Theology and Philosophy of Education

Theta, Phi and Pi on the Stage of the World Theatre

Zuzana Svobodová — 2023-06-04

It is the editorial for the first issue of the second volume of the journal Theology and Philosophy of Education. The journal’s logo is described and interpreted here in the context of the journal’s aim. All the texts of the offered issue are briefly introduced here.

To Have a Right to a Brave and Safe Space

František Štěch — 2023-06-04

Basic Impulses of Hebrew Pedagogy

Andrej Čaja — 2023-06-01

The privileged place to learn about Hebrew pedagogy is the Bible and rabbinical literature and thus it is of primary interest especially to the religious systems that grew out of it. Nevertheless, from a formal point of view, it offers a priceless contribution to the reflection on educational values as such. The aim of this article is to put forward some basic impulses of Hebrew pedagogy that may be inspirational even today for both teachers and pupils.

The Eye of the Storm

Sander Vloebergs — 2023-06-04

In this interdisciplinary paper we explore ways in which medieval mystical theology can inspire religious education teachers in their work in the classroom. One of the major challenges to them is to (help to) understand the tension between religious literacy and religious experience. By using an experiential and imaginative rather than a rational theology, based on the work of the mystics, we hope to clarify this tension. Firstly, we describe the “hermeneutical storm”: a metaphor to understand the complexity of the religious learning process in the context of friction between worlds. Teachers bear witness and need to stand firm at the centre of this clash. Secondly, we present medieval mysticism as a frame of reference to deal with this situation that challenges the modern urge for rational control. We discuss the historical context of the democratization of mystical theology, the multiple genres and the imaginative language mystics use to guide their students during their personal development, exemplified by Hadewijch’s mystical experience as an interplay between Love and Reason. This imaginative theology can offer contemporary religious education teachers insight into the “hidden presence of God” when faced with hermeneutical storms in the classroom and can help them in clarifying the tension between religious literacy and experience.

Character Education in Primary Schools and the New Implementation Education Method of Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in the Czech Republic

Michaela Pachelová — 2023-06-04

This article examines character education, which has been assessed as essential for the emotional and social development of children. Character education is included in the curriculum as early as preschool, and it should optimally continue in primary school. Furthermore, the importance of a correct choice of methods and guided reflections is also included. The article also discusses previous experiences with character education and the recommendations provided by the Czech School Inspectorate.

Selected Representations of the Phenomenological Orientation of Polish Pedagogical Thought

Jarosław Gara — 2023-06-04

This article indicates the basic premises and differentiating contexts that underlie the conceptual specificity of phenomenological pedagogy. In this context, three original positions of phenomenological orientation in Polish pedagogical thought have been presented. In accordance with their specific features, the first position refers to the phenomenological problematization of issues related to pedagogical axiology in a particular way, the second position refers to issues associated with pedagogical teleology, while the third relates to matters connected to pedagogical anthropology. Each of these positions is based on original theoretical solutions that have raised interest and initiated discussion on phenomenological pedagogy in Polish literature, beginning in the 1980s.

Teaching of Medical Students within the Provision of Medical Care in the Itibo Mission Hospital in Kenya

Lukáš Malý — 2023-06-04

The aim of this article is to describe the preparation of students who go to the Itibo development co-operation project. This includes how clinical practice and medical ethics are taught as part of participating in this project in Kenya. We will try to explain the possible benefits for students and the importance of understanding multiculturalism in the provision of medical care.