Liberation Theology and Critical Pedagogy in Today's Catholic Schools

Surveys Education in a Religious Context Grounded in the work of liberation theologians, this book considers peace, love and social justice within a democratic curriculum and underscores the importance of integrating critical discourses with Catholic education. The author stresses that the values underlying liberation theology and critical pedagogy epitomize the qualities and characteristics of a good Catholic schooling. One School as a Standard Focusing on Vincent Gray Alternative High School in East St. Louis, the author pursues the following questions: What does it mean to be Catholic? Whom do Catholic schools serve and how? Has the Church abandoned its primary mission of helping the poor? Why is the number of poor people increasing? What does it mean to be a Catholic educator? The author discusses the influence of liberation theologians as well as that of critical educators, particularly the work of Paulo Freire. Special Features: *Explores the relationship of schooling, religion, and social justice in a framework of theory and practice in clear and accessible language. *Sheds light on the reasons for the high rate of success of Catholic schools with poor urban students. *Explores the idea of how a commitment to social justice can enhance the life chances of poor students in all schools. Suitable for Courses in: Foundations; Curruculum and Instruction; Sociology of Education; EducationPolicy; Urban Education; Minority Education; Religion and Education