Chapters 8-9

Question 1

What is the central problem of Christian schools?

Answer 1

They have initiated secular patterns to which they have added chapel services, religious classes, and a religious “atmosphere”

Question 2

“Pagen education with a …”

Answer 2

Chocolate covering of Christianity”

Question 3

Christian institutions need what?

Answer 3

A thorough and ongoing examination, evaluation. And correction of their educational practices in light of their Christian philosophy of education

Question 4

Why has it become more difficult to maintain a distinctively Chrisitan philosophy of education?

Answer 4

An increasingly secular world

Question 5

What is our task as Christian educators?

Answer 5

To develop a genuinely Christian approach to education rather than picking and choosing among secular options

Question 6

What is eclecticism?

Answer 6

Choosing from the various systems or doctrines to form a working philosophy of education

Question 7

Some believe that if a person selects the best from each philosophy, they will be able to do what?

Answer 7

Formulate a good philosophy

Question 8

Why is eclecticism not best for Christian education?

Answer 8

• it is tempting, but is inadequate for a distinctly Christian philosophy
• Christians appreciate various points from the different philosophies, but should, not use them

Question 9

What are some problems with eclecticism?

Answer 9

• internal contradictions between the different philosophies
• confusion in terminology (same word can mean different things in different philosophies)
• secular philosophies have a strong humanistic, secular focus

Question 10

What is the better approach to form a Christian education of philosophy

Answer 10

Examine their own beliefs in terms of reality, truth, and value and then build a personal educational philosophy upon that platform

Question 11

The educational process should be something _, rather than _

Answer 11

An educator “does” on a continual basis; something they study in a course

Question 12

What is the greatest need of Christian schools?

Answer 12

A philosophical foundation that is truly Christian

Question 13

Christian philosophy of education overlaps with what?

Answer 13

A theology of education

Question 14

We must do what so that we can think Biblically about educational issues and philosophies

Answer 14

Be in God’s word on a regular basis

Question 15

Do you agree with the central problem of Christian education as outlined in chapter 8?

Answer 15

According to Knight, many Christian schools offer a secular education with a little bit of Christianity thrown in. I would agree that this is a problem. I’ve been guilty of it myself. A Christian school should go beyond having a Bible class. We should be showing our students that Christ should be at the center of everything we do. Some subjects take more effort than others, but we should be demonstrating a Biblical philosophy and each and every class. Everything we do should be centered around a Biblical philosophy.

Question 16

Why is it that aesthetics are controversial in a Christian (or even non-Christian) environment?

Answer 16

A leading question in the area of Christian aesthetics involves the issue of whether the subject matter of artistic forms should deal only with the good life or whether it should also include the ugly and grotesque.” I agree with the author, that it should include the bad and the ugly as well. He goes on to say that the minor theme of art shows the rebellion depravity of mankind. It is more realistic. The major theme of art is the beautiful art shows that God exists and there is hope. The Bible deals with both the minor and major themes of art. He later says “The aesthetic impact is central, because the ultimate work and end of Christian art is the fully developed Christian life in all of its beauty and symmetry.”