In this article, the author looks back on her journey of teaching, framing it as a privileged fulfillment of the call as a means of inviting others' reflection on the meanings of the teaching vocation. She builds on this framework with personal stories focused on two aspects of teaching from which she has learned much: the pivotal role of…

As countries' populations become more religiously diverse, a need to review the religious education syllabus that operates is often perceived. One such country is Zambia, which was not only traditionally religiously diverse but has become even more so with the advent of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism and other non-African faiths. This article…

Protestant Christianity was brought to Japan during the modernization of that country in the middle of the nineteenth century. Before the Second World War, except for a short time, Christianity in Japan as a Western religion had experienced a difficult course of history because of hostility due to nationalism of the populace and the leaders of the…

This paper discusses aspects of the philosophy of Christian education implied in F. J. Sheed's book entitled "Christ in the Classroom." (RC)

This paper locates Paulo Freire within the prophetic tradition of the Christian Church and seeks to examine the basis of his thinking from this perspective. The paper includes four parts: (1) the social context of Freire's work; (2) development and modernization; (3) the place of education; and (4) a concluding discussion. (JOW)

Five prescriptions for evangelism are offered from five different schools of thought in educational psychology. Since understanding and the integration of truth are a central theme in evangelism, how do humans process truth? This paper constructs hypothetical evangelistic scenarios according to behaviorist, cognitive processing, interactivist,…

This paper considers the British thinker C.S. Lewis as a "forensic figure," defining "forensic" in the sense of public discussion and debate. The paper relates that, long before Lewis emerged as a public persuader, he learned to hold his own in private exchanges with William T. Kirkpatrick, his tutor from 1914-1917, and in…

Examines what theology in the Jewish and Christian traditions says about understanding older people and their purpose in life of society and the religious community. Draws implications of such theological understanding for religious education. Discusses three common historic themes: the blessing of age, aging and the justice of God, and the…

As Christian educators we must take seriously the gospel command to "go, and teach them all that I have commanded you." But how are we to proclaim the ancient faith in a relativistic, image-driven, post-modern age that long ago abandoned modernism's holy crusade to either prove or disprove the orthodox faith through reason? Using the example of…

How should Christians address our often ambiguous and increasingly postmodern world? The article explores some of the ways cultural postmodernity is affecting Christian communities. The tendency to trivialize understandings of meaning and value is highlighted as one of the greatest challenges posed by the negative aspects of postmodernity. It is…

This article evaluates the portrait of faith development theory and research in James Fowler's article,"Faith Development at 30." Questions are raised: Does Fowler's emphasis on the practical-theological and pastoral focus of faith development contradict its aspiration and disposition for empirical scrutiny? Does Fowler's principal concern with…

Today deep theological differences threaten to divide Protestant denominations. In turn, these differences often mute church education and block mission. This article seeks to offer glimpses for addressing that theological controversy. It is an exercise in historical retrieval examining a generative period in the history of Christian religious…

For over 30 years official disapproval of confessional approaches to religious education in community (formerly county) schools has been the norm. However such forms of religious education persist. Some arguments put forward in favour of non- confessional religious education are now shown to be weak. Confessional religious education is now thought…

This study addresses eight models for "doing" ecclesial adolescent ministry in the United States from both a Catholic and ecumenical perspective. The article offers youth ministers in the field with creative insights to further enhance their ministry with adolescents. The eight models represent an inclusive theological and pastoral…