Foundational Issues in Christian Education: An Introduction in Evangelical Perspective

by Robert W. Pazmiño

An exploration of the disciplines used to form an integrated conception to Christian education from which principles and guidelines can be drawn.

Genres: Education

268 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

Reviews

[Barry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exceptional resource for surveying the primary issues in the development of Christian education. The author closes the book with this clear statement of his intentions: “This work has sought to provocatively identify key foundational issues Christians are called to consider in the faithful practice of Christian education” (Pazmino, p. 251). To support this stated goal, each of the key issues is presented in a comprehensive manner, addressing what is described as seven foundations – biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, sociological, psychological, and curricular. Pazmino begins each rich chapter with a definition of terms. A careful review of the key history, resources, and individuals that have shaped each of these foundations is presented. The author’s passion for quality, God-honoring Christian education is obvious throughout the book. However, this does not prevent his introduction of a wide range of perspectives for each foundational issue. Philosophers, theologians, educators, and psychologists are cited in both comparison and contrast as the author provides a broad overview for each foundational issue.

Chapters are rich with questions and, at times, tables and figures to represent key contributions in each foundational area. Pazmino frequently offers specific points to evaluate the perspectives under consideration, presenting them in a clear and focused manner for ease of review by the reader. Many noteworthy individuals from their respective disciplines are offered, compared, and contrasted by the author, all with a commitment to engage his audience in a careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages for Christian education. Pazmino closes each chapter with challenging questions to engage the reader at a deeper level in reviewing each foundational issue.

To add to the practicality of this robust work, the two appendices address the challenge of postmodern thought and the Christian educator, both in proclaiming truth as well as identifying key opportunities and actions that can be applied in reaching individuals with this world view. His discussion of the balance between contextualization and accommodation when introducing Christian principles is especially powerful. Throughout the book, the reader is challenged and inspired to take a step back and expand their perspective in seeking to experience “the joy of teaching the Christian faith in transformative ways while grappling with foundational issues that ground, inform, and enrich our practice while glorifying God” (277).

[Zachary Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a bit of an information dump, but Pazmiño covers a lot of really important issues that concern Christian education. Each chapter is straightforward in its approach, but it’s structure also contributes to a certain blandness of presentation at times. Overall, Pazmiño does a good job of presenting a variety of perspectives and then presenting his own integrated approach in a clear, often practical and balanced way.

[Pete Jurchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's heavy, and there's a lot in there you may or may not agree with, but it is a seminal work. A must-read by those looking into the field of Christian education.

[Awan Jadoel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saya membacanya dalam versi terjemahan bahasa Indonesia. Sangat memberkati dan digunakan sebagai referensi, rujukan dalam riset, penyusunan MA dan buku dalam perpesktif Injili.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pazmino's book covers the basic assumptions Christian education has been built on. He seems to love to allegorize Scripture to explain his meaning; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. There are lots of nuggets of useful truth in this book, but it lacks any real passion or art.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read APR 2002

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book