Evangelical Dictionary of Christian Education

Trinity Journal, Fall 2004 by Senter, Mark H III

Another point of vulnerability is the frequent absence or weakness of evangelical perspective in viewing educational entries. While the articles accurately define the topic assigned, the task of viewing the subject through an evangelical lens does not appear to be a high priority. Of the articles reviewed, no more than a third made an attempt to so interpret their assigned topic. While the editors may have chosen to omit an evangelical critique, it is not explicitly stated. In the judgment of this reviewer, the absence at times leaves the work looking a bit more like a dictionary of education than an evangelical dictionary of Christian education.

While not major oversights, two topics seemed curiously absent from the book: North American Professors of Education and Released Time Education. The omission of NAPCE is a bit curious in that a majority of the authors are members of this professional association. It is further curious in that APRRE (Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education), the approximate counterpart associated with the mainline religious groups has an entry written by one of the associate editors, Warren S. Benson. There is also an article about the Religious Education Association which was a liberal Protestant organization. The absence of Released Time Education is rather surprising in that it is one aspect of Christian education that has a United States Supreme Court decision validating its existence.

The audience who will benefit from this work will be surprisingly diverse. For the student of Christian education, it provides a virtual study sheet for comprehensive exams. For the pastor, it is a shortcut through a maze of discipleship concepts. For Christian leaders in parachurch agencies, the dictionary provides answers to questions about factors that have influenced the full range of thinking related to the gospel. For the nonevangelical, the work provides insights into an evangelical view of education, both for the family and church and for wider applications of non-formal and formal theological education.

Mark H. Senter III

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School