Catholic Worldview - Part I

It is almost 100 years since the German theologian Monsignor Romano Guardini expounded the idea of a ‘Catholic worldview’. At times it is a misunderstood term, so let’s just begin with ‘worldview’.

In any context, if a culture shares a common language, belief, set of practices and values for an extended time it will form a ‘view’ of itself - how it looks upon the totality of its existence and projects. There are two essential components to this: the gaze and the task. A worldview ‘gazes’ upon the concrete aspects of the culture addressing the whole enterprise. The task for the culture emerges in this gaze through a ‘lens’; how will people in the culture act, proceed and think about themselves in the world?

In the Catholic school, the ‘lens’ is that of Christ. This lens asks a number of questions: How does Christ apply to all we do? What view of the world should we have as Christians? How does a Catholic worldview enter our school’s culture, language and tasks? Or, are we just like any other school?

Essentially the answer to the last question is ‘no’. A Catholic worldview is a Biblical worldview, in that it focuses on the human person and on humankind’s salvation. Therein, in the school setting, we strive to ensure our students learn to have full and free lives (and afterlives) in Christ (John 10:10). In this sits a Trinitarian worldview- God sent ‘his only begotten Son to save us’ (John 3:16), and we live in the Son, and are graced by the Holy Spirit.

As such, in the Catholic school our views and practices are shaped by a living tradition, scripture, and the ongoing gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of all who lead, teach and learn.

The Catholic worldview ‘permeates’ all activity. It is best aided by a staff understanding of the foundations of Christian living, and for many, the call of their own Baptism - bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to students as a ‘compassionate gaze which heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life’ (EG, 169).

As is generally understood, the Catholic worldview permeates the Curriculum of a Catholic School. However, it should also permeate the pastoral and leadership aspects of the Catholic school. Next week we will explore this more closely.

Gary Reen

Assistant Director, SEACS