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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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I have taught only in Title I public schools so far. I have not been able to directly teach about Jesus and the Bible and Christianity to my whole class, which, in my opinion, is the very best way to counteract the fallacies of postmodernism. But I have been able to give my personal Christian witness at times, and to show that I believe in virtues, in what is good, what is beautiful, and what is true, and that I am willing to do anything necessary to act with integrity and uprightness, even under persecution (which is very common in failing public schools). My students know that I do believe in objective truths, and they have observed my resistance and standing outside of the relativism, constructivism, and utilitarianism of postmodernism. I am grateful to have been able to allow my urban third grade students to decide with each other to pray in our classroom! It was wonderful to be able to let them know that the law doesn’t allow me to lead them in prayer, but that they are welcome to pray together. And they did!
I do very much look forward to directly challenging the nonsense of postmodernism, head on, and teaching my students logic, critical thinking, the great ideas of Western philosophy, and the timeless truths of the Bible! Praise God!
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I think the most practical way is to direct students to the Bible. God gave us the Bible to guide us and answer our questions. History is constantly presenting challenges to Christians, this just happens to be our challenge now. We need to make sure our students know they are loved by God and that he created them in his image.
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We frequently talk about how we know that the Bible is true and in that truth we were given a guide to help us through anything. I tell my classes frequently that some things are created in such a way that the only possible explanation for their existence is God. This is especially true in my biology class when studying cells and DNA.
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First off is knowing our answers. Being able to point students to the Bible and to where there are answers to the questions about life and the universe that some have. This is especially true when students come to us who are not of the Christian faith, but their parents wanted a superior academic education.
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I can continually respond with the word of God. I can present the Word when appropriate and encourage my students.