Foundations Of Education [Hardcover]

Ideas about education have consequences. This book, edited by Matthew Etherington, provides readers with ideas and insights drawn from fifteen international scholars in Christian thought within the fields of philosophy, theology, and education. Each author responds to the philosophical, historical, and sociological challenges that confront their particular line of educational inquiry. The authors offer a view of Christian education that promotes truth, human dignity, peace, love, diversity, and justice. The book critically analyzes public discourse on education, including the wisdom, actions, recommendations, and controversies of Christian education in the twenty-first century. This timely book will appeal to those concerned with Christian perspectives on education, Aboriginality, gender, history, evangelism, secularism, constructivism, purpose, hope, school choice, and community.

In a world--and a church--where education (at all levels) is devolving toward basic technological skills training, random encounters with disconnected factoids on the internet, and subjectively preferred propaganda, Matthew Etherington's fine collection of essays on the foundations of education is most timely and welcome. Educational administrators, teachers, homeschoolers, pastors, parents--and thoughtful adults wishing to redress the weaknesses in their own education--are well-advised to reflect deeply on the ideas in this volume.
--David W. Gill, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA

Etherington has put together a wide-ranging, engaging, and interesting collection of essays that deal with the interface between Christianity and education . . . Christianity has a necessary and fundamental role in education, from the lofty meanings of the field to the mundane exercises of the classroom. A valuable book, probably for different reasons, to both the Christian and non-Christian educator.
--Douglas W. Allen, Simon Fraser University,l·