Humanism In Education Philosophy and Its Implication to Christian Education and Practice
ABOLADE, Gabriel Oluwaseyi
Postgraduate Student, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso
Abstract
Education philosophy plays a critical role in shaping educational practices and approaches. Humanism as philosophy has gained popularity recently, particularly in secular schools and institutions. However, its implications for Christian education and training are poorly understood, so in this paper, we will explore the critical tenets of Humanism in education and their implications for Christian educators and practitioners. This paper explores the concept of Humanism in education philosophy and its implications for Christian education and practice. Humanism in education philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should focus on the holistic development of individuals and place the individual at the centre of the learning process, emphasizing the development of human potential and fostering a well-rounded education. This approach focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth, empowering students to participate in their learning process actively. The implications of Humanism in education philosophy for Christian education and practice are significant, as they raise questions about the integration of faith and secular knowledge, the role of moral values, and the purpose of education within a Christian context.
Keywords: Humanism, Christian, education, philosophy, development.
Impact Statement
Humanism in education philosophy has had a profound impact on the way education is approached and implemented. It emphasizes the importance of individuality, critical thinking, and personal development, focusing on the holistic growth of students. This philosophy has implications for Christian education and practice as it challenges traditional authoritarian teaching methods and encourages a more student-centred approach. By integrating humanistic principles into Christian education, educators can create a fostering and all-encompassing environment that fosters spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth in students. This approach aligns with the Christian values of love, compassion, and respect for individual dignity, ultimately enriching the educational experience for both students and educators.
About Author
The writer, Abolade, Gabriel Oluwaseyi is a Christian, an ordained pastor and a missionary in the Nigerian Baptist Convention who has travelled to seven missions’ fields both home and foreign. He earned a B.Th. Missiology in the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria and is presently a PhD candidate in the same institution. He earned a Master of Art in Missiology from the Redeemed College of Missions, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. He also got a Master of Science Degree in Intercultural Church Leadership and Administration from the Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He has published two books, The Weapons of Christian Warfare and When Shepherds Slumber, respectively. He is married with kids.
References
Association of Christian Schools International website. 37 pm. https://www.acsi.org/, Retrieved 12/9/2023, 8.
Brummelen, H. Van Walking with god in the classroom: Christian approaches to teaching and learning (4th ed). Wipf and Stock Publishers. (2009).
Christian education. (2008). In E. Fahlbusch et al. (Eds.), The encyclopedia of Christianity. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. Macmillan Publishers.
Graham, J., & Weiner, L. (1996). Developing the whole person: A humanistic approach to education.
Groome, T. H. Christian religious education: Sharing our story and vision. Jossey- bass. (2007).
Gutek, G. L. (2014). Philosophical and ideological perspectives on education (2nd ed). Pearson Education.
Hill, R. (2008). Teaching for spiritual growth: An introduction to Christian education.
Aderele, A. J. (2023). Saved to serve: Salvific role of Christian education in discipling Muslim converts for sound church integration. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 01(3), 160–177. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9004
Holmes, A. F. The idea of a Christian College: A reexamination for Today’s university. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (2001).
Olorunda, S. E. (2023). Religion as a tools for unity and faith, peace, and progress in Nigeria. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 01(03), 244–260. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9011
Hunt, T., & Carper, J. (2010). The world of the classroom: A Holistic Approach to Education.
Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues website. 37 pm. https://www.jubileecentre.ac.uk/, Retrieved 12/9/2023, 8.
Knight, G. R., & De Vries, J. M. (2018). The heart of the teacher: True stories of inspiration and encouragement. Moody Publishers.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
Noddings, N. The challenge to care in Schools: An alternative approach to education (2nd ed). Teacher’s College Press. (2005).
Ornstein, A. C., & Hunkins, F. P. (2017). Curriculum: Foundations, principles, and issues (7th ed). Pearson Education.
Rogers, C. R. (1969). Freedom to learn: A view of what education might become. Charles E Merrill Publishing Company.
Ryan, K., & Cooper, J. M. (2020). Those who can: Why Master teachers do what they do (2nd ed). Sage Publications.
The integration of faith and learning. Wheaton College [Web site]. https://www.wheaton.edu/about-wheaton/mission-and-values, Retrieved 12/9/2023, 8:37 pm.
Walker, D., & Soltis, J. F. (2019). Curriculum landscapes and trends (2nd ed). Routledge.
Wiggins, G. P. (1998). Educative assessment: Designing assessments to inform and improve student performance. Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Wolterstorff, N., & Wolterstorff, C. (2011). Educating for life: Reflections on Christian teaching and learning. Baker Academic.