Catéchismes catholiques en France aux XV-XVIII siècles. Une approche analytique
Catholic catechisms in France in the XV-XVIII centuries. An analytical approach
Author(s): Vasile CreţuSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History of Church(es), 15th Century, 16th Century, 17th Century, 18th Century, Pastoral Theology, History of Religion
Published by: Editura Universității Aurel Vlaicu
Keywords: catechism; the Catholic Church; France; the Protestant Reformation; the Tridentine Catechism;
Summary/Abstract: Understanding contemporary catechetical debates and challenges requires taking an analytical look at the creation and evolution of the catechism centred on faith concept, which was established in the 16th century and which served as a model for four centuries. This study gives an approach on the creation of catechism as a manual and as a specific pastoral practice dedicated to children. Furthermore, it presents the main lines of the catechism of the Council of Trent and the main aspects of the catechism of the 17th and 18th centuries. The 16th century was the century of the Reform. This process was directly experienced by the population, who witnessed it as a real breach for the Christianity, a simultaneous political, social and religious breach, all these four characteristics being closely linked at that time. Today, we certainly find it difficult to imagine this breach. But historians such as Jean Delumeau tell us that this Reform, as well as the following Catholic Reform constituted the response to a challenge: a changing world which is transforming radically. From this fascinating period, let us retain the elements, which seem essential to us to understand the atmosphere around the evolution of the diffusion of the faith “elements” and in particular the setup of the catechism framework, as well as its content. The new methods of printing and distributing books bring about a new relationship to knowledge. Along with humanism, the idea of personal faith is being developed. Salvation by collective membership in the Church is no longer enough. It is in this context that the first catechism manuals will be born. The manuals included the theological elements considered essential, generally organized in five chapters: the articles of the Credo (the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Credo), the Sunday prayer, the Pater Noster and the Ave Maria prayers, the commandments of God and of the Church.
Journal: Teologia
- Issue Year: 86/2021
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 87-104
- Page Count: 18
- Language: French