Wayman, Dennis L.

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Asbury Theological Seminary

GUEST EDITORIALChristian Educationand Theology:A Dialogueby Dennis L. WaymanIt is said tliat after being told by an ecstatic young man that finallythrough the miracle of the telegraph Boston could speak to Texas, HenryDavid Thoreau asked the perceptive question, "What does Boston haveto say to Texas?" This same type of question is initiating significant dialogue in the Christian community, "What does Christian Education haveto say to Theology?"Christian Education in its responsible use of research and of theoriesof the social sciences does have much to say, and is finding increasinglystronger vocal cords with which to speak. Based on disciplined observation of God's created order, Christian educators are converging on thedevelopmental views and are making significant contributions to theChristian community. These educators in making statements about manand his growth are captivating the attention of those who do theology.This dialogue regarding man to be a pivotal point of systematic theological thought affects every area of Christian thought.To provide an arena for this essential dialogue, Donald M. Joy, Associate Professor of Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary, and Ted Ward, Professor of Curriculum Research at Michigan StateUniversity, co-host an annual "Conference on Human Development andChristian Education." Taking place on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary, the three day conference after its second year isgaining in importance and in participation.The largest participation is by those who are in preparation for andpresently involved in parish ministry. These include students. Christian education directors, chaplains, and pastors. Those concerned forMr. Wayman is a senior student at Asbury Theological Seminary. He willgraduate in May, 1976 with the M.Div. degree and a major in Christianeducation. He holds the A.B. from Greenville College with a major inpsychology.3denominational curriculum development comprise another large grouprepresenting: the Church of God - Anderson, the Church of the Nazarene, Evangelical Friends Alhance, the Free Methodist Church, theUnited Methodist Church, and the Wesleyan Church.Another large group are representatives of Christian liberal arts colleges, especially student development officers and staff from: Berea,Covenant, Greenville, Malone, Spring Arbor, Sterling, Wheaton, andTaylor University.Professors and researchers in graduate education also comprise alarge group representing: Dallas Theological Seminary, the EpiscopalSeminary of Lexington, Gordon Divinity School, Lexington Theological Seminary, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Southern BaptistTheological Seminary, Wheaton Graduate School, Michigan State University, and the University of Kentucky.The conference format is one of input and discussion practicums.Three of the speakers have articles in this issue which are representativeof the concerns expressed in addresses to the conference. They areDonald M. Joy, Catherine Stonehouse, and Mildred Bangs Wynkoop.Ted Ward, Professor of Curriculum Research and Director of theValues Development Education program at Michigan State University,is a prominent figure in the evangelical world, largely known for hispart in developing the overseas movement known as Theological Education by Extension. The concluding address, "Human Developmentin the Light of Scripture, Christian Experience, and Scientific Inquiry,"by Dr. Ward will long stand as a milestone statement in the dialogue.Peter Mullen, a Jesuit priest, has served as staff psychologist at theCenter for Human Development, University of Notre Dame. It was fromthis experience in the continuing education for priests that Peter Mullenmade many practical appUcations of the research.Glenn Taylor, Dean of Students at Ontario Bible College, broughtfrom his training in counseling the address, "The Christian Campus as aTherapeutic Community." Dr. Taylor explained vividly the relationshipof the total environment to healthy human development, thus providing an important correlative statement in the dialogue.As plans are being made for next year's conference, the effects of theone just completed are still being evaluated. The continuing dialogue willbe both interesting and imperative for the Christian community.4

Christian Education and Theology: A Dialogue

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1746&amp;context=asburyjournal

Christian Education and Theology: A Dialogue

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