As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the University of Jaffna, the Department of Christian Civilization, in collaboration with the Jaffna Diocesan Catechetical Centre, organized a seminar for religion teachers on October 20, 2024, at the Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna. The seminar, themed ‘Catechism in the Postmodern Society’, aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by postmodern thought to traditional catechism and to explore innovative strategies for teaching faith in contemporary contexts.
Objective and Significance of the Seminar
The Department of Christian Civilization has a long-standing tradition of organizing educational seminars, workshops, and discussions that address critical issues such as Christian ethics, social justice, and interreligious dialogue. As part of its commitment to academic and community engagement, the department sought to equip religion teachers with the necessary theoretical and practical tools to navigate the rapidly evolving cultural and intellectual landscape.
This seminar was especially timely, considering the shifting perspectives of faith, the influence of digital media, and the complexities of contemporary theological discourse. It provided religion teachers with new pedagogical approaches to catechism, ensuring that faith education remains relevant, engaging, and meaningful for modern learners.
Participation and Leadership
A total of 120 religion teachers from across the Diocese of Jaffna participated in the seminar. The event was presided over by Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan, the Head of the Department of Christian Civilization, and Rev. Fr. S. Duke Vincent served as the coordinator.
A distinguished panel of resource persons contributed their expertise, including, Mr. Ignatius Selvin (Retired SLAS Senior Officer), Dr. A. Nithlavarnan (Head, Department of Education, University of Jaffna), Prof. (Mrs.) J. Rasanayagam (Department of Education, University of Jaffna), Mr. Johnson Rajkumar (ISA, Jaffna).
Key Discussions and Themes
The seminar was designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of teaching catechism in a postmodern context. Key topics included:
- Understanding postmodern thought and its impact on Catechism
- The influence of secularism, relativism, and digital culture on religious education
- Addressing faith crises among young learners in a rapidly evolving society
- Innovative pedagogical strategies for teaching Catechism
- Methods to make religious instruction more interactive and student-centred
- Integrating technology and digital resources into catechetical teaching
- Faith and social responsibility in a contemporary world
- The role of Christianity in promoting social justice and moral values
- Teaching compassion, service, and ethical leadership through catechism
- Interreligious dialogue and inclusivity in religious education
- Encouraging open-mindedness and mutual respect in religious teachings
- Exploring the role of Christianity in fostering interfaith harmony
Outcomes and Impact
The seminar was highly engaging, with interactive discussions, case studies, and Q&A sessions allowing participants to share experiences and develop practical solutions. The teachers left with renewed confidence, fresh teaching strategies, and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping faith education in a changing world.
As the University of Jaffna marks its Golden Jubilee, this seminar was a significant contribution to its legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. The Department of Christian Civilization remains committed to equipping educators, fostering theological discourse, and ensuring that the study of Christianity remains both relevant and impactful in contemporary society.
