developing an institutional interdenominational faith-formation program using the bottom-up approach
DESCRIPTION
Presented at international conference on "Reflection and Curriculum Development Interreligioys Understanding and Peacebuilding in Asia" held 21-23 May 2011 at the International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan. Project documents at www.smarkideas.comTRANSCRIPT
Developing an Institutional Interdenominational Faith-Formation Program Using the Bottom-up Approach
MARK RAYGAN E. GARCIAProject Leader
Director, Office of Information & PublicationsSilliman University | Philippines
Team Members
Dr. Muriel Montenegro, Dean, Divinity School
Prof. Lily Apura, Chair, Religious Studies Program
Ms. Sharon Dadang Rafols, Peace Education Coordinator, Justice and Peace Center
Background
Silliman’s diverse student profile (geographical & religious distribution)
5 Cs of Silliman education | FIRE (Faith, Instruction, Research, Extension)
Religion as an institutional course requirement
Religious freedom on campus
Approaches | Assumptions
Bottom-Up Approach Students are treated as “experts”; reverses traditional thought:
one-way mentoring (teacher >>> student) Perception is reality
“Alternative Packaging” Use of non-conventional, “non-threatening” ways of engagement
and of stimulating the teaching-learning process Capitalizes on creativity; receptive to limitations
Objective 1
Provide an open space for discussion among students from at least three religious denominations represented in the University on their own religions and other people’s religions
Methods utilized: Face-to-face, “alternative packaging” (paintings, play, dance, songs) Online/Digital tools
Objectives 2
Develop a collective understanding of religion by drawing up from the discussions commonalities and differences among religions in presenting what will be identified as actual and/or potential areas of conflict or tension among religions;
Objective 3
Serve as basis for the Justice and Peace Center to come up with an interdenominational faith-formation program specifically targeted at continuing dialogues on the role of religion in the life of students and the community, in fostering domestic and international peace
Production of a material that incorporates: Module Guide Comic
Implementation
Phase 1 Preliminary orientation
Phase 2 Theme: “Me, Myself & My Faith Community” Objective / Expectation Setting Tell Your Story Dialogue / Team Dynamics Processing
Participants
13 student-participants
8 countries: Philippines, China (Tibet), Iran, Italy, Jordan, Korean, Nigeria, USA
4 religions: Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Dialogue
What is the meaning (and role) of your religion in your life?
What is unique in your religion?
Is there a characteristic in your religion similar to other religions? If yes, what are these?
How do you refer to your creator?
What about your religion (song, text, gesture, symbol) that you want to share with the group?
How do you look at peace in your religion?
Do you think your religion can work with other religions in achieving peace? How? In what ways?
Dialogue
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Painting
Implementation
Phase 3 Theme: “Me & The World”
4 Topics:
Environment Gender Equality Politics Education
Implementation
Phase 4
Deliverables
Module & Guide
Comics
Let’s Connect
Daghang salamat (Thank you very much)!
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.smarkideas.com
FB: www.facebook.com/markraygan