THE WAY OF CIPPO: AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO FAITH FORMATION

Abstract

This article proposes that an integrative approach to faith formation should be an interactive process of understanding of faith through concrete experience in community. In order to avoid generalities, it limits its scope to Christian faith and makes specific references to the African context. Unlike subjective rational and objective scientific approaches to faith formation, “The Way of CIPPO” is student and context specific. That is to say, it treats students’ perspectives on the world as necessary conditions for the possibility of their faith formation. It also views the truth-claims of Christian tradition as products of a particular place and time, rather than value free, abstract and valid truths for all times and cultures. The approach does not only seek students’ acquisition of informational knowledge about orthodox beliefs and the correct practices of a Christian community but also, and more importantly, encourages orthopraxis. Here orthopraxis means the capacity to discern and to undertake the right course of action in each life situation in the light of the goal of Christian life. Among other places, this goal is to be found in Jesus’ call for the promotion of the fullness of life for all (John 10:10b). Rather than signal the end, the conclusion of a particular action becomes the departure point for yet another cycle of the process in the ever changing circumstance of life.