A Theology for Christian Education Review

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A Theology for Christian Education ReviewThis was an excellent book, the author's thesis is to integrate theology and Christian education attempting to not only influence the church in general, but to holistically impact the church. They see theology as a filter to sift through social sciences and allow the methodology to proceed from them. They do not see education and theology as two enemies, but as teaching which needs integrated. Their structural approach toward systematic theology covers a large area of doctrines which impact church and life. The authors fulfilled the purpose of integrating education and theology through the explanation of systematic theology followed by its application.
Regarding the integration of social sciences, the authors did not meet their goal. The arguments in the second chapter adequately laid out five levels of integration and social science. They concluded, if education is going to be Christian it has to see theology as the filter which social sciences are integrated, which produces Christian education. Chapters three through ten cover the various topics of systematic theology, but do not adequately interact with the integration of social science. Chapter eleven is an attempt to move toward a theologically informed approach to education. The authors state the chapter is not a complete "systematic theory of education" because it does not include the "social science theories." They did touch on learning taxonomies, but did not inform the reader that this was a form of integration. At this point, the authors loose one of their primary goals stated to attain Christian education.
The authors argued for integrating social sciences with theology, but never interacted with social science integration itself. This is a significant point considering the authors equated proper integration with true Christian education. The only thing that seems like a plausible reason for avoiding this interaction is the authors may not have agreed on exactly what Christian education should and should not integrate, but this is only a guess.
Approaching Christian education from systematic theology provides a great start for the church. It is an ordered coherent picture of the Christian faith. The authors point out; it is a "means to an end and not the end itself." This reminds the teacher to focus on holistic discipleship and gospel growth and not simply delivering content alone. Helping the learner understand how to inject other areas of theology into Christian education would have strengthened the book. An example of this would be the teaching of biblical theology since it allows the learner to see the metanarrative of Scripture and provides a grid to better understand systematic theology.
The book carries significant value which would benefit any Christian educator. There are many solid evangelical systematic theology texts available, but few provide the application of theology seen in A Theology of Christian Education. It is important for the Christian educator to teach people how to connect orthodoxy and orthopraxy, which the authors do superbly.
They recognize the Glory of God as the central goal in Christian education. This forces an educator to evaluate all areas of ministry in light of God's standards and not their own preferences. Seeing education as holistically encompassing orthodoxy, orthopraxis and orthopatheia encourages balance in teaching.
Regarding curriculum selection, they evealuwated 5 approches. The final chapter interacts with the identity crises in Christian education. Four elements of identification are outlined as: theory, task, target and theology. Each area overlaps with the roles of the teacher as the: theorist, teacher, trainer and theologian. The paradigm seems to adequately capture the role of Christian education and the role of the teacher.
A Theology for Christian Education remains a superb book for educators in all age ranges and should help any evangelical minister of education.
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Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace Review

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Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace ReviewThis book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace Overview

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What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics Review

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What is Reformed Theology: Understanding the Basics ReviewGrowing up in a Baptist church, I knew very little about Reformed theology. When I started attending a "Reformed" church my only concern was how dogmatically they might teach Calvinism- which in my mind had something to do with TULIP and God forcing people to believe in Him. I have no doubt that many others have seen Reformed theology in a similar light. In What is Reformed Theology? Dr. R.C. Sproul attempts to distill the doctrines of the reformers into a simple and accessible format, and correct many of the misunderstandings many of us have had of it.
Dr. Sproul begins in the introduction affirming that what is being discussed is not a Reformed religion, but more appropriately Reformed theology. It is "not merely a religion without theology. It is driven first and foremost by its understanding of the character of God." (20)
The book is divided into two parts. The first consists of five chapters on the foundations of Reformed theology- 1) Centered on God 2) Based on God's Word Alone 3) Committed to Faith Alone 4) Devoted to Prophet, Priest, and King 5) Nicknamed Covenant Theology.
Part two is Dr. Sproul's explanation of what is commonly known as TULIP- 6) Humanity's Radical Corruption 7) God's Sovereign Choice 8) Christ's Purposeful Atonement 9) The Spirit's Effective Call 10) God's Preservation of the Saints.
Throughout the book Dr. Sproul draws Reformed theology up against Roman Catholicism and Pelagius, periodically against Dispensationalism, and at a couple of points against Lutheranism. This is often helpful in order to more fully understand the Reformed position, but I suspect at some points the opposing views are short changed and dismissed without a fair hearing.
This is not a book defending Reformed theology. Anyone who reads this hoping that it is will be rather disappointed. It is more accurately a description of Reformed theology. The Westminster Confession and Reformed thinkers are cited almost as much, if not as much, as the Bible. Many points of Reformed theology that are described are not argued for, though he does take up arguments for and/or against a few doctrines.
As a descriptive work it's fairly well done. However, I'm afraid there is a limited audience who will appreciate this book. Those educated and trained in theology will likely find the book simplistic. Those who aren't may find it hard to follow. Dr. Sproul goes into some great explanations of terms like justification, but in the process he uses other terms that he doesn't even bother to define. There is a glossary, however it only contains foreign (Latin and Greek) words that he uses. A more substantive glossary would have been very helpful for this book.
For me, and I suspect others from similar backgrounds, What is Reformed Theology? is helpful in bringing to bear the big picture of Reformed theology, as well as the history of the doctrines. R.C. Sproul is enjoyable and informative, as he usually is. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand Reformed theology, though, they will likely need to look elsewhere to be persuaded of it if they're not already.What is Reformed Theology: Understanding the Basics Overview

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