Religious education, government, and the State

Scheduled for 9:00am–10:00am Eastern Time, Plenary Session presentations and panel discussion 10

Chair: Benjamin Block (Catholic University of America)

Speaker: Fr. Pawel Tarasiewicz (Adler-Aquinas Institute/ International Étienne Gilson Society):”State vs. God: On atheistic implications of European Statism”

The paper consists of three parts. First, it traces the idea of European statism back in the history of philosophy to show how the state was thought to struggle against God and replace His authority. Secondly, it raises the question of the actual status of statism in the contemporary West to detect its visible embodiments and impacts. Finally, it explores the words of Jesus Christ—‘Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s’—to formulate an argument against trading Christian faith for the empty promises of statism.

Speaker: Fr. Tomasz Kopiczko (Elk Seminary-Warmia and Mazury University, Poland): “Analyzing the ineffectiveness of catechesis in Poland”

“Catechesis” and “atheism” are two polarizing words. In relation to intuitive definitions, catechesis is meant to deepen one’s faith and strengthen the relation with God, while atheism entirely negates the existence of God. The purpose of this article is to show that, despite the fact that these two phenomena are so different, time and place existwhere they meet. In Polish reality it is through catechesis—colloquially called “religious instruction,” which is conducted at schools. This article aims at outlining ineffective elements of catechesis in its encounter with atheism. It does not mean, however, that the whole process of catechesis should be deemed ineffective and inefficacious. The main priority is to list those elements that are imperfect and make this aspect of the redemptive ministry of the Church falter. In addition to this, it is also vital to point at possible recommendations in order to run the catechesis process effectively and take more care of the faith and salvation of man.

Livestream of video from the Conference will be at the Holy Apostles College and Seminary YouTube Channel.

Next session scheduled for 10:30am.