Nostra Aetate and the effect of Segregation on the attitude of children: a call for a dynamic re-evaluation of pedagogical policy in a pluralist society

Abstract

Since it is a known fact that the point de depart of Nostra Aetate^[1] is the recognition of diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness in modern society in its declaration more than forty years ago, it is the aim of this paper to point out the pedagogical problems and difficulties underlying the continued and intentional segregation of children from the same or within the same society based on religious belief and faith, especially in line with the noble intention of the same document to enhance mutual relations with other non-Christian religions, especially Muslims and Jews (as well as Buddhists, Hinduists) etc. There are two ways of looking at this: from the point of view of the type of education given to children and young ones in the name of religious beliefs and from the type of social attitudes they are meant to exhibit, which cuts them off from normal interaction with other children. The conclusion of the paper will point to the type of danger associated with this kind of segregation or isolation, leading to discriminative behaviour - especially as it works against the dynamic^[2] principles of social behaviour, based on openness and the moral values of justice, love, and honesty. The paper, whose approach is interdisciplinary, also shows that religion when mishandled, could be a major instrument of social disruption, especially in a pluralist and multi-cultural society, thus working against the very purpose of writing Nostra Aetate by the Second Vatican Council Fathers.

[1] Nostra Aetate(NA) is a Document of the Catholic Church issued by the Vatican II Council Fathers on 28^th October, 1965 declaring the relationship of the Church to non-Christian Religions. It is a document that promotes sincere dialogue between different religions, especially with Muslims “in our own time”. This is its relevance in this article contextualized in Nigeria where Muslims and Christians, as well as traditional religionists must live together as brothers and sisters.

[2] Cf. Thelen, E. & Smith, L.B., “Dynamic systems theories”, in W. Damon & R.M. Lerner (eds.), Handbook of Child Psychology vol. 1, New York: Wiley, 1998, p.587. The key feature of such dynamic systems is that they are composed of very many individual, often heterogeneous parts: molecules, cells, individuals, species. The patterns organise themselves.