A Pedagogy of Faith: The Theological Vision of Paulo Freire

Description

This is the first book-length study in English to investigate Freire’s landmark educational theory and practice through the lens of his lifelong Catholicism. A Pedagogy of Faith explores this often-overlooked dimension of one of the most globally prominent and influential educational thinkers of the past fifty years. Leopando illustrates how vibrant currents within twentieth-century Catholic theology shaped central areas of Freire’s thought and activism, especially his view of education as a process of human formation in light of the divinely-endowed “vocation” of persons to shape culture, society, and history. With the contemporary resurgence of authoritarian political and cultural forces throughout much of the world, Freire’s theologically-grounded affirmation of radical democracy, social justice, historical possibility, and the absolute dignity of the human person remains as vital and relevant as ever. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Contents Introduction 1. Paulo Freire’s Life and Educational Praxis The Brazilian Northeast The emergence of Freire’s pedagogy The methodology of Freire’s literacy program Revolutionary ferment (1960– 964) Freire in Chile: The radical turn 1964– 969 The “international years”: (1969– 980) Homecoming and late period 2. Freire and the Brazilian Catholic Left Movement Overview The Brazilian church: Pre-twentieth century Theological background The 1920s–1950s: Catholicism enters the public square Catholic Action in Brazil New forms of social analysis: The historical turn The progressive clergy Catholic University Youth (JUC) Popular Action (AP) The Movement for Grassroots Education (MEB) Reformist currents from Rome Conclusion 3. Freire and Catholic Theologies of the Person Overview Jacques Maritain Emmanuel Mounier Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Freire and theologies of the person Conclusion 4. Freire and Liberation Theology Background and overview The modern roots of liberation theology Intersections between Freirean pedagogy and liberation theology Conclusion 5. Freire, Neoliberalism, and Integral Pedagogy Introduction Historical and biographical context Freire’s late theology Conclusion Final Thoughts Acknowledgments Bibliography Index