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Postmodernism presents a challenge to the Christian view of epistemology. What are some practical ways you, as a Christian educator, can respond to this challenge?
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When confronted with issues of a post-modern world like accepting people of a different sexual orientation, I go back to the scriptures which tell me that I am expected to show love to all created beings. However, I also read aloud and ingrain the scripture that highlights God’s stand on such an issue and hold that as my truth in a respectful way.
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I walk by faith and not by sight. Many times in my Christian walk, I find it hard to believe what God says about me, my situation, and even my students. This is usually because everything around me is contrary to that; what I feel and see is different from what God says. However, I go back to His word and hold on to it by faith. This is not easy, but I think of all the times God’s words have come to pass in my life and I look at examples of the same in the Bible. This always gives me fresh hope (though at times it takes a longer time to get there). When it involves my students; I look beyond their misbehavior and see image-bearers, who (like me) need God’s help. As we look at God’s words together, we relate them to real-life situations so that they can begin to grow their faith in God, even though they can’t see or feel Him.
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1. As a second-grade teacher, I can respond to the postmodern challenge by using simple, concrete examples to illustrate the concept of absolute truth, such as the importance of following rules/procedures in my classroom.
2. Model prayer and reflection in the classroom, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom.
3. Use Bible stories to illustrate absolute truth and moral principles in my classroom.
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I push back on the lie that knowledge is secret, unknowable, individualized, and relative (in the postmodern sense). There is such a thing as truth and it is our responsibility as educators to know and teach it. This, practically speaking, is most clearly demonstrated in our content knowledge and mastery of pedagogical disciplines. Secondly, it is demonstrated in our ability to use practical examples to point out the tragically consequential implications of ignoring reality or relativizing truth. One cannot ignore stop signs, for example. People could die as a result. In addition, it is also important to acknowledge that the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19) and God has communicated His Word to us in a way we can understand (the Bible). He is a communicative being who has given us the ability to communicate and understand His world. The simple and daily acknowledgement of Scriptural truth is fundamental in pushing back against the obvious, yet pervasive lies of postmodern epistemology.
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In most cases, I used bible quotes to create sensitivity, feelings and caution depending on the topic being taught. E.g. In my physics practical class, Prov. 4: 13 has been very helpful in cautioning the students to take responsibility. “Following instructions diligently leads to distinction”.