Evaluative RE? A response to two articles by Andrew Wright on hermeneutics and religious understanding

In broad agreement with Wright, this article seeks to take the discussion a stage further by excavating assumptions at the root of the problem detected in the adoption of inappropriate hermeneutical models for religious education based on romanticism and postmodernism. A radical critique of these assumptions has significant implications for the subject. This leads to discussion developing Wright's suggestions for a model which can promote openness and thoughtfulness on the part of pupils/students whilst paying attention to truth-claims. I call this evaluative religious education because it focuses on sharing reflective thinking skills used in an affirming as well as a critical way.