A holistic practical pedagogical moral approach : the Lord’s Prayer as an example for a moral formative Christian practice

Abstract

Our society is no longer characterised by a safe and secure environment in which shared values and norms apply everywhere and to everybody (Alma & Heitink 1998:27; Ter Horst 1997). The children and young people of today live in complex moral situations, having to make responsible choices and act responsibly without the necessary knowledge, values and skills training (Prins 2001:109). Young people live with a diverse and pluralistic worldview and life view (Prins 2001:115). Indicative of the fragmented experiential world of young people is a moral vacuum (Alma & Heitink 1998:27; Van der Ven 1998:1). Modern technology forms the actions, values and personalities of young people in unprecedented ways. The contemporary market-driven world economy is tailored for only the rich and powerful – the poor and weak have far less influence and place in such a world. The result is the youth’s vision of a limited future, which leads to crime, gangsterism, prostitution and HIV and AIDS (De Villiers 2001:1). How should we orient young people morally in such a world? How can we assist young people to make meaningful and responsible choices and act accordingly? (cf. Burger 2000:229–230). These are the questions that should guide practical theology, specifically religious pedagogy.