TEACHING SPIRITUAL MUSIC AND THE ROLE OF CHORAL ACTIVITY IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Abstract

In this article, my main focus is on presenting the role of psalm and hymn teaching as well as the importance of choral activity in religious education. In order to do this, first I argued about the importance of psalm-/hymn-teaching in schools and in congregations, considering that the beautiful singing in a religious service is the most natural participation of the church-attendees. According to my own professional experience as a choir conductor, music teacher and principal, hymn-teaching is an essential part of preserving tradition and deepening Reformed religious identity. Finally, I pointed out that attending a choir has a great role in the development of the individual and of the community. As a conclusion, psalm-/hymn-teaching, as well as choral activity play an undisputable role in the process of individual formation and in maintaining the continuity of Christian morality in a society where an unsettled system of education may hide great dangers, and where the future of our Hungarian minority depends on today’s youth and the education we give them.