Educaing for Eternity, Continued

 


Working from the principle  that schools who truly live their Catholic mission approach all of education from a distinctly Christian anthropology, Salkeld leverages Part I of “Educating for Eternity” to delineate the core aspects of Christian anthropology as it applies to the Catholic classroom. He specifically explores the concept of “educating the whole person” within the context of a Catholic school. Although this phrase may have become clichéd and somewhat diluted in meaning, Salkeld effectively clarifies what it genuinely involves. In contrast to the utilitarian focus often found in secular education, Catholic schools aim to cultivate the whole individual by intentionally guiding students in their lifelong pursuit of joy and the quest for truth—two interconnected ideas.

On the topic of joy, Salkeld explains that “a Catholic education aims to shape a student into someone capable of living well … for becoming who God calls us to be is where eternity intersects with our present reality.” In essence, when we align ourselves with God's calling and strive for holiness, our quest for true joy is ultimately fulfilled. However, this transformation does not happen by chance. Salkeld emphasizes that it is the responsibility of Catholic schools to teach students the principles of a genuinely “good life” that will lead them to joy.

 

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