The Christian Educator

Contextual Education

pcolsen — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:04:28 +0000

The teachings of Jesus are often contextual. They don’t exist in a vacuum. We examine our attitudes in relation to the teachings of Jesus best when we place them in a particular context . The context is the “package” round which we wrap our experiences within a specific time, place, and set of circumstances. For instance, when considering Jesus’ narative about the Prodigal Son, the teaching is about forgiveness. Forgiveness takes on a meaning for us best when we consider a specific time, place, or circumstance when we were in need of forgiveness. Perhaps the circumstance was when we were in need of forgiving a friend but hesitated or you want to forgiveness from your spouse for lying about where you were or you’re feeling resentment toward your boss because she assigned a different person for a task you wanted to achieve. In all these cases, the circumstances in need of forgiveness is the context in which you examine the meaning of Jesus’ teaching in the parable. Dialogue insists that no one answer by any one person is best. Instead the study of the parable and the ensuing give a take of discourse provides you with input by which to “see” what Jesus is about and what you should be about. Dialogue is the key to understanding

Dissecting Dialogue

pcolsen — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:45:36 +0000

Among the many and often conflicting ways to study the bible, one method stands alone. It is “outstanding.” Its uniqueness lies in its ability to open the heart of even the most entrenched believer while also respecting the convictions of the mature adult learner. It provides more light with less heat. It accepts adult learners on their own terms but “messages” them to move beyond ingrained beliefs. It avoids arguments but doesn’t avoid challenges. Remember that bible study is always more than neutral content. It impinges upon people’s values and strongly contended convictions, so tread lightly.

Our preferred method of bible study is dialogue. We assume that we know what dialogue is, but to better understand why it works for bible study, we need to dissect the concept a bit further. Dialogue is always more than two people talking. It is not a tandem conversation. Dialogue incorporates the best of the art of listening. Listening starts when we stop speaking. Listening happens when we are ready to hear something we do not think we already know.

Understanding the origins of the word”dialogue” helps us focus on its impact. Dialogue comes from the Greek word dialogos. Logos means “the word” or “meaning of the word.” Dia means “through.” A dialogue then is a “stream of meaning flowing through.” If dialogue happens as part of a discussion, it does so only when the participants are actively seeking mutual understanding. An argument is not a dialogue. Two people attempting to persuade each other may be a discussion, but it is not a dialogue unless there is a willingness to listen and change. Despite the fervor by which evangelicals might want to persuade, arguments do not lead to truth.

Content For A Curriculum

pcolsen — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:22:06 +0000

Bible study is always more than content. Knowing what’s in the bible is barely a beginning. The more important aspect is to consider what difference the content makes; how it affects our decisions and what we will do differently in our time and place. Bible study ought to be faith challenging and life changing.

When we become serious and find ourselves searching for ways to act faithfully, the methods we use for bible study begin to make a difference. Dialogue, the process of learning through understanding the meaning of thew Word as it impacts our lives is a most effective tool to approach bible study with reluctant adults. We have choosen this method because

It avoids arguments which are ineffective at persuasion.
It respects differing perspectives from different people
It draws together input from all participants thus adding to the body of knowledge and experience.
It is not authoritarian.
It relies more on listening and less on talking.

All of the above are beneficial ingredients on the learning smorgasbord that helps nurture adults in their quest for both meaning as well as the impact of Bible study

Dialogue: Key to Adult Education

pcolsen — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:51:20 +0000

I had been struggling for many years attempting to find a meaningful way to engage adults in Bible study. The tried and true methods of biblical interpretation under the supervision of the “knowledgeable” authority (minister) just didn’t inspire the folks. Perhaps a few wanted to know “about Jesus” , but most yearned to know more of “what Jesus was about.” It dawned on me that participants were seeking ways to engage with the gospels, not just hear about them; they wanted to know what difference the scriptures made in their lives in their time and in their place. As a consequence, I quickly learned the magic tool of learning engagement – Dialogue. Adults don’t want to admit that they don’t know something. Rather , they are at their best when they can offer and opinion, strike a resolution, share an experience or describe an encounter. All of these kinds of responses are ferreted out through encouraging dialogue. Suggestions: Don’t focus on teaching adults what’s in the gospels; rather ask them how the gospels impact their lives.