Teaching for Spiritual Formation: A Patristic Approach to Christian Education in a Convulsed Age

by Kyle R. Hughes

In Teaching for Spiritual Formation, church historian and experienced Christian educator Kyle R. Hughes advances a fresh vision of Christian teaching and learning by drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, synthesizing the wisdom of the early church fathers with contemporary efforts to cultivate a distinctively Christian approach to education. Of interest to a wide range of Christian educators, this book examines how the writings of five significant church fathers can illuminate our understanding of the vocation of teachers, the nature of students, the purpose of curriculum, decisions about pedagogy, and how spiritual formation works. Besides reimagining these aspects of Christian education, Hughes also offers habits and practices that can help bring this vision of Christian teaching and learning to life, challenging Christian educators to sharpen their approach to the integration of faith and learning in practical and accessible ways.

Genres: Teaching, Education

198 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2022

Reviews

[Allison Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75! If you are a teacher, administrator, etc. in Christian education, you need to read this book. I read this for my Teaching the Scriptures class and found it helpful, but both of my parents are in the private christian school arena & this was required reading for them, and that makes me glad. Hughes knows his audience and both encourages and admonishes. We need books like this to be read by our elementary/middle/and high school christian school teachers!

[Ryan Tinetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes both deep and wide: it attends to the broad nature and scope of education, while delving deep into the rich resources of the Christian tradition in order to meet present day needs. Hughes is practical without being simplistic, theological without being abstract. I loved this book, and it made me wish for a whole series of similar reads that mine wisdom from the Fathers for the pressing needs of discipleship today. Though it primarily directed to teachers in Christian schools, I find it also relevant for pastors and other catechists in a parish setting, and indeed Christian parents.

[Matthew Cotten · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the key philosophical implications of Hughes's approach is the idea that Christian education should not simply convey information but should also aim to cultivate virtues and habits of heart that lead to spiritual transformation. This perspective challenges educators to consider how their teaching practices can foster empathy, understanding, and reconciliation across cultural divides.

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely and invigorating vision of teaching and education, filled with timely insight from our theological forebears. Rich with application and wisdom for teachers in school or a local church. This was a joy and delight to read.

[sch]

Aug 2024. Reading with colleagues. Collectively stopping after 100 pages; good, not great.