Foundations of Education

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, British Columbia, Canada

"This book is a thoughtful and inspiring collection of essays exploring the rich tradition of Christian understandings of education. Each chapter offers a unique perspective on relevant and important issues in education and encourages ongoing reflection and exploration in light of key Christian thinkers. It is a collection that lifts our eyes to horizons of what is good, true, and beautiful in education and reveals a timeless and timely vision that is hopeful and worthwhile. Beginning and experienced educators alike will be affirmed and reconnected to their own deeply held convictions arising from a desire to wholeheartedly serve God, their students, and communities through their practice."
--Kimberly Franklin, Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, Canada

"Authors wrestle with the challenge of presenting a clear picture of Christian education that is embedded in a coherent historical and philosophical context, is cognizant of contemporary cultural trends, and emanates from a biblically faithful understanding of the world and our place and task in it. This is a worthy struggle in which all Christian educators are called to engage, and the foundations of education are a strategic tool in providing the understanding, training, and equipment necessary for such a task."
--Richard J. Edlin, President, Edserv International, Warrawong, Australia


Matthew Etherington is Associate Professor of Education at Trinity Western University in Langley, Canada.