• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.78
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• pp.111-136
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to theoretically explore symbol didactic, which serves as a mediator and integrator of human experience with biblical experience. Based on a deep consideration of the functions and roles of symbols, as studied in psychology, philosophy, religious studies, and theology, this study aims to examine representative theories of Bible didactic that have introduced symbolic action into Christian education. By exploring these theories, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of symbols in Christian education and their impact on the learning process. This study is divided into two main parts. In the first half, it examines the meanings of symbols and their functions as discussed by prominent scholars from various disciplines who have paid attention to symbols, including S. Freud and C. Jung in psychoanalysis, E. Cassirer and P. Ricoeur in philosophy, M. Eliade in religious studies, and P. Tillich in theology. In the second half, the study critically analyzes and discusses representative theories of symbol didactic, such as those proposed by H. Halbfas and P. Biehl, which have applied the symbolic action of neighboring disciplines to Christian education. Symbol didactic differs from traditional biblical didactic, which aims to transmit content, by using symbols as a medium to facilitate dialogue between the learner's experiences and those of the Bible. This approach enables learners to experience the deep relationship between the content of the Bible and the experiences of biblical figures with their own experiences, and provides an opportunity to deepen that experience.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.71
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• pp.181-210
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the research trends related to the children's department of church schools. The purpose of this study is to present basic data for the study of the children's department of church schools by analyzing the research period, research contents, research methods, and subjects of research related to the children's department of church schools. For this study, 50 domestic master's and doctoral dissertations searched through the National Assembly Library and the Research Information Sharing Service(RISS) were extracted with the keywords of 'church school' and 'children's department'. The frequency and percentage were calculated by analyzing the research related to the children's department of the church school according to four criteria: research period, research content, research method, and research subject. As a result of the study, first, the research trend of research papers in the children's department of church schools was found to be 49 articles (98%) for master's degrees and 1 article (2%) for doctoral degrees from 1980 to 2022. Trends by research period are focused on master's degrees. Second, the trend by research content was 27 practical studies (54%) and 23 theory studies (46%). In the research related to the children's department of church schools, the practical research accounted for a relatively high percentage compared to the theory research. Third, the trends by research method were in the order of 30 literature studies (60%), 19 quantitative studies (38%), and 1 qualitative study (2%). Research related to children's departments in church schools is being actively conducted with a focus on literature research. Fourth, as for the trends by study subject, the study was conducted focusing on physical subjects, with 35 subjects (70%) and 15 subjects (30%) of personal subjects. As research is conducted from physical objects to church schools and media, it is necessary to study the connection between church schools and families. As the research on church school kindergarten is focused on adults (teachers, parents, and educational preachers), in-depth research on children in church schools and qualitative research with voices from the field of children's department in church schools are required.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.74
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• pp.159-188
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• 2023

This study examines the process of Chou Sun-Ae's spiritual formation in the light of Carl Jung's conception of individuation. Spirituality is defined in different ways by different scholars, but most consider self-transcendence as a necessary element. This self-transcendence can occur in the relationship with self, with others, and with the transcendent. In the relationship with the self, it appears as self-objectification; with others, it is as moving toward others; and in the relationship with the transcendent, it moves toward the transcendent. Spirituality is closely related to individual identity, in that it surrounds and integrates life. Spiritual formation is thus closely related to Jung's concept of individuation, as this involves the separation of persona and ego, and shadow recognition which are closely related to the level of self-objectification. In addition, the withdrawal of shadow projection that occurs in individuation is closely related to moving toward others, in that it recognizes the shadow instead of blaming others, allowing one to look at others without prejudice. The fact that Jesus Christ is the symbol of the Self, the driving force of the individuation process, tells us that spirituality leading to a relationship with the transcendent God and Jung's theory are closely related to each other. Thus, if we examine the process of spiritual formation through the Jung's individuation process, we can better understand the psychodynamic dimension of spirituality. This article investigates the process of Chou Sun-Ae's spiritual formation through Jung's individuation process. Throughout her 98 years, Chou Sun-Ae experienced national pain and hardships, as well as personal adversity and difficulties; but through all of these hardships, conflicts, and difficult moments, she accomplished individualization. Therefore, by examining the spiritual formation through individuation in Chou Sun-Ae, I consider the direction of Christian spiritual education. In this study, three main characteristics of Chou Sun-Ae's spiritual formation can be identified. First, through a life of repentance, the identification between persona and ego can be weakened. Second, the ego develops, and individualization is achieved, through a new calling. Third, in shadow integration, the spiritual development comes to recognize Jesus Christ on the cross and achieve the process of sanctification. Investigating the direction of Christian spiritual education through Chou Sun-Ae's spiritual formation indicates that Christian spiritual education should harmonize vertical and horizontal relations and should develop an experience of the transcendent God in everyday life. By this means, the believer can achieve Self-realization and be a true Christian who practices love for God and love for neighbors.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.72
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• pp.205-223
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• 2022

This study was conducted to explore whether problem-solving ability mediates the effect of self-directed learning ability on interest level in a distance learning environment. The subjects of this study were 64 students in the Department of Christian Education and Early Childhood Education at A University located in Gyeonggi-do. For this study, data were collected through questionnaires on interest level, self-directed learning ability, and problem-solving ability. Collected data are analyzed using SPSS Macro and bootstrapping method. As a result, self-directed learning ability for interest level has a positive effect on .651 level. The influence of self-directed learning ability in step 2, which includes problem-solving ability, which is a parameter. It was lowered to .543 level. And the effect of problem-solving ability was found to be at .360 level. As a result, it can be judged that problem-solving ability mediates the effect of self-directed learning ability on interest level. The research results suggest that the level of interest can be improved by supporting problem-solving skills in a distance learning environment.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.75
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• pp.7-31
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• 2023

Purpose of study: The purpose of this essay is to seek an alternative direction for confirmation education within the context of Korean Protestant Church, addressing the following issues: 1) Confusion in the use of terminology on confirmation, 2) Superficial understanding of confirmation, and the absence or privatization of confirmation theology, 3) Formalized confirmation education based on the concept of rites of passage, and 4) The absence of denominationally structured confirmation education. Research content and method: To achieve this purpose, this essay attempts to foster an intradisciplinary and interactive dialogue on confirmation through a biblical, historical, and theological approach. Biblically, confirmation is to be understood as the unity of the baptism of water and the baptism of Holy Spirit, associated with the consecration of the baptized as royal priests through the baptism of Holy Spirit. Historically, as a part of the rite of Christian initiation, confirmation was a unified rite that has undergone a process of separation and reunification. Theologically, the rite of confirmation affirms the covenant of the Triune God given in baptism and is positioned between baptism and the Lord's Supper. Conclusions and Suggestions: In conclusion, this essay suggests an alternative form of Confirmation education that is oriented towards the following objectives: 1) Education that forms the identity given in the baptismal covenant, 2) Education that reflects characteristics of both baptism and the Lord's Supper, 3) Education that integrates the Bible, doctrine, and life of confirmand and, 4) Education based on an organic educational system.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.64
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• pp.409-444
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop and propose a tool for accurately diagnosing factors influencing academic activities in Christian University. The first, the evaluation area is composed of factors that influence the academic life of students. Then, by developing a tool to diagnose the status in that areas, it is intended to provide a basis for providing appropriate help for students to adjust to university life. This tool composed items through prior research and developed a draft of tool through Delphi research. The draft tool was verified for reliability and validity by analyzing the response values of 182 freshmen at K University. As a result of the analysis, the reliability showed high reliability of .869~.955 for each diagnosis area. In conclusion, through the results of EFA and CFA, a final diagnostic tool was developed and suggested.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.74
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• pp.81-106
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to find the implications for the more appropriate educational ministry for the 3040 generation congregation through a critical and holistic understanding of the 3040 generation of Korean churches in the view of the discourse on understanding congregation. To this end, this study studies the biblical, theological, and educational grounds of the discourse on understanding congregation in terms of the connection between congregational theory and educational ministry, describes the characteristics of the 3040 generation congregation through human-developmental, faith-developmental, and socio-cultural approaches, and presents educational implications for the 3040 generation from a congregational point of view. Through this study, This study presents four implications of educational ministry from a congregational perspective by paying attention to the characteristics and intergenerational dynamics of Korean churches in their 30s and 40s: 1) Renewal of family-friendly educational ministry considering various types of families, 2) Reinforcement of life-long discipleship where the Gospel and life issues encounter; 3) Reinforcement of collaborative small groups based on all-line ministry; 4) Presenting the development and practice of creative and evangelical ESG ministry.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.65
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• pp.29-54
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• 2021

In Europe, the diversity in religions, cultures, languages and historical backgrounds is enormous. World War II and the Soviet Regime have played a large part in this and the flow of refugees from other continents increases the pluralism. How can religious education add to bridging between differences? The language across European countries is different, literally between countries, but also figuratively speaking and even inside individual countries. These differences occur in cultural sense and across age groups as well. Secondary education has the task to form young people to become firmly rooted people who can hold their own in society. It is essential that they learn to examine their own core values and their roots. Recognising their values should be a main focus of religious education. However, schools are currently accommodating increasing numbers of non-religious pupils. What role do religious values still play in this situation? How do pupils feel about active involvement in religious institutions, and about basing life choices on religious beliefs? Can other, non-religious values be detected which could form the basis for value-oriented personal formation? Research of these subjects has been ongoing in the Netherlands for more than twenty years and is currently being expanded to the Czech Republic and(former East) Germany. These are also secularized countries but have a very different history. Does the history and context of these countries play a role, and does this show in the values that are important to pupils? A comparative pilot study is being conducted as start of this broadening perspective geared towards greater insight into the values of pupils in these three European countries. This information helps to design appropriate new forms of religious value-oriented worldview education.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.67
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• pp.45-75
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore a new paradigm for Bible didactics in the context of the contemporary times and it turns its gaze to the midrash, the old tradition of Hebrew Bible interpretation. In order for the current Bible study to be meaningful and effective in today's situation, it is an effort to connect the Bible and us well, more than educational contents or materials. The word "midrash" itself means "textual interpretation", or "study", derived from the root verb darash, which means "to seek," "to seek with care," "to enquire," "to require" forms of which appear frequently in the Hebrew Bible. Midrash means an exegesis and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible (Torah) as well as a group of works that are the result of specific interpretations of the rabbis. This rabbinical tradition provides specific interpretative guidelines dealing with the Bible. These interpretive guidelines were passed down and formed an attitude of interpreting the Bible that is still relevant today. The rabbinical interpretative guidelines in midrash lead to the discovery of the following biblical didactical meanings. First, the Bible requires an attitude of listening and learning. Second, an attitude of inquiry is needed. Third, an exploration through the empty space is essential. Fourth, it leads us to recognize the importance of mutual respect and communication. Fifth, through the Words that challenge me, the meaning of biblical teaching is discovered. These interpretation guidelines have much in common with Bibliodrama, which applies midrash to the didactic of Bible. Bibliodrama is a dramatic inquiry, where the effect of in-depth inquiry and consideration that midrash aimed at can be expected. In addition, bibliodrama is a process of communal interaction that leads to a new experience and a richer understanding of the Bible through different positions and viewpoints. Exploring the "white fire" of the Bible, we listen to what God says to us, which causes us to change and form an identity. The biblical didactical meaning found in midrash's interpretation guidelines and the biblical didactical application of midrash through the bibliodrama can be presented as a new alternative to Christian education for the past, the present and the future. This will be able to present a new paradigm for biblical didactics with the word of God living and working in the present, not the Bible of the past, which is far from our present life.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.604-614
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• 2020

Contemporary Christian educators emphasize that the student has to become not a passive beneficiaries of knowledge, but an active subject for self-directed learner to pursue a Bible training. In addition, learning environments need to be converted into a learning place in which students can learn the principles of the Word, taste its meaning, and apply them into the scene in their lives. This study is to investigate new possibilities of self-directed volunteer camp, developing it as an alternative program for summer retreat and evaluating its effectiveness. According to qualitative research findings. self-directed volunteer camp provide for the youth students to develop their leadership as well as their faith. Especially, the higher effect of self-directed volunteer camp was found on program satisfaction, promoting cooperation through real problem-solving, and internalizing of the faith. Therefore, self-directed volunteer camp for vacation Bible church programs can be expected as an alternative teaching method for church education in the 21st century.