Brief History of Paradigm Shifts in Christian Education

Paradigm shifts in culture occur about every 250 years. Significant cultural shifts have taken place from Egyptian times to the Babylonian exile, to the time of Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire. The Scholastic, Renaissance, and Reformation paradigms followed in quick succession, influencing thought, industry, and religion.

Education being part of culture, it too has experienced significant paradigm shifts. The mandate to pass on our Christian faith to the next generation is a constant that has not changed, though the methods of doing so have undergone significant change. With consideration of the role of the family patriarch in every cultural paradigm and the triad of family, church, and Christian school, this book seeks to impart:

• The understanding of this continuing mandate
• The understanding of the current level of cultural change
• The understanding of the best practices for passing on our faith through historical cultural changes

We are currently in the transition from the Modern paradigm to a yet to be named postmodern paradigm. This very day will be a significant time in history. How will our generation pass on our faith to the next generation in a manner that is consistent with the ongoing story of God’s people?