introducing the concept of responsibility for community members, introducing knowledge of moral virtues, and building a relationship with God.

Diagnostik Kesulitan Belajar dan Perilaku Bermasalah Siswa

“…Jarosław Horowski, mengatakan PAK di sekolah mengajarkan siswa agar memperoleh pengetahuan tentang dunia sekitarnya, aspek moral dari tindakan mereka sesuai kondisi keagamaan mereka. Selain itu, memberikan pengetahuan tentang agama-agama yang berbeda, memberikan perhatian khusus pada aliran yang dominan dalam masyarakat tertentu, dan menunjukkan hubungan antara agama dan moralitas (Horowski, 2020). Artinya PAK di sekolah juga harus menekankan pada prinsip toleransi bagi orang yang berbeda agama, suku, dan budaya sehingga siswa saling mengasihi dan menghormati di tengah-tengah perbedaan.…”

Internalization of Christian Religious Values in Facing Disruption of Student Character

“…The essential and primary element in Christian religious education is the element of morality [8]. From the above understanding, we can find an essential element in Christian values that need to instill: morals based on the truth of God's Word.…”

The Impact of a Theological Studies Course on The Ethical Development of Undergraduate Business Students

“…Some scholars have argued for the full integration of faith and ethics in professional contexts. Horowski (2020) explored implications of Thomas Aquinas's theory of moral virtues and Neo-Thomistic thought for Christian religious education, factors conditioning the development of a person's moral character, and implications of those factors for the moral development of students in the context of Christian religious education. Neo-Thomistic thought asserts that the moral choices of individuals are conditioned by, but not a simple consequence of, their moral beliefs and convictions (Horowski, 2020).…”

“…Horowski (2020) explored implications of Thomas Aquinas's theory of moral virtues and Neo-Thomistic thought for Christian religious education, factors conditioning the development of a person's moral character, and implications of those factors for the moral development of students in the context of Christian religious education. Neo-Thomistic thought asserts that the moral choices of individuals are conditioned by, but not a simple consequence of, their moral beliefs and convictions (Horowski, 2020). Religious education contributes to the development of theological virtues, including prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, but the mere acquisition of knowledge concerning these virtues is not sufficient to materially shape moral development (Horowski, 2020).…”