Theological approach to religious education: The case of Johannes Hofinger

The issue of the place of Religious Education, as an academic field, among the existing disciplines is still being discussed. The essence of the debate on this issue is based on the question of whether a transcendental entity or belief system or the human being himself, should be the basis for the foundation of religious education. In other words, whether the theological approach or the social-science approach to religious education should be accepted as a starting point? In this study, it is aimed to reveal the theoretical framework of the theological approach, one of the two main approaches to religious education, through the case of Johannes Hofinger. This study also seeks answers to these questions: Who is Johannes Hofinger? What are the meanings of the basic terms such as religion, education, instruction, religious education, and religious instruction used in the theological approach? What are the main pillars and essentials of Hofinger's approach to religious education? What aspects of this approach have been criticized by the advocates of the social-science approach? Is there any practical equivalent of Hofinger's approach to religious education in traditional Muslim societies, and if so, what are the similar and diverging aspects? In this study conducted through literature review, historical analysis, and descriptive analysis, Hofinger's views on religious education were examined and criticized from the perspective of opposing theories. The study concludes that Hofinger advocated the kerygmatic / evangelical religious education model, he adopted a method of teaching which was referred to as "God-centered" and "Christ-centered," he embraced a methodological principle of teaching by living as well as learning by living in both academic and daily-life dimension, he retained an approach to religious education which gave the Holy Spirit, regarded as the primary element in any religious life, an important role in teaching religion. Keywords: religious education, Christ-centered education, God-centered education, Johannes Hofinger, catechesis, kerygma, Catholic religious education.