A New Direction of General Education about Religion in the 21st Century - Focusing on the Case of Pai Chai University

Ahn, Shin

Korean Journal of General Education 2020;14(1):219-237.
Published online February 28, 2020.

Shin Ahn

21세기 종교에 대한 교양교육의 새로운 방향

안신

Abstract

This paper deals with the characteristics and limitations of religious education in Christian University, analyzing the change of structure and operation in the case of Pai Chai University. In the 21st century, the paradigm of religious education shifted from the education of particular religion to the education of general religion and religions. Among the methods of understanding religious traditions, situation is more important than faith and text. In mutlcultural education, there are Christian education, education of general religion, education of particular religion, education of religions, and education of Christian values. The religious education of Pai Chai University consists of chapel attendance and general education. Chapel attendance is the education of religion, and general education is the education about religion. seeks for the educaion of Christian values. The general education of religion in Christian university examines the viable attitudes to neighboring religions. The religious education of Pai Chai University constructs pluralistic pluralism beyond the stages of exclusivism and inclusivism, emphasizing differences rather than common ground. This approach is close to Lindbeck s cultural-linguistic model. The changes of textbooks published in 1998, 2003, and 2014 influenced the aims and contents of education: from conversion and mission to Christian ethics, Christian social welfare and life spirituality. In conclusion, based on the case of Pai Chai University, phenomenological suggestions for the viable general education about religion in Christian University are given: (1) empathetic understanding towards homo religiosus and religious worldview, (2) multicultural approaches to religion, and (3) the extension to spirituality beyond religion.

Key Words: Christian University, General Education about Religion, Multicultural Education, Attitudes to Neighboring Religions, Life Spirituality, Phenomenology of Religion