(continued)
Slowly, the modern Christian school movement gained momentum. It began to flourish in the 1950s and 60s, and by the 1970s and 80s, the movement had exploded. All across the United States, faithful people were planting Christian schools, thousands of which continue today.
Several Christian colleges and universities rose to the occasion and began training teachers with a view toward Christian education. In 1559 John Calvin himself founded a school, the Geneva Academy, and he was very influential in creating Christian schools throughout the city of Geneva. Calvin understood that for the effects of the Reformation to continue, providing children a Christian education was essential. John Knox helped form Christian schools throughout Scotland, and these schools operated in conjunction with both the church and the state. Christian publishers began producing educational texts and materials, and today many Christian textbooks are available at all grade levels—even some at the college level. Modern technology continues to make Christian education even more accessible for many families with video, satellite, and computer-based classes and curriculum.
The age-old battle between Christian education and secular education continues today. And many are wondering where Christian education is headed in the future. For Christian education to thrive, pastors must teach their congregation its importance. Universities must train quality Christian teachers. Christian textbook publishers must produce thoroughly biblical, educationally sound materials. And Christian educators must get these truths and resources into the hands and minds of the students.
Sunday schools in England and in the United States contributed greatly to the cause of Christian education. In the late 1700s the Sunday school movement began to thrive in Great Britain, with Robert Raikes being one of its most well-known leaders. Sunday schools began as a separate entity from the church with the primary goal of offering religious and moral education to poor children on Sundays. As the movement progressed, it broadened in scope to reach a larger variety of children. Sunday schools soon spread to the United States where by the nineteenth century more than 100,000 were in operation.
Above all, we must invoke God’s hand of protection and blessing upon so great an endeavor. For we would surely not want the Christian to slip out of Christian education. Not on our watch.
- Works Consulted
- Benson, Clarence H. A Popular History of Christian Education. Chicago: Moody, 1943.
- Cully, Kendig Brubaker, Ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Education. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1968.
- Eavey, C. B. History of Christian Education. Chicago: Moody, 1964.
- Fergusson, E. Morris. Historic Chapters in Christian Education in America. New York: Revell, 1935.
- Gangel, Kenneth O., and Benson, Warren S. Christian Education: Its History and Philosophy. Chicago: Moody, 1983.
- Horton, Ronald A., Ed. Christian Education: Its Mandate and Mission. Greenville, SC: BJU Press, 1992.
- Kienel, Paul A. A History of Christian School Education. Volume I. Colorado Springs: ACSI, 1998.
- Kinloch, T. F. Pioneers of Religious Education. Freeport, NY: Books for Libraries, 1939 (first published, reprinted 1969).
- Reed, James E., and Prevost, Ronnie. A History of Christian Education. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1993.
<< previous page 1 2 3 4