I am writing in response to a letter from Mr Terry Oberg “Standing for Truth in the Classroom” (April 29).
Mr Oberg is right to point out that any educational resource which accepts that truth is relative is not acceptable to those involved in Catholic education. However, this does not mean that our Catholic tradition does not allow for the fact that all texts are interpreted, nor is it correct to assume that all postmodern philosophies are contrary to religious belief.
Catholics, for example, have been at the forefront of modern interpretation of the sacred scripture. This is a form of critical literacy and uses some postmodern techniques. No one suggests that understanding the historical or literary background to the gospels destroys their religious truth. As Dr Peter Vardy has noted, we must negotiate between the two extremes of fundamentalism and relativism if we are to remain faithful to the Christian tradition.
As Catholic educators we have a clear responsibility to the students in our schools to equip them with an understanding of the potential dangers of both literalism and relativism. We must draw on the best of our Catholic intellectual tradition as we develop an appropriate pedagogy for our students based on the state approved syllabuses.
It is also important to note in this context that a syllabus is a broad-based document developed by a statutory body, the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). From this syllabus, all schools, both religious and secular, develop teaching programs that are congruent with their ethos and beliefs.
The Queensland Catholic Education Commission maintains strong representation on the Queensland Studies Authority to ensure the Catholic voice is clearly heard in syllabus development and that the flexibility to develop school work programs in keeping with our Church teaching continues to exist.
I would assure Mr Oberg that the Commission and all Catholic school employing authorities are committed to the teachings of our Catholic faith and take the responsibility to see that this truth is upheld in classrooms in Queensland Catholic schools very seriously. In April 2008 the Commission is sponsoring a conference which will address the features of an authentically Catholic curriculum.
MIKE BYRNE
Executive Director
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
