Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Department

Theology

Faculty/School

Martin Luther University College

First Advisor

Delton J. Glebe

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Second Advisor

Eduard R. Riegert

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Third Advisor

Vernon Cronmiller

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Abstract

In March 1969, the Mackay Committee published its Report on Religious Information and Moral Development. This Report was the result of a three-year study by the Mackay Committee on the state of religious education in the public schools of Ontario. Its purpose was to recommend a “program” of religious information and moral development which would meet the needs of youth in a pluralistic school system as they seek to live responsible lives in today’s world.

This thesis contends that there are some disparities between the Mackay Report and the concerns of youth today. Its particular stance has been shaped by the writings of Strommen, Tillich, Keniston, Erikson, and May, and from personal involvement with youth in church-related young people’s work. It believes that youth have concerns which have deep religious roots, and that the needs of youth will not have been met until they have been provided with a religious interpretation of life. It is convinced that the Mackay Report will fail in its attempt to provide a dynamic “program” of religious information and moral development for our schools because it lacks an understanding of the real “felt-needs” of young people today.

In order to show the disparities between the Mackay Report and the concerns of youth today, this thesis will consider the needs of youth as they are mirrored in contemporary writing; see how these concerns are reflected in the Mackay Report; and present an outline of a “program” of religious information and moral development which will provide a religious interpretation of life and meet the “felt-needs” of youth in our public school system.

Convocation Year

1970

Convocation Season

Fall

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