Contemporary engagements and challenges for catholic religious education in south east asia

Abstract

This chapter presents the specific experiences of engagement and challenges that lay ahead for Catholic Religious Education in the South East Asian region today. It is interested in addressing the following issues: First, shows how Catholic Religious Education is configured by experiential engagements manifested in contemporary times within South East Asia. Second, I would like to point out how, aside from these engagements, Catholic Religious Education is formed and informed by variables that significantly pose a challenge to Catholic formation and instruction and, third, shows the ways in which these engagements and challenges have served to inform the public of the continuing relevance of religious propositions in contemporary society. South East Asian history is admittedly marked by a rich heritage of religious traditions and culture. While numerous theological literatures have endeavored to shed light on the theological engagements in this region in terms of the dialogue of life and faith much remains to be clarified with respect to articulating those engagements and challenges that have shaped Catholic practice and instruction in the region of late. Except for the Philippines, the rest of South East Asia exhibits a distinct religious character and cultural configuration that raises the stakes for a unique challenge and engagement to Catholic Religious Education.