A Pedagogy of Faith - by Irwin Leopando (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This is the first book-length study to investigate Freire's educational philosophy through the lens of his lifelong Catholicism. A Pedagogy of Faith explores an indispensable but often-overlooked dimension of arguably the most influential educational thinker since John Dewey, a dimension of his life's work which has received little attention outside of his native Latin America. Most of his Western supporters have viewed him as a revolutionary Marxist or a secular humanist. Leopando illustrates how Catholic theology shaped central areas of his pedagogy such as the teacher-student relationship, the purpose of education, and the "ontological vocation" of all persons for "humanization" and historical agency.

With the recent election of a Latin American Pope who vigorously proclaims a gospel of social justice, Freire's radically democratic view of education as a force for political transformation and human dignity remains profoundly relevant.

Review Quotes

"Popularly known as the "father" of critical pedagogy, Paulo Freire has been an influential presence on people from the world-over and across disciplines. What is less known about Freire, however, is the fact that a foundational cornerstone that filtered his thought, philosophy, and activism was his Catholic Christian faith. Enter A Pedagogy of Faith: The Theological Imagination of Paulo Freire by Irwin Leopando, who thoughtfully illuminates how Freire's faith significantly shaped who he was. A fascinating, scholarly read." --James D. Kirylo, Associate Professor of Education, University of South Carolina, USA

"Future educators of faith, who I teach, will be inspired by how Freire tapped into his faith to change the world. I will add this book to my list of recommended reads and look forward to the students who thank me for asking them to consider it." --Mary Shepard Wong, Professor and Director of Field-based TESOL Programs, Azusa Pacific University, USA

About the Author

Irwin Leopando is Assistant Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York, US. He has worked closely with Ira Shor, who co-authored A Pedagogy for Liberation with Freire in 1987, for nearly two decades.