Catechetical School

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A catechist school was an institution for training catechists . They were the earliest theological educational institutions.

Alexandria Catechetical School

The first catechist school was founded in Alexandria around 150 . They were set up on the pattern of the pagan schools of philosophy and are considered the first Christian educational institution in which Greek philosophy was also received. All areas of theology, rhetoric , classical literature and eclectic philosophy were taught . The catechism school was under the supervision of the bishop. The bishops also appointed the institute's teachers. The first known teacher was Pantaenus , an old stoic and missionary. This was followed by Clement of Alexandria , who is considered the theological father of the school. Under Origen , philosophy gained great influence over theology.

As a result of the Arian disputes, the catechist school in Alexandria perished around 350; its last board member, Rhodo, established a catechist school in Side in Pamphylia .

Catechist School of Antioch

In the catechetical school of Antioch , which became known only after the catechetical school at Alexandria in the 4th century, was held at the simple literal language of the scriptures laid and nothing asked of philosophy. The Antiochene catechist school and its daughter school in Edessa went under in the 5th century.

Famous teachers of the Antioch Catechist School were:

Caesarea School of Catechism

After his dismissal in Alexandria, Origen founded the Caesarea Catechist School in Palestine .

Famous teachers of the Caesarea Catechist School were:

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Gustav Baur: The Christian education in its relation to Judaism and to the ancient world . In: K. A. Schmid, Georg Schmid (Hrsg.): History of education from the beginning to our time . 2nd volume. Cotta, Stuttgart 1892, p. 1–93 ( full online version in Google Book Search USA ).