Emerging Issues and Visions of Christian Education in Korea

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is not only to critically reflect on the major themes of Korean Christian education, but it also looks for emerging issues and visions of Korean Christian education in future. First of all, the article finds that around 30 years the five major themes of religious education in the world are still effective, that is, religious instruction, faith community, faith development, liberation, and interpretation. In addition to that, in Korean church, two themes, on-line education and Christian arts, are emerging issues in Christian education. Based on the critical reflection on the past of Christian education, there are three implications as emerging issues for the Korean Christian education in paradigm shift era. First, Korean Christian education needs to focus on creatively “teaching the Bible” related on Four Gospels rather than Letters, critical Bible study at the church, and multiples intelligences. Second, “Christian art education” needs to be considered as a significant and rising issue in future. Thus, it is important that Christian educators encourage their learners to enhance the quality of aesthetical experiences, to balance different senses or equality of senses, and to be aware of sacramentality and God’s revelation through arts. Finally, it suggests that “spirituality” is also very important emerging issue in Korea Christian education. In order to do education of spirituality, Christian educator needs to keep in mind that definition of Christian education is about spiritual formation. In addition, respect to various different spiritual traditions, and Korean’s own indigenous spirituality so called “Pungyudo” should be considered in Korean Christian education in future.