A philosophy of Christian education encompasses many aspects that overlap areas of a child 's life that could not be nurtured and molded in a public school setting. Therefore, the Christian philosophy of education must include so much more. The Bible must be used as the basis for the education of children. A child should be taught in a way that will best benefit the individual that God created. He should be trained in his own way, the way he learns best. In order to do that, teachers must be able to assess their students in a manner that will reveal the learning styles that best fit each child. By doing this, the best possible education can be given to each student. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." The ways …show more content…
Teachers must create lessons to inspire their students to think and make decisions based on God 's principles. The school should foster an environment where the students realize what Christ has done for them and give them the desire to see others come to know Christ as their Savior. A good way to make this happen is to create diverse learning opportunities where students can learn about other cultures and environments where missionaries are working to reach people for the Lord. Basically, the purpose of Christian education is directing the process of human development toward godliness of character and action. Curriculum of public schools cannot use God 's Word as its standard for truth. Christian schools can guide students through the deeper questions of faith and life by equipping students to recognize the Lordship of Christ in all subject areas and even more in teaching the processes that go along with responding and living in obedience to God 's call. The Christian educator can help to produce citizens that can be transforming as they influence the societies that the students will become a part of as they enter the "real" …show more content…
It is important through Christian education to be aware of the impact that occurs in the heart of a child as well. Christian education must go further than giving the child knowledge and facts. It must include a vision for the impact their educational experience has on the heart of a child by seeking to educate their emotions and the influence of their actions in their lives. The worldview of a child is influenced greatly in their school experience. It is the responsibility of the educator to provide a learning environment that will make this impact appropriate and pleasing to
Christian education is for this project. Christian education is the training of special agents of the kingdom of God and the consummation of creation.” (pg.139) I found it fascinating that Plantinga describes ‘us’ within the Christian education system are called or elected to help God regain and restore His earth here with Christ. We have to remember, “no matter what our primary occupation we cannot let it become a preoccupation.” Plantinga helped me to reflect on my current life, my current job, and my current Christian education. I found that when we let these other aspects of our lives, whether it be bills, work or exams, we often allow reality to fade into the background. Or perhaps we could look at it this way: Our lives get so busy and hectic that we tend to put God on the back burner. Christian education whether in a university or biblical studies at home will give us guidance through our hectic lives, renewing our minds and keep us in close connection with our Creator and the rest of His Creation. Plantinga sums up Christian education as “for the kingdom of God. It equips us to be agents of the kingdom, models of the kingdom in our own lives and communities, witnesses to the kingdom wherever we go in the world.” (pg.143) When we ‘put on the full armor of God’ we not only protect ourselves from this fallen world but we are also able to project God’s glory to all those who we encounter.
Schultz also stressed the importance of a biblical worldview in the teacher. As the leader in each classroom the students will adapt their teacher’s beliefs, values and finally actions. If they are taught by a teacher who holds a dualistic view of dividing the sacred and the secular, or a postmodern or modern worldview, it will adversely affect the ability of that child to develop Christ centered wisdom based upon the Word of God. Schultz, in referring to the education of children, stated “anything that hinders their moral and spiritual development is the epitome of child abuse.” (2006, p. 163). As such, our curriculum, teaching methods, and moral example, must all reflect a biblical worldview that will evangelize and discipline each student to know and love Jesus Christ.
In a Christ centered classroom the teacher would exemplify and incorporate the fruits of the spirit in their daily interaction with their students. The bible refers to the fruit of the spirit as the following: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). On the other hand, it is possible for a secular approach to also incorporate the fruits of the spirit in their class, but it would not be as easy to incorporate on a regular
transformation of Christianity has taught us. Generally these lessons focus on the hope that this
Everyone has a worldview and a way they see life. Christian teachers should be willing to use their own biblical worldview to help the students in class develop a strong set of beliefs by integrating biblical truths into their lessons daily and encouraging their students to apply what they learn in class to not only their biblical worldview, but to their life.
Many studies have shown that children whom have received a Christian education have developed much better in our society, and have shown to have in general a much better quality of life. On the other hand, some of the same studies have shown that children whom have received education from a public school do not succeed in their personal lives and in a work environment as much as Christian educated children.
Character/ Faith Development is important for any teacher, but especially for those aspiring to teach in a Christian school. It is important for a teacher to be well rounded, and do some community outreach, such as volunteering, in order to be a good role model for their students. Having good character is important for everyone to have, not only teachers. But the teachers do inspire the students to have or not to have good character. It is our job as teachers to help the students understand what it is to be a good, hard working person.
The author, A.A. Baker, repeatedly states the importance of not starting a Christian school unless God calls one to do so. (p16) The biblical mindset needed to begin a Christian school is a fundamental aspect to its success- success as measured by its purpose: evangelizing children. (p23)
You can not put a value on a Christian education because it creates a setting of respect for God, His Word and His authority. It gives students a foundation of discipline, morality and a proper work ethic that can also be applied in other areas of life. Christians were actually the first to advocate universal education. The term university confirms this as it breaks down to “uni veritas” which literally means “one truth”. It was Christians in Europe who launched the first universities in France and the United Kingdom. It is ironic that so many scholars today are so hostile towards Christianity. Perhaps they do not know about the Christian roots of universal education for all classes and both genders or about the contribution of Christianity toward worldwide literacy, and higher education.
The following essay will evaluate the importance of the journey that takes place from Systematic to Practical theology; this view will be explored through Ronelle Sonnenberg’s research done regarding ‘being together’ in a youth setting. This essay will first build on the basis of Practical Theology; furthermore addressing the importance of the community aspect within a youth setting; this will lead to the process that takes place between a Systematic stance, leading to a Practical theological stance.
Theology is the study of God. Christian means to be Christ-like, therefore how can we be Christ-like without the study of God? God is the ultimate teacher because He reveals Himself to us so that we can know and obey Him. We can not have Christian education without knowing God, because He is the teacher of all things. The Bible is used to teach us about God and this book is the main curriculum used in Christian education. The reason for His teaching is to bring about a transformation in our lifestyle and to please God by our act of faith.
(Larry and Sue Richaards, 2011)” With this verse I think that everyone is created unique by God and had different learning capabilities and styles. For if we were created equal there would not be diverse spiritual gifts or even different eye colors. I also think that to truly incorporate a Christian worldview a teacher must be strive to be like Jesus in possess the Fruits of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23. (Larry and Sue Richaards, 2011) For children learn from their environment around them and in order to understand and gain knowledge fully they mimic the
Christianity is an identity used by people who believe in Christ and worship Christ. Christians around the world have different ways of praising and worship God. A world class Christian refers to the involvement of individuals in spiritual programs. Nelson (1894) emphasizes what Moses wrote, ‘In the beginning God create the heaven and the earth’ (Genesis 1:1). He created man in his image and give the entire good attitude and the ability to survive in this world. He offers us different types of emotional feeling so that man can apply in this moment of life. He gives every single man an assignment to work and that assignment is your passport to eternity. This can be in the form of how you support your Christian church members, how you participate in spiritual activities and also your personal relationship with the Heavenly Father. In this essay the focus will be on how to become a world class Christian. It will also elaborate ways in which an individual can become a successful world class Christian.
This is true of all teachers that they should have a vision and purpose in order to firmly grasp why they believe their profession contributes to the improvement of students and the world (Edge, 2003, p. 708). Because Christian teachers believe their religion impacts someone for eternity, it is evermore important for them to be able to justify why they are teaching as a platform to share their religious beliefs. All teachers bring their own perspectives and worldview to their classroom; different aspects of their lives influence the classroom, and religion is one of the biggest influences upon a teacher’s pedagogy. Therefore the intersection of English teaching and living out one’s faith cause a missionary English teacher to be ever so aware of their identity and purpose. One study of missionary English teachers identified that an individual having a sense of purpose and identity is one of the most telling signs of whether or not that individual will thrive or fail in a cross-cultural setting (Wong, Kristjansson & Dornyei, 2013, p. 27). Furthermore, before one focuses on the specifics of English lesson plans or Christian evangelism tactics, he or she should have an awareness of who they are and why they want to cross cultures and borders to
Shortt. (1997, June). Christian Education Does Mean Something. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from Transforming Teachers: www.transformingteachers.org