Let’s begin by asking ourselves, “What is education?” The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines education as the systematic instruction, schooling or training given to the young in preparation for the work of life. While I was reading the OED, I noticed that the word education comes from the Latin educo, meaning to lead forth and draw out, or bring up and raise. A related word is educe, meaning to bring out and develop the latent potential in something. What difference do these Latin words make in our discussion about education? In the classroom, teachers develop the latent potential in their students. Pretty cool, huh? But is there really potential in us, or is that just a warm sentiment? At this point, I think our discussion gets exciting, because when we talk about potential in students, as Christians we must look back to the idea of the image of God in man. But before going there, here's my attempt at a definition for education, pulling from the ideas above:
Education is the kind of instruction and training which develops the image of God in a person in preparation for the call of God on their life. This preparation entails the formation of the person with the telos of virtue or holiness. In other words, education is about formation in virtue for the call of God.
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2 comments:
"In other words, education is about preparation for the call of God." is there an assumption here that we're talking about regenerated students?
What is the goal of education in a secular setting for a Christian public school teacher? It might be the same, though the blind and unregenerate student may not ever reach the place of regeneration. But the teacher can be teaching Truth about the Gospel in winsome ways without directly referring to it.
It happened for me as an unregenerate kid. I learned Truth in my high school English class that prepared my mind and heart for the Gospel.
Good questions, Connie. I don't think we must assume that we're talking about regenerated students, because God is sovereign over ALL mankind and claims for himself worship and obedience. I think a Christian worldview of education transcends any educational model and setting. In other words, a Christian worldview of education provides goals for education that apply in every academic setting. God has drawn the battle lines against the kingdom of his Son and the kingdom of Satan. As Christian educators, we are at war against Satan and his false claims on the souls of our students, whether we are in public school, Christian school, or at home.
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