-
Why is it imperative that Christian educators have a Christian philosophy of education?
-
Because we are their example. The example we set will be where our students will hold their bar. We are not working for our principals/heads of schools, we are working for the Lord, and if our fundamentals and goals are not set appropriately, we are doing Him an injustice.
-
Christian education (for the purpose of passing down knowledge, values and truth to the next generation) only exists if it’s based on a Christian philosophy of education. We need to be purposeful with our purpose!
-
It is imperative that Christian educators have a Christian philosophy of education because we must pass down the knowledge, values, and truth to the next generation. We do not want to raise up generations that do not know the Lord, or the value of His word and wisdom. I think about my own education in a public school. I had wonderful teachers who taught me the value of education, but their value system was lacking, and they couldn’t point me to the One who truly can help me learn and grow. We must also assist parents in their responsibilities of training their children in the way they should go. Christian education should support the work that parents are doing at home.
-
To pass down knowledge, values and truth to the next generation.
-
A key point the professor made is that, as Christian educators, we are passing down knowledge, values, and truth. The graphic had these words highlighted and defined as philosophy. If we are not trying to pass down knowledge, values, and truth, then our Christian education doesn’t have a focus. It may exist to provide a safe space from the world or as a place to air our grievances against the world, but it’s not really leaving something for the students to hold on to as they complete their education and continue on to what God has for them in life.
Having a Christian philosophy of education will give the educator focus. As the professor said, she doesn’t remember the individual lessons but the context combined with the lessons left a lasting impression in her mind and shaped her life. When we approach the whole of the Christian education experience holistically with an underpinning philosophy, we create that wider experience that lasts.