• 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.