A Soul Seeking…CHRIST through Education
What is Christian Education?
Well let’s first consider why this discussion is even necessary? What does Christian education have to do with being A Soul Seeking?
Well, in order to find something, we have to be clear about what it is that we are looking for. We have to be clear about the description or characteristics that will make it easy to identify what we are seeking? This clarity is the byproduct of being educated.
As immaterial and immortal beings, what our soul seeks most is eternal relationship with other eternal beings. In the case of Christianity, our souls are seeking relationships with the Triune God.
Well, if to educate is to gain comprehensive instruction, what makes an experience of education Christian?
According to James Riley Estep Jr. in his article entitled, “What Makes Education Christian?,” he asserts that “something is Christian if it reflects the theological convictions of the Christian community and its content, purpose, message, and life implications.”
This author goes on to illustrate an understanding of the role that theology plays in Christian education. Theology is presented as the process of instruction and discernment through which we discover our identity, interpret our lives, and are catapulted into the world in service to both God and humanity.
As we discover that education is comprehensive and includes social instruction, it reveals that Christian education also requires a holistic theological view. Christian education, insists that both theology and social science theories be used in concert to provide a sound foundation.
For the sake of clarity, what are social sciences?
You know.. psychology, sociology, anthropology… the subjects that remind us of our humanity!
These areas of the study of humanity are not intended to be exclusive or separate from the study of God…theology.
Because God and humanity were originally design to be connected in such a manner that there is a continuity in their identity…
a spiritual synergy of integration between mind, body, and soul…
ETERNALLY.
In this context “Christian Education” is the integration of theology and social sciences where the Seeking Soul is:
- mindful that their journey is developmental while their innate identity was formed in the image of God
- aware that their educational journey is theological- for the glory of God, the maturity in the Christian faith, and the advancement of the kingdom
- committed to engage in educational content that is theologically informed- starting with scripture and including theological tradition, church history, Christian living, and ministry preparation
- equally informed of and engaged with theology and social science theories to foster effective integration in life
In reflection, THIS SEEKING SOUL has some serious social and theological work to do!
Prior to my exploration of this process and praxis of Christian education, I thought that this terms simply described the curriculum that a church uses to teach new converts about salvation and seasoned-saints about the Scriptures.
I was one who valued theology in theory over social sciences by trying to segregate the concepts when I could affirm faith over science, and would selectively reveal their paradoxical relationship when the sciences proved relevant.
My hope, and prayer, is that as we continue our journey of exploring Christian education that I would be equipped, empowered, and inspired to see and live a life of integration of theology and social sciences…
divinity and humanity…
of spirit and body!
Come along and journey with Me as I seek… the integration of my Soul with His.
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