Folia Theologica 9. (1998)

Recensiones

246

RECENSIONES

placed within the context of theology with the aim of touching on those questions and problems — in principle and in praxis — that arise in the catechetical process in faith formation. The chapter studies the adolescent’s current situation, highlighting those dimensions that critically touch on the viability of faith formation. The adolescent’s characteristics and given situation are crucial elements, because they are the starting point for catechesis. The chapter also presents those components of personal identity that must be formed in conjunction with faith formation. These components, and their relation to the role of scripture in faith formation form the foundation and are the central theme of the paper.

Chapter II discusses the problem of methodology. The foundational principle is the manner of introducing and referring to the person of Jesus Christ. The heart of catechesis is the person of Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of revelation. Catechesis for adolescent is based not only on the person of Jesus, but aims at establishing a personal relationship with Jesus. This chapter explores the particular scriptural, catechetical, and educational aspects for the adolescent, and the problem of language that may arise in this connection with faith formation. It is important that both the pedagogical and didactical considerations keep in view the needs of the adolescent. Among the special needs of the adolescent is in the area of moral developement, since it underlies the formation of Christian identity. Those elements of morality are dealt with in this section that are fundamental in developing a moral basis, and directly relate to the use of scripture in moral developement.

Chapter III focuses on the foundational elements of faith in the person of Jesus, and the developement of these elements.

The topic will be dealt with in two parts. In the first part the paper examines and analyzes the existential questions of adolescence. It then looks at these questions in the light of every person’s ultimate questions, and how we might recognize and seize these moments of questions as teachable moments in the adolescent’s life. The second part highlight scripture’s role in this formation, looking at various sections of scripture that best illustrate the aim, keeping in view the above-mentioned key catechetical factors and concepts. The references are from both the Old and the New testament, centering and coming together in the person of Jesus. The approach is not meant to be practical, and will not include a practical application for adolescent catechesis.