Eastern Orthodox Education in Didactic Light: Theory and Practice of Contemporary School Eastern Orthodox Education

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleПравославното образование в дидактическа светлина : Теория и практика на съвременното училищно православно образование
3. Language term Bulgarian
4. lemma author Nachev, Ivaylo
5. lemma category Education, Science and Orthodoxy
6. Publication date 23-1-2019
7. lemma work Кожухаров, Валентин [Author]. Православното образование в дидактическа светлина : Теория и практика на съвременното училищно православно образование
8. lemma manifestations Православното образование в дидактическа светлина : Теория и практика на съвременното училищно православно образование - Sofia: Болид, 2001.
9. Keywords Bulgarian educational system - Bulgarian Orthodox Church
10. Lemma body

    1. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical and practical aspects of the Eastern Orthodox religious education. The author advocates the need for religious education which is strictly based on the Eastern Orthodox tradition and also applies contemporary school methodology. Referring to the underdevelopment in this field, he also advocates the preparation of an all-round model for Eastern Orthodox religious education which can contribute to upbringing genuine Eastern Orthodox personalities. Kozhuharov sees his work as a step establishing the didactic aspects of this model.

       The author notes good practices in Western religious pedagogics, emphasizing at the same time that the Eastern Orthodox religious education should avoid influences of “'contemporary sciences” such as psychology, sociology, history, philosophy and didactics. He argues that the contemporary (secular) sciences have been penetrating with increasing intensity the religious sphere, adding that the religious education should be built in closest connection with the Church, while the other sciences could be used just in order for application of appropriate terminology (p.13).  

       Part I examines the theoretical grounds of the Eastern Orthodox religious education, while Part II focusses on the practical aspects. In Part I the author first looks at the religious education in general and then at the theoretical grounds of the Eastern Orthodox education in particular. The author also discusses the structure of Orthodox theology.

       Part II begins following the structure of the previous one. In addition, the author discusses in detail in a separate chapter various didactic aspects, including analysis of school programs at all stages of the school education in Bulgaria. The author looks at the experience with the school subject religion, suggesting close cooperation with the Orthodox Church. Advocating in favor of the confessional approach, he also proposes specific scheme for religious education that would help young people to grow as accomplished Orthodox Christians and dignified citizens.