Catechist of pre-revolutionary schools: spiritual mentor or ordinary teacher?

The author examines the problem of the social status and social role of the catechist in the pre-revolutionary school. We are talking about responsibilities, salary, rewards scribes primary and secondary schools. The article is also dedicated to the issue of how scribes fulfill their school duties. Many inspectors of national schools criticized rabbis for negligent attitude to the law of God. In the archival documents revealed cases of difficult relationships catechists and lay teachers about methods of education. The author explores the reasons why many of the priests were unable to diligently perform their duties in relation to the school. Results materials Congresses scribes, which expressed two points of view on a mission scribes and the role of God’s law school. Some contemporaries believed that ordinary catechist teacher, and God’s law ordinary school subject. Others insisted on a special mission scribes as the spiritual shepherd of the population. And the Law of God plays the role of the main educational tool of pre-revolutionary school. The author concludes that many scribes continued to be spiritual authority for pupils, teachers and local communities. However, the workload of church services and take care of his farm did not allow many priests diligently fulfill their school duties. Many of the clergy had a complete theological education. A general decline in religious sentiment in a society reduced the role of catechists as the spiritual mentors of the population. However, despite all the difficulties, many scribes continued to be a moral example for students, parents and teachers.