• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.65
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• pp.55-80
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• 2021

This study attempted to find a Christian religious alternative to the seriousness of the problem of low birth rate which has become a national and social problem, and its alternative. Korea is a low birth rate country. The phenomenon of low birth rate and childbirth avoidance is a reality that not only are national problems but also Korean churches are experiencing serious problems, and will continue to affect them. It will affect the church in four major ways. First, is a sharp decline in the number of members. Second, is the decline of Sunday schools. Third, various family problems and generational conflicts will arise. And it brings problems such as a crisis of faith among members. Young people living today have an unconventional attitude toward marriage, childbirth, and parenting. But for Christians, childbirth is a way of living in that God blessed us to "be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth." In other words, childbirth must be recognized as a blessing from God, not a human decision. Therefore, we must know how precious the fetus is in front of God and that it is a precious life. Thus, we should be interested in how to nurture the life God has given. To do so the church's role is education is to shape the value of life from a biblical perspective. Therefore the church needs to see how the Christian faith of young and married couples who are about to marry, give birth, and raise children, affects the childbirth and rearing of children. And it is necessary to study what the role of church and Christian education is to solve the problem of low birth rate and to suggest alternatives. For this study, we will first identify the factors of low birth rate. Then we will confirm childbirth and the blessing of God through the Bible. Finally, the role of the church in low birth rate and educational alternatives will be presented.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.68
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• pp.175-216
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• 2021

This essay aims to seek an alternative model of catechesis, as this form of education faces various challenges from the Korean Church especially during COVID-19 pandemic. For a long time, catechesis in the Korean Church narrowly focused on the act of producing Christians who would be loyal to the local church, rather than focusing on nurturing members loyal to Christ, an issue that has been problematized in recent publications on catechesis. Thus, the loss of social trust in the Korean Church and the decline of its public image exemplify how this type of catechesis as disciple-making for local church's benefit, mostly nurtures a vertical dimension of faith. The current teaching and learning method mostly employs a unilateral transfer of doctrine from the teacher to the learner and emphasizes the memorization of doctrine. This type of instruction renders the catechesis as the most lackluster and outdated form of Christian education. This essay aims to reconceptualize the traditional model of catechesis. This essay first critically evaluates current situations of catechesis and presents several alternative meanings on the concept of doctrine. Then it explores the theories of catechesis through different models posed by Christian educators such as John Westerhoff III and Richard Osmer. The final section is devoted to presenting an alternative form of catechesis that focuses on seeking holistic faith.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.63
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• pp.13-37
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• 2020

The World Health Organisation(WHO), paying attention to the spread and fatality of the coronavirus(COVID-19), which first occurred in Wuhan, China, declared a global emergency. Although many countries implement strict measures to slow down the spread, WHO officially declared a pandemic. COVID-19 has sparked fears of an impending economic crisis and recession. Due to the economic crisis caused by social distancing, self-isolation and travel restrictions, the collapse of the world economic system centered on free trade and the decline of globalization are mentioned. Political leadership that has not responded properly to the pandemic is challenged, and nearly all of society is rapidly changing to a non-contact and immobile culture. COVID-19 has seriously affected all levels of the education system, from preschool to tertiary education. The so-called old concept of deschooling is realizing in the field of education through digital media paradoxically. Church education is facing a serious crisis as well. Churches are seeking now a new normal that includes theological reflection on the pandemic, online worship, education, and non-face-to-face ministry to overcome the worst unexpected crisis. In the post-corona era, church education must actively seek alternatives in response to rapidly changing surrounding conditions and reconstruct educational philosophy(theology) that focuses on Christian values. In addition, it is necessary to start operating a mobile(or online) church school that combines offline and online. It is necessary to introduce 'Blended Learning' method that combines non-face-to-face and face-to-face learning, and by combining church school and homeschooling, churches and families need to share the responsibility of education in faith.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.66
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• pp.11-48
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• 2021

This paper is a thesis that explored the necessity and possibility of spiritual teaching that forms the inner side of human beings in the age of AI where objective knowledge is prevalent, focusing on "contemplative pedagogy". For this it first examined the characteristics of objective epistemology of AI and the direction of school education in the AI and explored the necessity and character of spirituality and spiritual teaching as a request for the AI era, and also explores the possibility of realization of spiritual teaching in general school setting through contemplative pedagogy, which actually puts this into practice. As a result of the study, it found that spiritual teaching is not exclusive to a specific area such as religious studies or theology, but is a teaching that should be embodied in all schools and educational fields in today's era where third person knowledge is widespread. It also found that in addition to contemplative teaching, various spiritual teaching models need to be developed and put into practice for this purpose.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.64
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• pp.51-79
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• 2020

This study was conducted to pursue Christian education with the socially underprivileged in the era of the Corona-19 pandemic. Corona-19 is a disaster which is caused, destroyed and exploited by human being. At the time of the indiscriminately spreading global pendemic, we must work together to overcome our selfish self-centeredness and make an attempt for everyone in need. It is a study on how humans can help each other survive in the era of Corona-19 and its post-corona. The problem is that there is too much discrimination between the state, race, and economic capacity, and in the end, the extreme discrimination of capitalism is appeared in society and across the country. There is no significant difference in the confirmation rate when Corona-19 infiltrates, but there is a big difference between those with and less in mortality. As a result, today's reality is that people who have a hard time living because they have less usually are far more vulnerable to blocking and defeating virus attacks. Unfortunately, this is the current situation. From the standpoint of a large discourse, attention is paid to climate change and ecological environment, and as a micro discourse, a number of societies who live with tremendous discrimination according to the gap between the rich and the poor (it is gender, race, disabled, nationality) that exist in almost all countries on the planet. We need attention to the weak. To this end, discourses on vaccine inequality, discourses on the needs of the disabled, discourses on different racial damages, discourses on polarization and dystopia, and discourses on educational inequality were treated as the reality faced by the socially underprivileged in the Corona 19 pandemic. To explore Christian education with the socially underprivileged, to explore ways of sharing, giving, and solidarity for win-win, discourse on inter-dependence and mutual responsibility of mankind, direct counter-measures for the socially underprivileged, and critical literacy education. He proposed a discourse on Korea, a discourse on Homo sapiens, which must return to being a part of creation, and finally a theology of friendship with the weak. Christian education based on Bible words must go forward in the era of the Corona 19 pandemic, hungry, naked, nowhere to go, sick, but dying because of being unable to get a remedy. He emphasized the need to establish a caring theology of friendship and pursue a life in which thought and practice harmonize. Thus, the paper proposed the spirit of Christian education not only doing something for the socially weak, but with the socially weak in the daily life.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.66
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• pp.343-382
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• 2021

This study is a case study in which the interactive non-face-to-face classes using Edutech were applied to the Department of Christian Education. The subjects were 20 students from the Christian education department of A University located in the metropolitan area. The course was 'Instructional Methods and Educational Technology' in the first semester of 2020. In theory, I studied non-face-to-face classes and interaction, and edutech and interaction. Afterward, it designed and developed interactive non-face-to-face classes using edutech. The interactive non-face-to-face classes using edutech were developed as a process of applying Flipped-PBL based interactive edutech. In addition, Edutech was selected for active interaction according to the Flipped-PBL process to be carried out in a non-face-to-face situation. In particular, in the process of developing the problem of PBL, it was built around the situation of the church. As a result of applying the class, first, learners showed high satisfaction and interest in the class. Second, positive transference appeared in the space of learning and the space of living. Third, interactive non-face-to-face classes using Edutech have generated active interaction. In particular, interactive edutech and learning methods have become the main factors enabling active interaction. Through this, learners have improved learning efficiency, immersion, and satisfaction. Also, as an alternative to face-to-face classes, I was able to experience online classes. In other words, the satisfaction and interest of learning, and the transference of learning space, were also possible through active interactions generated through learning methods using interactive Edutech used in class. Furthermore, disabilities in the online communication(Internet) environment and learners' unfamiliarity with the online environment have been found as factors that hinder learning satisfaction and interaction. During learning, obstacles to the online communication environment hinder the utilization of interactive Edutech, preventing active interactions from occurring. This results in diminishing satisfaction and interest in learning. Therefore, we find that designing interactive non-face-to-face classes using Edutech requires sufficient learner learning and checking of the online communication(Internet) environment in advance for Edutech and learning methods. In response, this study confirmed the possibility by applying interactive non-face-to-face classes using Edutech to Christian education classes as an alternative method of education that allows active interaction and consistent transference of learning and life. Although it is a case study with limited duration and limitations of the number of people, I would like to present the possibility as an alternative Christian education method of an era where the direction of online classes should be presented as an alternative to a face-to-face class.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.77
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• pp.127-150
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• 2024

This study seeks to shed light on the contributions of Horst Klaus Berg to German Bible didactics, underscoring the pivotal role of diverse interpretative approaches in the teaching and learning of the Bible. In an era where the complexities and intricacies of the Bible present significant challenges to contemporary readers, the prevalence of one-dimensional interpretations further obstructs the pathway to a profound comprehension of the spiritual depth embedded within its texts. By centering on Horst Klaus Berg's influential theories in the field of German Bible didactics, this research delves into the impact of varied biblical interpretations on Christian education. Berg's work is celebrated for its insightful strategies, notably his advocacy for comprehensive interpretative methods such as "Railway Tracks" and "Free-Learning." These approaches seek to reconcile traditional biblical teachings with individual experiences, thereby facilitating a more expansive understanding of the Bible's applicability to modern life. Through a detailed examination of Berg's theory on biblical interpretation, this paper argues that Christian education must prioritize the cultivation of diverse interpretative skills and their practical integration into Bible study. This educational model encourages learners to become active interpreters, capable of discerning the text's deep-seated meanings by relating it to their personal experiences. The study concludes by affirming Berg's delineation of three critical tasks in biblical interpretation: "reciprocal interpretation," "acknowledgment of the biblical texts' diversity," and "free learning." These elements are portrayed as interrelated and essential, reinforcing Berg's proposition that understanding the Bible's complexity and diversity is crucial for advancing Christian education. This paper offers a novel perspective on the significance of embracing multifaceted interpretations within the domain of biblical studies.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.67
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• pp.11-44
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• 2021

In the early 21st century, the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has arisen during the development of the technological science of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has been a great challenge in all fields including politics, economy, industry, education and religion in Korean society. To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Korean government announced 'social distancing guidelines,' focused on the 'prohibition of three conditions'(crowd, closeness, airtight) for safety reasons. These quarantine guidelines made it more difficult for Korean churches and Sunday schools to operate. In general, looking at the statistical data of the major denominations of the Korean Church in the second half of the 20th century, shows that the Church has entered a period of stagnant or declining growth. Data also show that the number of students attending Sunday School is decreasing. The researcher identified four causes of the crisis faced by the Korean church and Korean Sunday school entering the 21st century. These trends are influenced by the tendencies of postmodernism, the deconstruction of modern universalism, the certainty and objectivity of knowledge, and the grand narrative and worldview of diffusion. Moreover, it is a phenomenon in which the young population decreases in contrast to the increasing elderly population in the age of population cliff in Korean society. Sunday Schools are also facing a crisis, as the youth population, who will become the future heroes of the Korean church, is declining. Finally, constraints of Church and Sunday school education activities are due to COVID-19 Pandemic. As analysis shows the loss of the Church's educational vision and a decrease in the passion for education. Accordingly, the researcher suggests four new strategies for the next generation of Korean Sunday schools, whose ranges from 200 members or less; this range covers the majority of Sunday School program run by churches in Korea. First, in the age of postmodernism, a time of uncertainty and relativism, Christian Societies requires teachers who are certain of absolute Christian truth and faith. Second, in an era of declining population cliffs for younger generations, a shift to a home-friendly Sunday school paradigm is needed. Third, during the COVID-19 pandemic, educational activities must appropriately utilize face-to-face and non-face-to-face communication. Finally, even in difficult times, Korean Sunday school should nevertheless remember the Lord's great commandment(Matthew 28:18-20) and restore the vision and passion of education to announce and teach the gospel. The researcher hopes that this study will provide small, positive steps in rebuilding Korean Sunday school educational activities for future generations in difficult times.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.69
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• pp.221-251
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• 2022

This study analyzed research trends related to lifelong church education through the analysis of academic papers recently published in Korea since 2000 and derived implications for lifelong church education. For the study, a total of 95 studies related to lifelong church education were analyzed among academic papers in domestic journals from 2000 to 2021. Academic papers were classified into research years, published journals, research subjects, research topics, and research methods, and then research trends were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, first, research related to lifelong church education has been activated since 2000 and has shown an increasing trend since 2010. Second, it was found that lifelong church education research has been conducted in various academic journals other than Christian education-related journals. Third, learner-centered research was the most common research subject, and among them, many studies targeting the elderly. Fourth, in relation to the research topic, studies on the role and necessity of lifelong church education were the most dominant, and many studies on the direction of promotion of lifelong church education were also conducted. Fifth, research related to lifelong church education is a theoretical study, and literature research is mainly conducted, and the use of other research methods was insignificant. According to these research results, it was found that practical approaches such as analysis of demands for life long education and verification of program effectiveness were insufficient. Therefore, an integrated search for lifelong church education is needed. In addition, it is necessary to continuously develop regional customized programs to support detailed areas of lifelong church education and local missionary work. It is suggested that policy sponsorship at the church, seminary, and state level is needed to promote lifelong education in churches.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.65
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• pp.103-131
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the direction of future Christian ministry by examining the educational/pastoral ministries of Korean churches during the COVID-19 period. The study used the case study method, where pastors from four different churches were the primary sources of data. Although each church has its own unique ministry, special early morning prayer meetings, family worship services, family Vacation Bible Schools, Bible writing and reading programs, and on-line discipleship training programs were common. In addition, each church implemented special programs that reflected the characteristics and needs of the church, like a talk show, visible radio, surfing meeting, and book-making of Bible manuscripts. Based on these results, ministry programs reflecting the church's pastoral philosophy, strengthening community consciousness, restoring the spiritual function of the family, utilizing online teaching methods, and psychological support for the underprivileged are proposed. In addition, the recovery of Christian publicity and the help from denomination or specialized institutions to develop the programs and online materials were suggested. Through this study, the direction of educational/pastoral ministry in a time of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 is proposed.