Christian Education
This is a term or thought that we don’t often sit and ponder about. Prior to reading an article called “What Makes Education Christian?” by James Riley Estep Jr., I was under the impression that Christian Education is the teaching of principles, values, and of the Christian faith. It aims to nurture individuals spiritually, morally, and intellectually based on the teachings of the Bible and the life and message of Jesus Christ.
Yes, this is all true, but there are some things missing. There must be Christian theology that is attached or added to the education that makes it Christian.
“each criterion’s definition and conceptualization must be informed by Scripture, Christian tradition, and theology so as to reflect a distinctively Christian quality.” Estep, Jr.
Take a book or movie like The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien for instance. We have a book about a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins. If we read the story without the nitty gritty details, all we are reading or seeing is that there is a man that walks a long way for a long time and meets some friends on the way to somewhere. He finds a ring and good things happen.
When we add the details or real meat (theology) to the book/movie we find so much more. Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit, inherits a powerful and dangerous object called the One Ring. The ring has the power to control all other magical rings and brings corruption to whoever possesses it. To keep the dark lord, Sauron from reclaiming the Ring and conquering the Middle-earth, Frodo must go on a perilous journey to destroy it. He meets a lot of friends on the way that includes humans, elves, a dwarf, and fellow hobbits. There are many trials, battles, and betrayals, the members are separated, and each must fight their own battles against evil. While all these things are happening, Frodo and his best loyal friend, Samwise Gamgee press on toward Sauron’s realm, Mordor, where danger and corruption are growing from the Ring. Through courage, sacrifice, and hope, the story explores themes of good versus evil, friendship, power, and the resilience of the human (and hobbit) spirit. This is a much better story to tell.
BOTH / AND
Christian Education needs to have Christian theology integrated into it to make it real Christian ….education. What is theology? Theology is the study of God. It explores questions of faith, the nature of God, salvation, and moral teachings, based on Scriptures. Maybe Christian education needs a little bit of social science added in as well. What is social science? Social science is a group of academic disciplines that study human society and social relationships. This includes sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, etc. Understanding both thoughts and what they can bring to education makes me lean towards the importance of the integration of both theology and social science being added to our Christian education. We must understand the nature of God and his teachings from the Scriptures as well as the context of our world through sociology and psychology. This helps us get a well-rounded education that can be used for the greater good of our society that we live in.
The level of educational theory and theology that I have received over the years in Seminary has been astronomical. I believe that at a level 3 now, I could begin to teach and share my theological convictions to those that would like a better understanding through Christian education. Areas of improvement are always present. Confidence in my own theological convictions is a place of needed improvement for me.
What are your thoughts on Christian Education? Do you think that social sciences help us become more well-rounded in our way of thinking when it comes to Christianity? How do you think you would do sharing your own theology and theories to those that are wanting more education in their life?
Reflections 