I recall Jean Danilelou’s statement that “the practice of theoretical theology has remained in

the library.” The same thing can be said of religious education, when sifted out of its context or
situation to where and it must be applied are just empty doctrines or ideas. Contemporary
persons do not speak the same language as of medieval times. That means, for them religious
ideas are irrelevant. That is, however an accusation. There is a seeming incompatibility of
secular values and religious truth because of the perceived context. The environment where
persons grow, and learn evolve; and changes can be reasons for confusion of values. Nouvelle
theologians like Danielou describe this situation as a ‘rupture’ between theology, religious
education, truth and life. I believe that a fair treatment of both in the Philippine K-12 education
curriculum can avoid this ‘rupture’. This can be done by ‘turning around from treating God as
an abstract object, but as a subject who must have continuous influence over our life.’ There
must be a ‘return to the sources’ that allow us to know and reflect more intensely on the life
and examples of Jesus, and the persons, institutions with which he had influence. Moreover,
dialogue with philosophy can reinforce the coherence, strength and universality or objectivity
of religious/secular values. Philosophy can be a great resource where societies do not transpire
Godliness. Philosophical reflection allows critical thinking and re-evaluation of values and
worldviews that have influence to our words and actions. The mystery of God that one
encounters, especially in the liturgy should make one transformed. The liturgy is the privileged
place to contemplate on our existence, on how we live as Christians or persons who are
involved with others.