A Theology for Christian Education

by James R. Estep, Michael J. Anthony, Gregg Allison

What is “Christian” about Christian education; how is it different from on-Christian education? A Theology for Christian Education examines this question in depth and argues that the doctrines of systematic theology should drive the content, purpose, and methods of the educational program of the c hurch. The book states:

“Christian education is distinct from other kinds of education in that its aim is the transformation of the whole person into the likeness of Christ (Col. 1 :28). Christian education is the process of accomplishing this aim.”

A Theology for Christian Education dedicates chapters to examining particular doctrines and their implications for Christian education. It is the only serious academic text to offer a systematic presentation of the intersection of theology and Christian education from a conservative evangelical perspective.

Genres: Education, Theology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2008

Reviews

[Viktoriaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive reflection on theology of Christian education as mission of the church.
Also includes reflections on the teacher, student, means and methods.

[Reid Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book for E.D.D. A systematic, simple introduction to a theology of education that would serve well as a summer-before-first year teaching text to reflect on. Many of the subjects touched on are further developed elsewhere but here is a successful comprehensive introduction.

[Heidi Creasman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry, but it has a few good nuggets.

[Douglas W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful. Fairly robust theologically. Good both for a read-through and for reference.

[Terrence D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A notable quote: "If someone were to observe a Sunday school class at your church, or perhaps a midweek Bible study, or a classroom at a Christian school, would the observer see anything distinctly Christian about it? Would the Christian distinctive be so self-evident that even an unbeliever would detect a qualitative difference in the education? If education in the church is to be qualitatively different, it must be based on educational principles that reflect Christian theological beliefs. Our theology must be incarnated in our approach to education."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though there were times that I desired more content. Perhaps the title should be changed to "A Primer to a Theology for Christian Education." I say this because, as an introduction to the concept, I believe this book to be solid. It simply just was not exhaustive enough.

The only problem I truly had was with regards to the authors' belief about the testimony of Jesus' words on page 85. I think it is terribly erroneous to consider Ipsissima Vox over Ipsissima Verba...

Apart from this issue, the philosophy developed by the authors is very worthy of consideration. I also greatly appreciated their concerns for a greater effort in discipleship.

[Jay Miklovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a great primer of Christian Education, that was not mired in trite little suggestions for how to make the Education program of your church more relevant. I appreciated the deeply theological approach to the subject.

On the flip side each chapter (essay) in the book was far more detailed than it needed to be. I found the questions at the end of each chapter were a bit trivial in comparison to the depth of the chapters themselves.

All in all, I am glad I read this book (it was required reading), but I am not going to run out and tell others that they should read it.

[Garrett Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a brief primer on systematic theology with attempts to tie that discipline to education. I found it to be lacking in application as is the case with so many books directed toward educational praxis.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon...

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a textbook. More interesting than some, but, ultimately, it's a textbook.