week 5 responds

1 day ago

Dwight Rutledge 

Changes in Christian Education in America

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Many people In Europe desired a better life but found this was difficult to obtain due to the constraints.  They desired political liberty, religious freedom, and economic entrepreneurism.  So, one of the only alternatives was to flee the land.  "A new world awaited those who were daring enough to cross the Atlantic and plant their dreams in the fertile sole of colonial American (Anthony & Benson, p. 291)."  These early colonies consisted of a church, a jail, essential stores, and a schoolhouse.  These early settlers understood the importance of education, so they established laws to enforce apprenticeship training and to encourage parents to teach their children the scriptures and the laws of the land.

This New World focused on making sure individuals were able to read, write, had acknowledge of the bible and English catechism.  Which gave way to public and private schools and an increased desire for higher education.  Also, in this New World you saw individuals purchasing large land masses for farm production.  Some of the other things that were seen in this time included labor unions, bible colleges, ivy league institutions, a revivalist movement, philosophical foundations and well as a list of other things.  All of these things have had an important on Christian Education in American.

Today, we have political liberty, and this can be traced back to leaving Europe and desiring a new way of doing things.  This has caused much controversy over the years and is one of the sources of division among Americas.  I think about this past Presidential Election and although it's over there is still no peace.  Also, today we have religious freedom you're able to choose what you want to be apart.  This is a source of controversy among church people, families and those that have different beliefs.  Lastly, economic entrepreneurism has had a tremendous impact on American today because you can decide to start a business, become an owner, and ultimately control how you will make revenue.  These have been effective and beneficial but among some, they're still a source of controversy.

Dwight Rutledge 

Dreher and Carson

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To properly answer the question, we have to first identify The Benedict Option.  Rod Dreher writes about why things are heading downhill in American, especially for Christian society.  The Benedict Option calls Christians wherever they live and work to "form a vibrant counterculture" by cultivation practices and communities that reflect the understanding that Christians, who are not citizens of this world, need not "prop up the current order,"  We should be offering those who come to us a new and different way of life.  A way of life that is rooted in biblical foundations.  Dreher believes we need order, prayer, work, asceticism, stability, community, hospitality and balance in our lives today.

I think the Benedict Option would fall under the last category of Niebuhr's five-fold paradigm which is Christ the transformer of culture.  It recognizes human culture as initially good and subsequently corrupted by the fall.  Since Christ is redeeming all of creation, the Christian can and should work to transform culture to the glory of God.

Carson would agree with most of what Dreher had to say because he believed the problems that have challenged the church during the course of its entire existences include : How are Christians to engage and relate to the surrounding culture? How should we then live?  What does it look like to be in the world but not of it?  

Dreher had several ideas that are worth us considering.  First, he points out that American Conservatism is not Christian.  Meaning that our political affiliations are not Christian in their fundamental nature.  He believes that we should trust Christ as our Supreme Creator because when we put our trust in anything else it brings nothing but disappointment.  Also, he stated that Christian living is not just about Sunday Morning but about a lifestyle.  Another thing he mentioned is that Christian Education in American is lacking.  Often parents fail to teach their children about the Bible and why they should follow its principles.  Singles in American are often looked down upon because many feel the only way to find happiness is through marriage.  Lastly, cell phone usage has become an addiction in our culture which has really hindered communication.  All these things are things that we need to look closely at to make sure we are doing all we can to make sure God is pleased with our actions.

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