This thesis-project is about catechesis. Its underlying thoughts are the call for young Catholics to build a new habitus for the sake of societal restoration, and the urgency to develop a political catechesis which has been evoked by the Indonesian Catholic Church. The question to be responded to through this research is to what extent catechesis can be developed as a Christian faith formation so that young Catholics will become the agents of socio-political transfiguration in the society.
As a research in practical theology, this thesis-project brings on a rich conversation that involves history, anthropology, theological anthropology, missiology, and catechesis/religious education. Intentionally, it also engages local and universal perspectives in dialogue.
The structure of this thesis-project is constructed as follows. Chapter One provides the historical context of this thesis-project that is the socio-political situation of Indonesia and the movement of young Indonesian Catholics to respond to such a situation. Chapter Two shows the dynamism of a catechetical development that resonates with the call for the faithful to engage in the public arena. The reflections on Christology, theological anthropology, and missiology in Chapter Three and Chapter Four underlay the ground for catechesis as socio-political formation.
The last chapter consists of the preliminary ideas of catechesis as a Christian-based socio-political formation for young people. At its very basis, it is about the formation of disciples of Jesus that draws out a Christian mystical-prophetic spirituality. It is recognized by its sacramental, political, transfigurative, and congregational characteristics, and projected to the establishments of a new habitus and of a new societal life. Its focal point is the learning process which involves experience, social analysis, biblical-theological reflection, and conversion and transfiguration. This formation of socio-political agents is considered as a strategy for Christian mission in times of despair. |