EMQ » April–June 2021 » Volume 57 Issue 2
Edited by Freddy Cardoza
Baker Academic, 2019
339 pages
US$39.99
Reviewed by Brent H. Burdick, DMin, Adjunct Professor of Missions, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Director of the Lausanne Global Classroom.
Is Christian education just for Christians, or is it education that is Christian? Is it about discipleship, or is it about preparing Christians to impact every sphere of society for Christ? As a textbook, the title Christian Education: A Guide to the Foundations of Ministry might lead a reader to assume that the book is about preparing Christian ministers. However, the content, which is a collection of chapters arranged thematically by various Christian education experts, explores Christian education both as a means of discipleship as well as a means of equipping Christians for service in all areas of life. Thus, the book is applicable for Christian students who are preparing to be educators in the church or in society.
The book is divided into five sections. The first lays a theological foundation for Christian education, reminding readers of the truth of the gospel and how it must impact our framework for teaching. The second section examines modern educational theory, taxonomies, and methodologies through a Christian lens. Modern teaching theories help us understand how better to teach and how students learn. The goal of applying secular educational theory to Christian education is ultimately for the spiritual and educational transformation of students. The third, fourth, and fifth sections address educational administration paradigms, digital learning, educational ministries in the church, and educational specializations. Much of the last section discusses Christian spiritual formation, the distinctive roles church and parachurch have in Christian education, and finally, Christian schooling and higher education. In sum, the book introduces key issues important to understanding modern-day aspects of Christian education.
The book is written from a Western cultural and church perspective. Therefore, most of the illustrations, examples, and applications are relevant for North American educational contexts. Because of the plethora of research over many years on educational strategies and theories in the West, the assumption is that these apply across all human cultures. Educators from global contexts will find that educational paradigms for Christians of other cultures are not included in the book. Christian schools, Bible colleges, seminaries, and churches outside of North America need culturally sensitive Christian education strategies and should be careful not to implement Western ones just because they come from the West. Another limitation of the book is that it addresses many relevant points, issues, needs, and concerns about Christian education but there are few examples or guidelines for implementing the theories and strategies discussed. Pointing out needs and defining problems is helpful but including tools to address them would have given the book more potential impact.
Effective Christian education is vital if the church hopes to influence subsequent generations. Freddy Cardoza’s textbook informs future Christian educators of strategic issues and creates greater awareness of the need for effective Christian teaching in today’s complicated world.
For Further Reading
Estep, James Riley, et al. A Theology for Christian Education. B & H Academic, 2008.
Maddix, Mark A. Practicing Christian Education: An Introduction for Ministry. Baker Academic, 2017.
