Calvin Synod Herald, 1974 (74. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1974-02-01 / 2. szám
REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Christian education is the most discussed problem of the Church. Much effort and money has been sacrificed in this field and it is still unsolved. Every generation struggles with it and tries to rediscover its meaning. Jesus was called Master-teacher. He gave the charge to His disciples to teach all nations. The Church, since its very beginning has been a teaching church. Church and teaching, or school, are inseparable. There is no church without a school, and where there is a Christian school, there is also a church. When the Church neglects the school, it ceases to be a church, and when the school does not raise members for the Church, it ceases to be a religious school. In the Reformation, this procedure was strengthened. Our American protestantism followed the command of Jesus and established schools for Christian education. Schools of higher learning were organized while on the elementary and high school level, the Sunday school was used as a substitute — which, no matter how good it may be, is not the authentic religious education. In religious education we deal with 1. curriculum 2. teacher 3. teaching 1. The main purpose of the Church is to teach the Word of God, thus, the Church concentrates on the teaching of the Bible. The text-books should be prepared in such a manner that they help the children to understand the stories and retain their meanings. Knowledge of the Bible is necessary for a Christian. Graded biblical material should be prepared applying the new methods of education. In addition church history, dogmatics, and standards of faith should be available for teaching. Current events cannot be substituted for teaching the Bible. 2. Besides curriculum, the second problem is the teacher. Teachers in the public schools are trained in their respective subjects and in methods of teaching. In many churches, such teachers are teaching in the Sunday schools also, but in many, they just are not available. It is of vital interest to the Church to prepare its teachers academically for religious education. The minister alone is unable to conduct religious education in the church. In the public schools much attention is given to the subjects and the teacher qualified to teach each particular subject; the Church should act likewise. If the high school graduate achieves a certain proficiency in each high school subject, then our Sunday school graduates should likewise be proficient in religion on a high school level, but we know that in most instances this is not the case. Several years ago Life magazine published an article entitled “The Most Wasted Hour” which contained revealing points relative to Sunday school work. WHAT TIME IS IT What time is it I know it’s late Almost too late There are so many things I wanted to do So many places I wanted to visit I have no excuse Tomorrow—tomorrow I shall stop being on edge I shall accept life graciously I will become meek and humble I shall send out thoughts of good will I shall stop all my bad habits I shall remember To say the nice things One should to his loved ones I shall curb my temper Join the brother-hood of man Be constant, loyal and true What time is it I hope it’s not too late Aaron M Kaye 3. During their academic years school teachers are prepared for teaching pupils at different levels. This sa'me method should be applied in religious training. The pre-school years are most important in Christian education. The cooperation between Church and home can make a very valuable impression on the child’s future religious life. The elementary and high school years are the best years for basic religious education. The lessons may be presented at the child’s level so that he or she might understand and learn the presented material. Homework and individual research may deepen their study. The religious educator is a friend and a pastor in addition to being a teacher and as such he aims not only at learning but spiritual development. It is natural that the atmosphere should be friendly and warm but, in spite of this, the work should be done. In adult groups, religious education should be led by the pastor. The curriculum should include church history, principles of faith and missionary education. Through a good basic Christian education God, Bible, church symbols, authority and christlike life would be better understood and achieved. Most churches have adequate facilities for education. In each church, a library in religious education should be established. Applicable modem teaching equipment should be available to faciliate teaching. Through serious Christian education, the entire congregation can grow and develop as a large family to fulfill the command of its Master. Francis Vitéz
