Moral Formation and Religious Education: The Parable Method
Moral formation involves three key areas:
- Preparation of the Body- developing self discipline
- Preparation of the Heart- falling in love
- Preparation of the Mind- moral principles
Preparation of the Body
Key moral task for 3-6 year olds is training the body
Practical life activities
Not yet capable of moral reasoning or having control over themselves
Training in self-discipline
Preparation of the Heart
Relationship between love and morality
Love leads to action
Preparation of the Mind
Moral reasoning (at about six years old)
Connection between love and action
We have been loved, so we should love in return
Starting point for understanding Christian codes of behaviour, rules governing social relationships; from natural law, school rules, to ten commandments
Ways to prepare the mind:
Parables
Ten commandments
The 8 Beatitudes
The Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude
Wonder
What is it?
A sense of awe that involves the whole being- not just intellectual curiosity
It engages every aspect of the body and mind
It seeks the fulfilment of its purpose, placed there by God
Openness to the unknown
Lack of fear
Benefits of Wonder
Foundation of Spiritual Growth: going beyond ourselves to discover the beauty and value in real things
The child engages in wonder naturally
Moves us naturally to prayers of praise and thanksgiving
Parables
What is a parable?
Images that help us penetrate deep mysteries, beyond definitions and explanations
Mystery will keep unfolding
Leave the crowd in communal wondering
Helps us reach the transcendent in everyday life
Guidelines for presenting a parable:
Give the whole parable, not just one verse of it
Use the smallest number of words possible to introduce the parable: highlight the actual words of the Scripture
Never explain, be a "co-wonderer"
Convey the sense that there is "always more to find"
Avoid correcting a child's response, find ways to encourage them to continue wondering
Avoid giving your own personal testimony
Allow children to work their way through an answer rather than being given someone else's answer
For younger children, emphasise the joy rather than the cost of the struggle
Mustard seed
Precious pearl
Hidden treasure