I begin to take issue with Mr. Harris when he begins to discuss the nature of God's Truth. He says and I quote: "Christian knowledge should not be considered a separate realm or reality but as a vital and clarifying part of it; Christian knowledge must be a part of the whole integrative database." While this sounds fine and dandy there is, in my opinion a rub; namely the word "part" and the implications of its use. In his work Ethics Dietrich Bonhoeffer, on the first page no less, details how the true goal of Christian Ethics is not to descern what is good and what is evil for even that is separation from God (remember the very knowledge of Good & Evil was the first sin). Bonhoeffer states, and I agree that the true goal of the Christian Ethicist is not to discern Good or Evil but to see that which is Godly and ignore all else; in the same way Christian Knowledge cannot be a "part" of knowledge it IS knowledge all else is lie, deceit and corruption. The saddest part of this corruption is that it wears the wool of a lamb as it approaches and we regard it as pure and good but knowledge is not, Biblically Speaking, pure and good, and we need to remember that God is ALL; we must remember to Be Still not just physically but mentally and Know that He is God, and conversely know that we are NOT God and remember what that means.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Capacity of Connections
The article written by Robert Harris entitled, “Defining the Integration of Faith and Learning” seems to suggest that the idea of schema or, of creating relationships or connections between new knowledge and old is key to learning. I whole-heartedly agree; this is precisely why meta-cognition is so important for true education; teachers can have students memorize by rote, pass a test, score high for their school, but unless those students are forming connections between their realms of knowledge and the world around them then it is all moot.
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I am not sure I understand what is meant by the term Christian Knowledge. Does this refer to our consciences? Our accountability? God's will for our lives? The rules and commandments in the Bible? I feel like there might be more to this quote and have read the passage twice for clarity. You mentioned faith integration and from my understanding based on my student's feedback APU requires a project to be completed about this very topic. Some say a painting, musical piece, presentation, chart or essay are all acceptable ways of meeting the criteria in this class. I would like to see a more practical approach. How can one apply faith integration in the public school setting? Many student/contract teachers feel like their hands are tied in this area. So in this sense it is a "separate realm" from the rest of the curriculum. Naturally, private schools allow for more development and flexibility and open discussion / prayer concerning our identity in Christ. Superintendents of these schools have faith integration as one of the items on their checklist when they observe teachers periodically. So, perhaps if you were an instructor at one of these private schools or at APU then your answer would shift a bit. I don't know.
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