Question about CCD teacher

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I work as a Director of Religious Education at our parish and yesterday I heard a teacher tell his students (4th graders) that atheists go to hell. While I know it may be difficult for a 4th grader to understand that people have different levels of culpability depending on certain circumstances I just think it was very wrong for him to say that those who do not believe in God will go to hell. Anyways I want to your opinions on this and suggestions on how I could approach him about what he said.
 
I agree that isn’t the best thing to say to 4th graders. Encourage the teacher to teach them more about how to get to Heaven, and what Jesus did for us, rather than teaching them who will go to hell. Tell him to teach them to pray for atheists. In my opinion, thats what 4th graders should be learning about.

God Bless!

-Vince
 
Wow. That’s a really tough question. I think that we have enough problems getting catechists as it is without having to run the risk of starting a debate with one and that puts you in a precarious situation. A few things come to mind though: First, as the DRE that should be a sign to you that you need to do more training and offer more opportunities for your catechists to not only learn about their faith but also how to teach it to different ages. Present the catechists with different ‘tough questions,’ and ask them to work as a team to come up with the best answer. As a catechist, it has always surprised me at how there is no oversight in the classrooms. I really could, teach anything I wanted and no one would know the difference. That is why I have always chosen to teach my own kids…at least I know they are getting accurate information. 🤷

That being said, as the DRE, you have a responsibility to make sure that is happening. I think something along the lines of, “I want you to know how much we appreciate your time and effort, and I know that being a catechist is a tough job with a lot of responsibility. I overheard you tell the kids XYZ yesterday and I am concerned that is not really compatible with what the CCC says. Let’s look it up together and next time you get a tough question, I want you to feel comfortable telling the kids that you will get back with them and then we can work together to give them the best answer.”

Good luck!
 
Thank you, I do agree that they need more education but I cannot force them to do anything as they are all volunteers. There are many of them that already feel teaching is quite burdensome and I’m afraid that by forcing them or asking them to take certain classes or whatever it may be might make them leave and we are already short on teachers as it is.

Also, I agree it is my responsibility to know what is being taught and that is why I often sit in on classes and ask that the teachers try to stick to the book as much as possible while adding projects and whatnot of course.

I will try and approach him in a way where he feels that I truly appreciate the work he does for the Church but I’m not sure how to just say…you’re wrong, not all atheists necessarily go to Hell. Especially since I am quite a bit younger than he is and I’m afraid he will be insulted.
 
travissbeloved said:
I work as a Director of Religious Education at our parish and yesterday I heard a teacher tell his students (4th graders) that atheists go to hell. While I know it may be difficult for a 4th grader to understand that people have different levels of culpability depending on certain circumstances I just think it was very wrong for him to say that those who do not believe in God will go to hell. Anyways I want to your opinions on this and suggestions on how I could approach him about what he said.
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This should be brought to the attention of your Pastor. Sounds like this person needs more instruction themselves. This was not an appropriate wording to be used.
 
tawny said:
This should be brought to the attention of your Pastor. Sounds like this person needs more instruction themselves. This was not an appropriate wording to be used.
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I was going to say that exact thing! 👍
 
travissbeloved said:
I work as a Director of Religious Education at our parish and yesterday I heard a teacher tell his students (4th graders) that atheists go to hell. While I know it may be difficult for a 4th grader to understand that people have different levels of culpability depending on certain circumstances I just think it was very wrong for him to say that those who do not believe in God will go to hell. Anyways I want to your opinions on this and suggestions on how I could approach him about what he said.
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Take it up with your Pastor before approaching the teacher.
 
Thank you everyone, I will bring it up with the parish priest.
 
I’m a longtime catechist. If I were the DRE in this situation I’d speak briefly and informally to the catechist: “Hey, remember last week you told your kids that ‘atheists go to Hell.’ We both know that there’s more to it than “you’re thus-and-so and off to Hell you go,” so please consider giving the kids some more information so they don’t get the wrong idea. Here’s a short article that may be helpful.”
 
You’re in a tough spot.

When I was teaching Religious Education I know that a few of my fellow catechists had chips on their shoulders if they believed they were being criticized or corrected in any way. The RE coordinators over the years never monitored them, and they repeat mistakes and misteaching year after year. The pastors weren’t involved with the catechists, except to attend the annual catechist’s brunch.

Hopefully, your pastor will be helpful.

I encourage you to be cheerful, grateful and respectful toward the catechist, and list a couple of things about his style or what he said which you liked. And cheerfully, with a matter-of-fact and unemotional approach, tell him that you’d like him to read a couple of sections (1260 and 1282) of the Catechism, because what he said about atheists automatically going to hell is incorrect. Tell him you’re willing to discuss this before or after the next class with him, if he’d like to know better how to articulate that teaching. Then change the subject, or wish him a good week and leave.
 
Well, not everyone goes to heaven, friend. 🙂

Only God can judge someone. We don’t know if atheists go to hell or not. We can’t keep thinking all atheists go to heaven, as most Catholics I see today think. 👍
 
My 9 year-old is in the 4th grade, and two of her siblings are in high school. I can’t imagine why someone her age would need to hear this. Seems it would just get stored away in her brain in a negative manner.
 
bben15 said:
Well, not everyone goes to heaven, friend. 🙂

Only God can judge someone. We don’t know if atheists go to hell or not. We can’t keep thinking all atheists go to heaven, as most Catholics I see today think. 👍
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I’m not saying all atheists go to heaven but I do not think it is appropriate to tell young children that all people who don’t believe in God go straight to hell either.
 
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