Philosophy of Christian Education
Anthony Stockton
Dr. Hayes
CED 2020
21 Oct. 2012
Toward a Philosophy of Christian Education
Christian education is one of the most important things an individual can participate in throughout their lifetime. It is a lifelong process, beginning when we reach an age of awareness and ability to learn, and does not end until we reach our physical deaths. This is an ever-evolving progression that changes over the course of a person’s life. People have the capability to constantly grow in spiritual maturity, and it is imperative as teachers and educators to aid students in perceiving, accepting, and fulfilling the Gospel.
Jesus provided the Great Commission to make disciples until the day of his return. This is something we must consider carefully and intentionally. As Christian educators, we have the responsibility of first making disciples of Christ, and secondly to prepare them for their participation in our culture and society with God’s word at the center of all they do. Educators should have a desire for others to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. People must learn how they can know God and follow him in their daily lives. “We . . . need to be clear on our purpose and creative in our design of educational strategies and use of methods that promote the knowledge of God and a growing relationship with Him” (Anthony 25). Every faucet of the purposes and goals of Christian education should be Christ-centered and biblical.
According to Michael Anthony’s book, Christian Education, “the philosophical foundations of Christian education are derived from systematic theology, which in turn emerges from biblical theology” (26). A correct observation and high view of the Bible, as well as thinking and teaching according to Christ’s view of Scripture, is the Christian educator’s ultimate frame of reference. There has to be an awareness of the indispensable theological keystone of the faith for this education to be successful. In the Bible, Jesus
Dr. Hayes
CED 2020
21 Oct. 2012
Toward a Philosophy of Christian Education
Christian education is one of the most important things an individual can participate in throughout their lifetime. It is a lifelong process, beginning when we reach an age of awareness and ability to learn, and does not end until we reach our physical deaths. This is an ever-evolving progression that changes over the course of a person’s life. People have the capability to constantly grow in spiritual maturity, and it is imperative as teachers and educators to aid students in perceiving, accepting, and fulfilling the Gospel.
Jesus provided the Great Commission to make disciples until the day of his return. This is something we must consider carefully and intentionally. As Christian educators, we have the responsibility of first making disciples of Christ, and secondly to prepare them for their participation in our culture and society with God’s word at the center of all they do. Educators should have a desire for others to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. People must learn how they can know God and follow him in their daily lives. “We . . . need to be clear on our purpose and creative in our design of educational strategies and use of methods that promote the knowledge of God and a growing relationship with Him” (Anthony 25). Every faucet of the purposes and goals of Christian education should be Christ-centered and biblical.
According to Michael Anthony’s book, Christian Education, “the philosophical foundations of Christian education are derived from systematic theology, which in turn emerges from biblical theology” (26). A correct observation and high view of the Bible, as well as thinking and teaching according to Christ’s view of Scripture, is the Christian educator’s ultimate frame of reference. There has to be an awareness of the indispensable theological keystone of the faith for this education to be successful. In the Bible, Jesus
Cited: Anthony, Michael J. Introducing Christian Education: Foundations for the Twenty-first Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001. Print. The Holy Bible. Intl. Bible Society. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984. Print. New Intl. Vers.