Current approaches to Christian adult education are generally limited to teaching theological pri... more Current approaches to Christian adult education are generally limited to teaching theological principles and doctrines through teacher-centered, lecture-oriented modalities. Although intended to facilitate maturity, these methods, rooted in errant assumptions, actually serve to perpetuate spiritual immaturity and oppress the consciousnesses of Christian adults. This paper draws upon the historical analysis of Ong, as well as the works of Knowles and Freire to present an alternative, more participative modality through which educators and clergy can transmit theological processes and principles. By following a model process, called a praxis cycle, teacher/facilitators utilize dialogue to help disciples develop the competencies necessary become biblically literate, critically conscious, and actively involved Christian citizens.
This paper proposes that denominational conflict arises out of underlying conflicts of worldview.... more This paper proposes that denominational conflict arises out of underlying conflicts of worldview. Just as the four gospels each view Christ from a different perspective, so people and the religious organizations they create and/or join approach religious life through diverse perceptions or constructions of reality. McWhinney has developed a typology of worldviews which are found implicitly in the gospels and exist in society at large. These reality-types help explain differences within and among denominations, as well as the conflicts which often arise out of those differences.
Current approaches to Christian adult education are generally limited to teaching theological pri... more Current approaches to Christian adult education are generally limited to teaching theological principles and doctrines through teacher-centered, lecture-oriented modalities. Although intended to facilitate maturity, these methods, rooted in errant assumptions, actually serve to perpetuate spiritual immaturity and oppress the consciousnesses of Christian adults. This paper draws upon the historical analysis of Ong, as well as the works of Knowles and Freire to present an alternative, more participative modality through which educators and clergy can transmit theological processes and principles. By following a model process, called a praxis cycle, teacher/facilitators utilize dialogue to help disciples develop the competencies necessary become biblically literate, critically conscious, and actively involved Christian citizens.
This paper proposes that denominational conflict arises out of underlying conflicts of worldview.... more This paper proposes that denominational conflict arises out of underlying conflicts of worldview. Just as the four gospels each view Christ from a different perspective, so people and the religious organizations they create and/or join approach religious life through diverse perceptions or constructions of reality. McWhinney has developed a typology of worldviews which are found implicitly in the gospels and exist in society at large. These reality-types help explain differences within and among denominations, as well as the conflicts which often arise out of those differences.
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Papers by John Lai