Catechesis, Mystagogy, and Pedagogy: Continuing the Conversation

A renewed alignment with the church’s historic ministry of catechesis necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the God-centered, experiential, lifelong, communal, and mission-centered nature of catechesis. Ancient church practice of educating the affections, in contrast to post-Enlightenment intellectual indoctrination, requires mystagogical immersion of the human heart and life in the love of God. Mystagogical catechesis prevents the formation of superficial faith through pedagogical practices that: recognize the liturgical nature of faith and life; engage the whole person; aim for the heart; envision the journey; provoke wonder; and cultivate worship