Priest uses Minecraft to teach students about religion

A Spanish priest has caught the attention of Microsoft executives after using Minecraft to teach his students about the Church.

Pajuelo said he got the idea for using Minecraft in the classroom after realising many of his students loved the game.

Daniel Pajuelo uses the game to teach his young pupils at a school in Madrid.

They have used the programme to build a virtual Catholic church, and therefore learn about architecture and the way parishes function.

Pajuelo also took his students to a real church ahead of the project so they could gain some inspiration.

He told Rome Reports that the young people have loved learning in a new way. "Imagine, this had never happened to me, but the day I had to miss class, my students asked me when we were going to make up that religion class," he said. "In class, they are so excited."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has visited Pajuelo at his school and invited the young priest to Brussels to present the project.

article,article,article Related

Pajuelo told Daily Edventures earlier this year that he has "always been passionate about introducing technology in the classroom".

"I thought it was cool and significant to connect tech and religion," he added.

Pajuelo said that "being a teacher is not a job for me but a vocation, and this vocation is connected with the inner calling I received from God to share my life generously and help others to experience the love of God in their lives."

He said he got the idea for using Minecraft in the classroom after realising many of his students loved the game and deciding to "make an effort to understand what was so cool".

related articles
The loom band plague - and four more crazes that are gripping adults and kids alike
The loom band plague - and four more crazes that are gripping adults and kids alike

The loom band plague - and four more crazes that are gripping adults and kids alike

Hallowed be thy Game: Six unbelievable Christian video games

Hallowed be thy Game: Six unbelievable Christian video games

Five ways to make your church more youth-friendly (without putting the older people off)
Five ways to make your church more youth-friendly (without putting the older people off)

Five ways to make your church more youth-friendly (without putting the older people off)

News
Shavuot - the festival of second chances
Shavuot - the festival of second chances

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster unpacks the Jewish perspective of Shavuot - the festival known to Christians as Pentecost. 

Could a hidden bias toward religion exist among atheists?
Could a hidden bias toward religion exist among atheists?

A new study led by Dr Will Gervais, Reader in Psychology at Brunel University London, suggests that even committed atheists in some of the world’s most secular societies may intuitively favour religion over atheism. 

Just another unsung saint?
Just another unsung saint?

Big-hearted and charismatic, Subhir cut a splendid dash when he turned up for supper on his Harley-Davidson, complete with motor-cycling leathers.

Churches getting ready for major nationwide prayer initiative over Pentecost
Churches getting ready for major nationwide prayer initiative over Pentecost

In the lead-up to Pentecost weekend, 6 to 8 June, churches throughout the UK are preparing for a 36-hour, round-the-clock prayer event, marking a significant part of the broader Shine Your Light 2025 evangelism initiative.