Seeing the beauty of God? A case study of four Catholic post-primary schools exploring the role of religious paintings in RE
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Date
2018
Authors
O'Sullivan Ryan, Caroline M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
This study considers the role of religious paintings in Religious Education (RE). It is set in an Irish Catholic post-primary school context where RE has a dual role: first, to deliver an RE programme in keeping with the comprehensive educational aims of the RE syllabus (NCCA, 2000 & 2003), and second, to assist Catholic students on their journey towards faith development. While cognisant of the challenges that religious educators face providing an educationally sound programme which simultaneously allows for a faith dimension, the study examines how the inclusion of religious paintings in RE can make a valuable contribution to the teaching of Religious Education at both junior and senior levels. The study draws on the writings of the Swiss theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar, whose theory of theological aesthetics illustrates how an encounter with the mystery of worldly beauty can be revelatory, participatory and transformative. These three elements, which are central to von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics, provide a critical framework for this study. A case study methodology was employed, examining the use of religious paintings by five teachers and the responses of their students. The findings show how the inclusion of religious paintings enrich students’ learning experiences in the RE classroom. When students are afforded opportunities to ‘see’ and explore colours, lighting, symbols and images in religious paintings, they come to see connections with their own personal lives, others and the revelation of God, making a valuable contribution to their spiritual development.
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Keywords
Hans Urs von Balthasar , RE , Visual arts , Religious paintings , Theological aesthetics , Spiritual development
Citation
O'Sullivan Ryan, C. M. 2018. Seeing the beauty of God? A case study of four Catholic post-primary schools exploring the role of religious paintings in RE. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.