Christian Foundation of Education

Running head: CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION
Christian Foundation of Eduaction
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION1
In Australia, secularism is gaining prominence still the concept of religion plays an
important role in shaping the education system of the country. Australia holds a record of
having the highest number of schools that have religion as the primary focus. The subjects
taught consist of religion and the aspects related to it. The religious schools in Australia
mainly comprise of Anglican and Christian ideologies. On an average 30% of the schools are
religious in nature and formulate religious teachings. They also practice different ways in
which religion is understood. Christianity is the dominant religion in Australia and the
parents continue to prefer the schools that follow religious ideology for the educating their
children (BOURNE, CROSSFIELD & NICHOLAS, 2017). Historical perspectives show that
individuals belonging to the socially deprived sections went to the schools that followed
religion. Religion dominated the educational system in the past but with the passage of time,
secularism became predominant in the educational system. The schools strictly became the
centers for secular learning. Religion that was dominant in the educational system was now
replaced by the secular values. Australia being a secular country has adopted the policy of
coexistence. It was forbidden for the schools to promote any specific religion as it leads to
conflict in the society. It shows that there was reformation in the educational sector. The
reforms drew a clear distinction between religion and education. This shows that the practices
in the schools of Australia has shifted from religious to secular values.
Teaching is the profession that is helpful in the flourishing of all other professions
possible. The teachings prescribed in bible are the main concern of the religious missionary
schools. Religion is not the only aspect that should be focused by the schools. Beside
religious values, the new approaches should be included in the educational framework. The
inclusion of new aspects into learning such as science, literature and logical reasoning will
help the children to achieve better prospects (Betsworth, 2015). The Christian Missionaries
promoted the fact that an individual is the creation of the Lord. The missionaries show that

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION2
the didactic approach of learning is necessary to strengthen the relationship between the
educator and the student. They should be respectful towards the educators. This method was
concerned with the concept of imparting moral values. Teaching is an art according to this
method and the basic function is to impart education according to the need of the students.
The teacher is regarded as an authoritative figure who should act as a guide to the students.
The teacher is placed at an important position in Christian Missionary.
The theories of early childhood learning that help in development of education are:
Theories of God: The Christian Foundations of education use the theory of God for the
propagation of education. God is the center of the teachings that in the Christian education.
The religious beliefs are kept into consideration when the procedure of teaching. Children
have minds that are easily affected by the events that happen during the early childhood (Van
Nieuwerburgh, 2018). Thus, this method is used by the Christian organizations to impart
education amongst the children. God is projected as an absolute entity who has supreme
control over the mortals. The activities of the mortals are the cause of the sufferings that
happen throughout their lives. The idea of religion differs from individual to individual, thus
making it the responsibility of the teachers. The responsibility of the teachers is to formulate
their teachings in such a way that children develop in the faith in God. All the cultures in the
world have their separate belief and the teachers should make the children familiar to them.
The children develop belief in the supernatural events that led them to believe in the authority
of god. It is a social aspect prevalent in the society that needs to be clearly formulated by the
educators. The different interpretations of god should be defined by teachers. Knowledge
about the supernatural entity imparted during the early childhood helps in inculcating
knowledge amongst the children. God is represented in the literary and artistic approaches of
teaching that are appreciated by children and easily remembered. Praying is important in the
sphere of religious learning that connects the individual to God. It bridges the gap between