The Need and Interest of Adults in Religious Education

  • Anna Walulik Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow
  • Grzegorz Zelek Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow
  • Mariola Bach Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow
Keywords: religious education of adults, religious knowledge, developmental tasks, religious competence

Abstract

Adults indicate their needs and interest in religious content in a variety of ways. They express a conviction that adult religious education should not be limited to catechesis and look for such forms that correspond to their needs and expectations. One of them is the Bible Correspondence Course (BCC). This form of adult religious education has been present in Poland for over 20 years, and in Austria even longer. The Course not only attracts growing interest amongst adults but also meets their expectations and brings (often unexpected) results. By analysing the motives for the participation in the BCC one can see that this form of adult education is a significant event for many people and has become a unique part of their biographies. Thus, its effects relate to many areas and dimensions of human existence.

Author Biographies

Anna Walulik, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow

Dr. hab. Anna Walulik CSFN, a Professor at the Jesuit University in Krakow, is a nun of the Order of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Head of the Department of Andragogy and Pedagogical Axiology in the Institute of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Pedagogy at the Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow. She is
also a member of the Association of Polish Catechists, and a member of the team dealing with working out the Core Curriculum of the Catechesis of the Catholic Church in Poland.

Grzegorz Zelek, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow

Grzegorz Zelek, MA, is a PhD student at the Faculty of Education at the Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow. He is a director of the Psychological and Pedagogical Outpatient Clinic in Brzesko. He is an educator, therapist and coach. In his professional work, he deals with the diagnosis and therapy of children and adolescents, and runs workshops and training for students as well as teachers and parents.

Mariola Bach, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow

Mariola Bach, MA, is a PhD student at the Faculty of Education at the Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow. She is a nun of the Order of the Holy Family of Nazareth and a long-time head teacher of the pre-schools run by her congregation in Częstochowa and Krakow. Co-author of the pre-school education program "Pre-schooler in the world of beauty". She is a longstanding member and chairwoman of the Pre-school Section in the Education and Teaching Commission operating at the Conference of Senior Superiors of Religious Orders in Warsaw.

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Published
2018-12-30
How to Cite
Walulik, A., Zelek, G., & Bach, M. (2018). The Need and Interest of Adults in Religious Education. Multidisciplinary Journal of School Education, 7(2 (14). https://doi.org/10.35765/mjse.2018.0714.04