Christian Education

If I were to define Christian education, it would be based solely on the theological aspect of the equation. If it does not incorporate theology, then how could it be considered Christian? Based on the works of James Riley Estep Jr., this would only be half of the equation. He states, "Christian education draws from the integration of the study of God's special revelation (theology) and the study of his general revelation through nature." [1] It was through nature that I did not incorporate into my idea of Christian education. One cannot be present without the other since we are to understand God through nature; that is to say, we are only able to recognize God because of our nature being grounded in His likeness. For me, theology has always seemed to have more value because it is based on the discovery of God. For people to truly understand the nature of God, it needs to be based on solid theology. As Estep Jr. states, "something is Christian if it reflects the theological convictions of the Christian community in its content, purpose, message, and life implications; all of these rest on theologically informed criteria." [2] But what I am finding out is my lack of knowledge of the social science aspect of Christian education. I have separated the two thoughts, which is confusing with my background in education—having done my undergraduate work in education and learning all about learning methods and developmental stages. I have left behind my understanding of the nature of learning and lifted theology as the main component of education. My time in ministry has made theology the main aspect of my understanding of education in a Christian format. For that reason, I would have to rate my practical implications at a two. I have found that my process of educating lacking incompleteness. I take into account my learners' audience when teaching, knowing what I can say to adults as opposed to children, but I find that I do not consider the different stages and learning styles of the learners closely. This understanding has brought on a renewed interest in the social science of learning. I have become so entrenched in the theology of teaching that understanding who I am training to suffer. Included in that blind spot is a lack of resources outside of the Christian community. I will be looking to add different reading material that is focused on the social science of learning.   

  [1] James R. Estep Jr., "What Makes Education Christian?," A Theology for Christian Education (Nashville: B & H Publishing Group, 2008).26-27.

[2] Jr., "What Makes Education Christian?." 26.