What is Christian Education?

If you asked me to define Christian education before reading What Makes Education Christian, I would have said it is a curriculum that teaches the Bible.[1] I may have also said teaching with a Christian perspective. I would not have said anything about theology or social science, a good blend for Christian education.

To clarify theology and social science, Grace Theology Seminary defines theology as the study of God, which expands to his character and actions concerning the cosmos and relationship to humanity.[2] The Best College website defines social science as the study of how individuals and groups interact with one another and what drives human behavior.[3] 

In his evaluation, Estep presents three conclusions that address what makes education Christian. First, he states that the church insists that theology and social science theories are the foundation of Christian education. Secondly, the level of integration between theology and social science theory determines the degree of Christian distinctiveness in church education. Thirdly, there is a need to itemize the benefits of integration for Christian education and educators.[4]

 Estep quotes John Westerhoff's 1979 article "Discipline in Crisis," where the author states that the insufficient theological integration in Christian education has led to a crisis. Estep questions whether the church "really" wants religious education.[5] I find that a great question, as in my evaluation of the church world, the people do not seem interested in learning as much as they do in having a time-limited experience or ritual on Sunday mornings. Many have Sunday morning worship on their checklist of things good Christians do. Bible studies draw a smaller crowd as busy schedules dominate most people. Another possible dispute about the understanding and desire for Christian education is how the ministers are qualified and if their education is ongoing or stops once a ranking is received.

Estep shares Westerhoff's three answers about the relationship between theology and education. The first is that education is primarily the servant of theology. Secondly, theology and education are independent and distinct disciplines forming one another. Thirdly, theological disciplines provide the reference point for education's what and how.  

For me, I value theology over social science. However, in our ever-changing culture, I understand the importance of social science. We must understand society to be relevant and productive in what we teach and who we reach today.

If I were to evaluate my teaching of Christian education and its integration of theology and social science, I would give it a four. I value my sphere of influence. I desire to share my testimony when possible in hopes of helping someone else. My heart is often burdened by issues our society is facing.

Reading the second chapter of Estep's book, I realized there must be a balance between theology and social science. This reading gave me more clarity and understanding. I recently took a job at a seminary school. My belief system differs from theirs, but I find peace, joy, and harmony in those I work with. The school is shaping a culture highly focused on social science and theology. They are well-educated and continually learning as well as making disciples. Their faith is built on great foundations of what they believe, and it shows. I find the same is true in being a student of Wesley Seminary. I have had so many unanswered questions about the various denominations I served. My questions were often avoided because Christian education was not prevalent but limited due to a lack of theology blended with social science.

[1] James R. Estep, Michael Anthony, and Gregg Allison. A Theology for Christian Education. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2008. Accessed May 1, 2024. ProQuest Ebook Central.

[2] Grace Theological Seminary. What are the Four Types of Theology? Answers from a The

ology School. Grace Theological Seminary Website. Accessed April 29, 2024. https://seminary.grace.edu/what-are-the-four-types-of-theology-answers-from-a-theology-school/#:~:text=Presently%2C%20a%20common%20way%20of,)%20theology%2C%20and%20practical%20theology.

[3] Best College. What are the Social Sciences? Best College Website. Accessed April 29, 2024). https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/what-is-social-science/

[4] Estep, Anthony, and Allison, chapter 2.

[5] Estep, Anthony, and Allison, chapter 2.