A History of Christian Education

by James E. Reed, Ronnie Prevost

Ours is an age of rapid change. What is fashionable comes and goes more quickly than ever before. In a world of such rapid change, it's essential to know who you are--to know where you come from, to have your roots go deep. Walking through this book is like going to a large family reunion and meeting for the first time some relatives you didn't know you had. Here in all of its richness and diversity is your family of faith. Of course, the roots of Christian education go deep into the Hebrew heritage. In many ways, Christian education is an extension of Hebrew education.

Genres: History, Theology, Education

386 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1993

About the author

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Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mixed bag. Some really thoughtful and helpful sections, but on the whole it gets lost in the history and misses the education for the most part. It short changes the re-education programme of the reformation, is myopically (white) American and is methodologically vague.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a swift overview of the history of Christian education with a pronouncedly pro-feminist, anti-Puritan angle.

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I'm the one to bring history books into our home library, but this time my wife did the honors. Actually, now that I think about it, she's bought a couple of history books over the last few years. Guess I've been a good influence. Anyway, the title of the book describes it pretty well. Starting with the educational traditions that preceded and would influence Christian education, Dr. Provost and Rev. Reed look at how the church has taught her members through the years, highlighting the influential people and movements. It focuses on the Western church, as so many church history books do. It was a somewhat light, enjoyable read, though I did find the later chapters less enlightening. I don't know if it was because the focus shifted more towards individuals than overall movements or if there was just less of a historical perspective to give a comfortable narrative. Either way, it would be worth your time to check it out.

[Nancy Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easier to read than I expected from a textbook. Interesting insights. More of a world-history-of-education than specifically Christian Ed. Not what I was looking for but not un-useful.