A Legacy of Religious Educators: Historical and Theological Introductions

A Legacy of Religious Educators: Historical and Theological Introductions

A Legacy of Religious Educators examines individuals who shaped the educational foundations of the church. These chapters, on well-known patristic and medieval scholars such as Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas; renowned theologian-educators such as Luther, Calvin, Edwards and Wesley; and modern-day educators such as Henrietta Mears, C.S. Lewis, and Frank Gaebelein, reflect the contextualized theology of education of significant educators who have profoundly influenced religious education, in both the church and society. "Dr. Elmer Towns and Dr. Benjamin Forrest should be highly commended for co-editing A Legacy of Religious Educators: Historical and Theological Introductions. This marvelous book constitutes a genuine treasure trove of insightful Christian reflection by some of the finest minds in the history of the Christian Church.Their insights help us address a very pertinent question: What is the role of Biblically faithful Christian education in a resolutely secular culture? The co-editors challenge readers to identify at least one educator in the book whose thinking can inspire him or her to "take the Word of God and communicate it effectively in this world." For this reason alone, this book should belong in the libraries of every pastor, Christian educator and church, so rich in wisdom and inspiring are many of its pages." -- John D. Woodbridge, Research Professor of Church History and Christian Thought,Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "Professors Towns and Forrest have succeeded in editing a historically comprehensive book that cogently examines the educational ideas of the major figures who have shaped Western Civilization's religious tradition.Written by an international array of noted scholars, the book's chapters will engage readers in a theological and educational journey that begins with the fathers of the early Christian Church, moves through the Medieval, Reformation, Post-Reformation and Enlightenment periods, and leads to the contemporary era.Employing a biographical approach, the authors have created the contexts in which the ideas of Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Raikes, Pestalozzi, and other leading religious educators originated. The authors bring the narrative forward to the present as they skillfully explore the contemporary meaning of significant theologically-grounded concepts for schools and curriculum and for teachers and learners. The chapters on William James,John Dewey, and C.S. Lewis will be especially illuminating for all who are concerned with examining and educating for the spiritual dimension of human experience." -- Gerald L.Gutek , Professor Emeritus of Education, Loyola University Chicago and theauthor of Historical and PhilosophicalFoundations of Education . " A Legacy of Religious Educators insightfully discusses a very helpful selection of religious educators from a wide variety of orientations. A well-planned volume, it will inform the novice and in many cases the expert. An added value is exposure to several influential educators not generally included in such collections. I highly recommend it as both a textbook and a good read for those who want to explore the field." -- George R. Knight, Professor Emeritus,Andrews University, author of Philosophy & Education: An Introduction inChristian Perspective "This new volume is a welcome contribution for understanding many of those who have shaped the formal and non-formal educational efforts of the church over the last 2,000 years. The essays that have been pulled together provide insight into the lives, ideas, passions, and efforts of various theologians,church leaders, and educational leaders, all of whom sought to faithfully lead others to know God more fully, and follow Him more faithfully in all of life. In this volume you will meet new heroes, role models, and mentors who will encourage and challenge you as you consider your own opportunities and efforts in educational ministry."-- Kevin E. Lawson, Director of Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, editor of the Christian Education Journal, and director of the Christian Educators of the 20th Century project(christianeducators20.com). "One of the real challenges of education in our day is that every few years a new theory surfaces, with new promises and possibilities. Unfortunately, just as quickly new challenges and concerns arise, and it becomes hard for one to every find a place to rest. Amid the fluid view of education in our day, it is a gift to read about Christian views of education through the ages. In this volume we learn from the past so that we might be better informed about how we should approach the present. That, it seems tome, is a wonderful gift." -- Kelly M. Kapic , Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, author of A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology "A Legacy of Religious Educators provides a well-resear