Religious Education and Practical Theology

During his fourth year of Irish seminary, Thomas Groome was assigned to teach religion class to high school sophomores. By the end of the second week, he knew he was "failing miserably." So he asked his students what they were interested in learning. "The secret was to bring life to faith, and faith to life," he says.

Groome continues to implement this approach in his contemporary work. A professor of theology and religious education at Boston College, his primary areas of interest and research are the history, theory, and practice of religious education. Educating for Life: A Spiritual Vision for Every Teacher and Parent, published in 2001, mirrors his teaching style—full of stories, examples, and good questions. His most recent books include Reclaiming Catholicism: Treasures Old and New (editor) (2010), and What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life (2003).

In the video, Groome examines the intersection between religious education and practical theology.

Hosted by the School of Theology's Center for Practical Theology on September 22, 2010.

Category:

Education

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• thomas groome
• catholicism
• practical theology
• religious education
• Lectures