An Assignment on

Topic: The definition, objectives, scope and historical

Subject: Education as Mission

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for M.th

Submitted by
Kiran Darsi

Submitted to
Dr. Jerald Praveen
Ebenezer Theological Seminary Vengoor, Kerala.
 Contents
Introduction
1. What is Christian Education?
2. Explanation of Terms
2.1 Education
2.2 Christian Education
3. Definition
4. Objectives and Aims
4.1 Purposes of Christian Education
4.2 14 Objectives for Basic Christian Education
5. The scope of Education in the early period
5.1 Scope of Christian Education
6. Historical Development of Christian Education
6.1 Jewish Education
6.1.1 Role of Priest as a Teacher
6.1.2 Role of Prophet as a Teacher
6.1.3 Universal Education
6.2 Christian Education
6.2.1 Catechumenal school
6.2.2 Catechetical school
6.2.3 Cathedral Schools:
Conclusion
Bibliography
Introduction
Christian Education is steeped in part of the reason for this multidisciplinary nature of the
field. Its foundation is biblical studies and theology but it seeks to integrate them with knowledge. It
is gathered from social science, education, sociology, and psychology, studying Christian education.
It gives as a biblical perspective on how God created us to learn and interact together with these
insights we are able to more strategically fulfill the great commission. Christ Jesus himself gave the
church its commission to make disciples until the day of his return. Those who have taken up the
charge over the past two thousand years have done so with spiritual enthusiasm and spirit-driven
creativity.1 Christian Education is the ministry that engages people in the understanding of Jesus’
commandments to love God and to love neighbor. Any activity has the goal of edifying the church.
It attempts to help persons experience life in Christ and as a result, persons transmit to the world a
witness of love to the world.2
1. What is Christian Education?
Christian Education in all perspective is harmonious and all-round development of the
individual stressing the means of helping persons grow in the pattern of Jesus Christ. It aims to
provide such experiences and learning situation that enable individual to lead true Christian life
following Christ’s teaching and in full obedience to Him.3
2. Explanation of Terms
2.1 Education
The word ‘education’ is from the verb ‘to educate’ which literally means ‘to rear or to lead out’ and is
related to the Latin word ‘educate’ meaning ‘to bring out or lead forth’. It is extensively explained as the
process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. The word has
often been used to mean; teaching, schooling, tuition, tutoring, pedagogy, coaching, training, guidance,
indoctrination, inculcation, enlightenment and development. 4 In other situations, it is used to simply
imply the art of learning, literacy and the process of acquiring knowledge.
2.2 Christian Education
Christian Education refers to the rearing and bringing out of persons from the Christian religious point of
view. It involves the impartation of moral and Christian religious knowledge. This form of education is
peculiar to Christians. The concept of rearing, along with the scriptural mandates of Bible (Deut. 4:9; 6:7-
9; and 11:19), therefore, indicate that it is parents who have the primary responsibility for rearing
children, not society or even the church. Therefore, the onus lies with parents in fulfilling their biblical
responsibilities. The expression ‘Christian Education’ seems to mean at least three things:
First, Christian education sometimes means that process of teaching and learning the content of which is
made up of Christianity. It would be clearer if this was referred to as Christian studies, and in this sense,
the study of Christianity forms part of every religious education programme. It would be possible to study
nothing but Christianity, although a wide-ranging religious education would normally include studies of
other religions alongside the study of Christianity.
Second, ‘Christian Education’ may refer to that process of teaching and learning the content of which is
Christianity and which has as its purpose the fostering or deepening of the Christian faith of the students
(to ensure Christian nurture, although it would be pedantic to insist upon this). However, this is probably
the most widespread use of the expression. When people in the Christian churches speak of their Christian
1
Ganankan. Ken Ed. Education and Mission; (Theological Book Trust, Bangalore, 2007), P 91.
2
Prabhakar. Samson. Essay on Christian Education and Liturgy; (SATHRI, Kenchappa Road, Bangalore, 2003),P
106
3
Jegahnathan. W.S. Milton. Mission and Education; (MECSI, Whites Road, Chennai, 2002), P 41
4
The Family Word Finder (New York: The Reader’ Digest association Inc., 1975) p. 50
education departments, they normally have in mind the attempt, whether through churches or church-
related schools, to transmit the Christian faith in the context of belief and commitment. It is increasingly
common today to find that various Christian denominations also provide material suitable for inclusion
within Christian education/studies.
The third meaning of the expression ‘Christian Education’ is that education which flows from or is
compatible with or is justified by the Christian faith. This is the sense spoken of in which a specific
educational process which can be contrasted with the other processes is needed. This is to suggest that
Christian faith can not only generate and justify processes of Christian nurture, catechetic and evangelism
-acclaim the truth of which is self-evident’ -but that Christian faith can generate and justify an
understanding of an educational process which is not intended to 5
3. Definition
Christian Education first and foremost for includes helping people to be biblically
informed. This can take on many characteristics, but most important in mind is the ability to
appropriate the Bible in such a way that it comes alive in the contemporary settings of person’s
lives. Thus, the need for trained clergy and laity leaders who teach others. Secondly, Christian
education involves helping people to participate in the life of the Christian community as
informed worshipping and caring Disciples of Christ, thus, it involves teaching about
Discipleship. Thirdly, Christian education involves equipping people for living responsibly in
the world. Fourthly, it involves under girding other ministries of the church by equipping people
of the church for effective leadership. Lastly, Christian education in mind is enabling persons to
grow as maturing Christians in the journey of faith, which is Spiritual Formation, is critical to
Christian Education.6
4. Objectives and Aims
Scripture was the textbook, but that other books were not unknown is evidenced by (Ec.
12:112) but an emphasis on corporal chastisement is to be found in proverbs and Ecclesiasticus.
But discipline was much milder in messianic times. Jewish education’s whole function was to
make the Jew holy, and to transform the religious into the practical. Such, then, was normal
Jewish education but undoubtedly, there were school after a Greek pattern especially in the
closing centuries, and indeed Ecclesiasticus may have been written to combat in such non-Jewish
instruction.
In the infant church child and parent were told how to behave towards one another (Eph.
6:1-4) church officers had to know how to rule their own children. There were no Christian
schools in early days, for one thing, the church was too poor to finance them. But the children
were included in the church fellowship, and doubtless received their training there as well as in
the home.7
4.1 Purposes of Christian Education
Christian education is about teaching and learning skills and knowledge from the perspective of
Christianity. The purpose is to return to God’s honor in life, and it’s to build character. It gives the
knowledge of loving God with all the heart, mind, soul and body (Matthew 22:37-39). We should desire
to produce young people with the kind of character and conduct that will be a godly influence wherever
they go. Their lives are to be evident in their devotion to serving the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 Christian
education molds the total person to be a vessel onto honor and meet for the master’s use and prepared for
5
John M. Hull, ‘Practical Theology and Religious Education in a Pluralist Europe’. In: British Journal of Religious
Education Vol. 26, no. 1, March 2004, pp. 7-19.
6
Anthony. Michael J. Introducing Christian Education;(Grand Rapids, Michigan.) 2009. P 32.
7
J. D. Douglas, Ed. New Bible Dictionary; (Inter-Varsity Press, De Montfort.) 1982. Pp. 364-367.
8
E. H. Bancroft, Elemental Theology. British Journal of Education Vol.2, No.5, pp. 26-29.
every good work (2nd Tim 2:20-22). And it is to support educators develops self-control and to live a
disciplined life according to Bible rules under the control of Holy Spirit (II Cor. 10:5; Phil. 4:8; Titus
2:11-14; Eph. 6:18; Gal. 5:15-17, 22-24). Also, it is to learn all truth in the light of scriptural revelation
and principles, and to apply that truth to every facet of life (Col. 3:14). Good Christian Religious
Education is to glorify Christ and the teachings of God’s word that are freely shared with a generation of
people who are reaching out for peace through education. 9
4.2 14 Objectives for Basic Christian Education
1. A proper understanding of what the Bible is, why it is valid today for understanding God, how
to study it and correctly interpret it.
2. A Proper understanding of Gods Character and Nature. His holiness, sovereignty, Kindness, &
Triune nature.
3. A proper understanding of Sin and its results for humankind. Includes Understanding Gods
commands & laws, our failure & the need for Christ.
4. A Proper understanding of Jesus Christ. Who he is, why he came, what he did, what he will
do, and what he is like. Includes understanding his Lordship, his Deity, & his humanness, as well
as his roles as Servant, Savior, Creator & King.
5. A Proper understanding of God’s love for people, who you are to God and your position in
Christ.
6. A proper understanding of how one is saved by faith and the value of faith itself to God.
7. A proper understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life (sealing,
strengthening, leading, convicting, etc.)
8. A proper understanding of prayer. Including how, why, when, & with what expectations
9. A Proper understanding of forgiveness. Ours by God and that which we are to offer to others.
10. A proper understanding of our life as a process by which Christ sets people aside for himself
(Justification/ Sanctification / Glorification)
11. A proper understanding of our Hope in Christ. The Lord's return, Heaven and our
inheritance.
12. A proper understanding of our obligation as Gods co-workers. To learn Gods word, how to
witness, etc.
13. A proper understanding of the Church, the body of Christ and its purpose in nurturing the
believer, growing fruitful Disciples of Christ and being a context for ministry.
14. A proper understanding of Satan, his objectives, his methods & how to resist his attacks.10
5. The scope of Education in the early period
This was not wide in the early period, the boy would learn ordinary moral instruction
from his mother, and a trade, usually agricultural, plus some religious and ritual knowledge, from
his father. The interplay of religion and agricultural life would have been self-evident at every
festival. The festivals also taught religious history (Ex. 13:8). So even at the earliest period were
inseparable. This was the more so in the synagogue, where scripture became the sole authority
for both belief and daily conduct. Life indeed was itself considered a “discipline” Education then
was and remained religions and ethical, with (Pro. 1:7) its motto. To read was essential for the
study of scripture; writings was perhaps less important. Although it was known as early as (Jdg.

9
Ibid, p. 30-33
10
http://dayspringchristian.com/files/ChristianEdu/Forms/Philosphy%20Statement%2008-28-08.pdfs
8:14) Basic arrhythmic was taught. Languages were not taught but not that, as Aramaic because
the vernacular, study of the Hebrew scripture because a linguistic exercise.11
Girl’s education was wholly in their mothers’ hands, they learnt the domestic arts, simple
moral and ethical instruction, and they were taught to read in order to become acquainted with
the law. Their education was considered important. However, and they were even encouraging to
learn a foreign language.
5.1 Scope of Christian Education
For many years, now the stress has been on Christian education for children. In fact, in
most of the churches in India, that is the only Christian education program in a church. Asked,
“Who needs Christian education?” the response nearly always is ‘children need Christian
education’. But the scope of Christian education need to extent for the adults also. In general, all
Christians need Christian education.12
6. Historical Development of Christian Education
6.1 Jewish Education
Jesus was a Jew and He was brought up in the religious tradition of Jews, He therefore,
was given the religious education that all Jewish children had. Early in the life of Jewish nation
education was mostly informal and imparted in the home. There were no schools and all the
parents were the only teacher. In early childhood, the mothers gave informal religious education.
But later, the father took over the spiritual training of the child. All teachings were informal.
Orally given and included explaining the significance of the many festivals, such as the Passover,
the feast of tabernacle etc. The content of the instruction imparted in the home was the study of
the Torah a great deal of importance was attached to memorization. In child’s fourth year the
father’s duty was to teach them the Shema, which is the principle Jewish prayer (Deut. 6:49).13
The Law of Moses was the central core of Jewish education and this comprised a set of
rules that covered all aspects of life- home life, dress, conduct, food, property, relationship with
others and so on. The goal of education was of children for become good and right. They seemed
to be having aims, happiness, good character and fellowship with God. The Law of Moses was
taught to each Jewish child, consisted of 3 sections:
1. The commandments, as in Ex. 20:1-26.
2. Rules regulating social life. Ex. 21:21-24.
3. Ordinance which stated rules with regard to worship of God, as in Ex. 24:12- 30:18.
These 3 areas of the law contributed to obtaining happiness and blessing and enabled children
to achieve good moral behavior and through worship to enjoy fellowship with God.14
6.1.1 Role of Priest as a Teacher
Priest had an impotent part in Jewish teaching regarding ceremony, rituals, sacrifice and
other various religious duties and hence, where important public instructors of the people, every
7 years the law had to be read before all Israel (Deut. 31: 10-13) and it was the duty of the priest
to do this and to transmit to generations of priests knowledge regarding rituals and ceremonies
and law. Another of their duties was to teach people how to live in relation to one another. The
priest were the first to use writing and kept records of historical facts as well as the decisions

11
Mitra veda, Education in Ancient India, ( Delhi, 1964), p. 37.
12
J.C. Aggarwal, Thoughts on Education, (New Delhi – 1967), p,51.
13
C. B. Eavey, History of Christian Education, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1964), p.78
14
Elmer L. Towns, ed. A History of Religious Educators, (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1975), p. 90
they made on Christians of law, until gradually they were in possession of judicial and historical
literature. Levites or priest who kept these records were known as scribes and gradually grew in
importance as they gained more knowledge of the law and became authority in it.15
6.1.2 Role of Prophet as a Teacher
Prophets were chosen by God from time to time to bring God’s message to the people
when they paid no attention to the parents and priest who were in charge of instructing them and
straight away from following Hebrew. They criticized wrong behavior, denounced the wicked
and oppressors, and in times of danger and nation crisis exhorted the people to return to God and
thus avert disaster. They spoke of holiness and justice on urged them to obey Him. The prophets
brought God’s message to the people while the priest spoke to God on their behalf.16
6.1.3 Universal Education
The year 64 BC was an important milestone in the history of Jewish education because
Rabbi Joshua Ben Gamal, the high priest of that time gave the order that teachers should be made
available in every province and town to take on the education of the children after the age of 6.
Teachers were engaged to set up elementary schools known as Beth Hassepher (House of Book)
and the body of knowledge taught was the scripture. Between the ages of 10 &15 Jewish
children studied at Beth Hammidrash (House of Study) were the main trust was the oral law
known as Mishnah.17
6.2 Christian Education
There were three schools, which was after the resurrection of Christ, they started them in
Apostolic Age, they are the Catechumenal school, Catechetical school, and Cathedral school.
6.2.1 Catechumenal school
As Christianity spread through the efforts of the followers of Jesus Christ who dispersed far and
wide with His message and informal teaching, most of the roman empire became Christian by
about 300 A.D. it was felt that as long as Jews became Christians they had the background of
Jewish tradition and could better understand and grasp Jesus’ teaching than the non-Jews, who
were mostly Pagan could. The new Pagan converts had to be given intensive instruction over a
period of time to help them understand the teachings of Christianity. Hence, Catechumenal
schools were established there were three stages through which the Catechumenal had to pass.
They were: 1. Hearers of the word: for they were only allowed to hear the scripture being read
and explained they were also permitted to stay to hear the sermons that were preached in the
worship service. 2. The second stage was that of the leaders not only allowed to listen to the
word being expounded, but could stay on for the prayers which followed the sermons and the
explanations. 3. The third stage Catechumenate had to pass was called the chosen and to them
intensive doctrinal and liturgical instruction was given, which prepared them for baptism and full
membership in the church.18
6.2.2 Catechetical school
During the 2nd century AD Catechetical school, where established and purpose of this was
to equip the elders and leaders of the church, with a body of intellectual learning, with which to

15
Marianne. Sawicki, The Gospel in History: Portrait of a Teaching Church: The Origins of Christian Education, (New
York: Paulist, 1988), p. 98-99
16
Nathan. Orazin, History of Jewish Education From 515 B.C. to 22 C.E, (Baltimore: John Hopkins, 1940), p. 103
17
H. I. Marrou, A History of Education in Antiquity, (New York: Sheed and Ward, 1956), p. 67
18
Lewis Joseph. Sherrill, The Rise of Christian Education, (Philadelphia: Macmillan, 1944), p. 89
meet the attacks of unbelievers. Catechetical school emerged also because of the influence of
Greek thought and culture. The subjects taught in these schools were primarily such as
philosophy dialectic history and Greek literature. However, they were all related to theology in
the way in which they were handled. These subjects were known as the seven liberal arts, which
were divided into the trivium and the quadrivium. The former consisted if grammar, rhetoric, and
dialectic. While the latter group consisted of arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. These
schools in the course of time produce scholars and reason like other educated teacher of Greeco-
Roman culture. One of the most well-known was the one at Alexandria. Similar scholars were
also found at Jerusalem and found in Jerusalem Constantinople.19
6.2.3 Cathedral Schools:
The need for highly trained clergy in the church to counteract the arguments of the
intellectuals was met by turning out highly intellectual scholars from Catechetical school at the
same time the episcopacy was firmly established and the church over which the bishop presided
was known as Cathedral. The bishops felt that the clergy were needed for ministering in the
Cathedral as well as in the churches- clergy who knew the doctrines of the church, the scripture,
and in addition knew the liturgy and were able to conduct the mass. Those students who were
going to be pastors and ministers in the church were trained by the bishops in such Catechetical
schools that were attached to the Cathedral, which came to be known as Cathedral Schools.
Parents were encouraged to send one in the family to these schools to become minister in the
church.20
Conclusion
It is very important for Christians or church to know the importance of Christian
education for the development of individuals and the society as a whole. The church should look
at the Christian education a one of the integral part of Christian mission, and also implement it
for the development of individuals and community mentally, spiritually, socially and
economically.

19
James D. Smart, The Teaching Ministry of the Church, (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1954), p. 55
20
Wesley R. Willis, 200 years and Still Counting: Past, Present and Future of the Sunday School (Wheaton: Victor,
1979), p. 230
Bibliography

Aggarwal, J.C. Thoughts on Education. (New Delhi – 1967).

Bancroft, E. H. Elemental Theology. British Journal of Education Vol.2, No.5.

Douglas, J. D. Ed. New Bible Dictionary. (Inter-Varsity Press, De Montfort, 1983).

Eavey, C. B. History of Christian Education. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1964).

Elmer L.Towns, ed. A History of Religious Educators. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1975), p. 90

http://dayspringchristian.com/files/ChristianEdu/Forms/Philosphy%20Statement%2008-28-

08.pdfs

Hull, John M. ‘Practical Theology and Religious Education in a Pluralist Europe’. (In: British

Journal of Religious Education Vol. 26, no. 1, March 2004).

Ken Ed, Ganankan. Education and Mission; (Theological Book Trust, Bangalore, 2007).

Marrou, H. I. A History of Education in Antiquity, (New York: Sheed and Ward, 1956).

Michael J, Anthony. Introducing Christian Education;(Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2009).

Milton, Jegahnathan.W.S. Mission and Education; (MECSI, Whites Road, Chennai, 2002).

Orazin, Nathan. History of Jewish Education from 515 B.C. to 22 C.E, (Baltimore: John

Hopkins, 1940).

Samson. Prabhakar. Essay on Christian Education and Liturgy; (SATHRI, Kenchappa Road,

Bangalore, 2003).

Sawicki, Marianne. The Gospel in History: Portrait of a Teaching Church: The Origins of

Christian Education, (New York: Paulist, 1988).

Sherrill, Lewis Joseph. The Rise of Christian Education, (Philadelphia: Macmillan, 1944).

Smart, James D. The Teaching Ministry of the Church, (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1954).
The Family Word Finder (New York: The Reader’ Digest association Inc., 1975).

veda, Mitra. Education in Ancient India, (Delhi, 1964).

Willis, Wesley R. 200 years and Still Counting: Past, Present and Future of the Sunday School

(Wheaton: Victor, 1979).