Posted: July 22nd, 2021

Pedagogical Approaches to Christian Writings in Secular University Classes

At the bottom of p. 272 in “Exploring Christian Literature in the Contemporary and Secular University,” authors Aers and Pfau discuss considerations of teaching Christian writing to undergraduates at secular institutions. Based on their discussion, how might you pedagogically approach Christian writings within your classes?

Pedagogical Approaches to Christian Writings in Secular University Classes

Christian writings hold significant cultural and historical value, yet teaching them in secular university settings presents unique challenges. Educators must navigate diverse student backgrounds while maintaining academic rigor and objectivity. A careful examination of pedagogical strategies can illuminate effective approaches for incorporating Christian texts into secular curricula. Drawing on recent scholarship and insights from Aers and Pfau’s “Exploring Christian Literature in the Contemporary and Secular University,” this paper explores methods for teaching Christian writings that foster critical engagement and inclusive learning environments.

Contextualizing Christian Texts

Providing adequate historical and cultural context is essential when teaching Christian writings in secular settings. Kim (2020) emphasizes framing religious texts within broader literary and historical landscapes. This approach allows students to understand the significance of Christian writings beyond their theological implications. For instance, when studying medieval literature, educators might introduce works by Christian mystics alongside secular texts from the same period, highlighting the interplay between religious and cultural influences.

Contextualizing Christian texts helps students appreciate their literary merit and cultural impact. Ramirez (2019) argues that incorporating diverse religious perspectives into the curriculum enhances students’ critical thinking skills and cultural competence. By presenting Christian writings as part of a larger tapestry of human expression, educators can foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of literature and history.

Promoting Critical Engagement

Encouraging critical engagement without promoting or denigrating religious beliefs is crucial when teaching Christian texts in secular universities. Smith (2022) conducted a case study examining how educators navigate this delicate balance. The study found that successful approaches often involve framing discussions around literary analysis, historical significance, and comparative religious studies rather than theological debate.

Educators can guide students to examine Christian writings through various analytical lenses, such as:

Literary analysis: Focusing on narrative structure, symbolism, and rhetorical devices.

Historical context: Exploring the socio-political conditions that influenced the text’s creation and reception.

Intertextuality: Identifying connections between Christian writings and other literary or philosophical works.

Employing these analytical frameworks facilitates meaningful discussions that respect diverse viewpoints while maintaining academic rigor.

Addressing Potential Discomfort

Teaching Christian texts in secular settings may sometimes lead to discomfort among students with different religious backgrounds or no religious affiliation. Bassham (2018) suggests that educators should acknowledge this potential discomfort openly and create a classroom environment that encourages respectful dialogue. Establishing clear guidelines for discussion and emphasizing the academic nature of the inquiry can help mitigate tensions.

Additionally, instructors can employ strategies to make the material more accessible and relevant to a diverse student body. These may include:

Drawing parallels between Christian themes and universal human experiences.

Encouraging students to reflect on how the texts relate to their own cultural or philosophical backgrounds.

Incorporating comparative elements that explore similar themes in other religious or secular traditions.

Adopting these approaches creates an inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives while maintaining a focus on academic inquiry.

Integrating Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Christian writings often intersect with various academic disciplines, including history, philosophy, and sociology. Ramirez (2019) advocates for an interdisciplinary approach when teaching religious texts, arguing that it enriches students’ understanding and fosters critical thinking skills. Educators can collaborate with colleagues from different departments to develop comprehensive lesson plans that explore Christian writings from multiple angles.

For example, when studying a text like Augustine’s “Confessions,” instructors might:

Explore its historical context and influence on Western philosophy.

Analyze its literary techniques and narrative structure.

Discuss its psychological insights into human nature and personal transformation.

This multifaceted approach not only deepens students’ engagement with the material but also demonstrates the broader relevance of Christian writings across academic disciplines.

Balancing Academic Rigor and Accessibility

Aers and Pfau, in their work “Exploring Christian Literature in the Contemporary and Secular University,” emphasize the importance of maintaining academic rigor while making Christian texts accessible to diverse student populations (Aers & Pfau, 2020). They suggest that educators should strive to present these writings as complex cultural artifacts worthy of serious scholarly attention, rather than treating them solely as religious documents.

To achieve this balance, instructors might:

Introduce students to critical theories and methodologies applicable to the study of Christian literature.

Encourage comparative analysis between Christian texts and works from other religious or secular traditions.

Facilitate discussions that explore the historical and cultural contexts shaping the production and reception of Christian writings.

By adopting these strategies, educators can help students develop sophisticated analytical skills while fostering an appreciation for the literary and cultural significance of Christian texts.

Conclusion

Teaching Christian writings in secular university classes requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. By contextualizing texts, promoting critical engagement, addressing potential discomfort, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, and balancing academic rigor with accessibility, educators can create enriching learning experiences that respect diverse viewpoints while maintaining academic integrity. As Smith (2022) notes, navigating religious texts in secular classrooms presents challenges, but it also offers valuable opportunities for fostering cultural understanding and critical thinking skills. Employing these pedagogical strategies helps instructors guide students in appreciating the literary, historical, and cultural significance of Christian writings within a broader academic context.

References

Aers, D., & Pfau, T. (2020). Exploring Christian literature in the contemporary and secular university. Oxford University Press.

Bassham, L. (2018). The challenge of teaching religion in secular universities: A guide for faculty. Oxford University Press.

Kim, E. (2020). Teaching world literature with a focus on religious texts: Challenges and opportunities. Comparative Literature Studies, 57(3), 456-472.

Ramirez, M. A. (2019). Incorporating diverse religious perspectives into the undergraduate curriculum. Religious Education, 114(2), 223-241.

Smith, J. D. (2022). Navigating religious texts in the secular classroom: A case study. Journal of Higher Education, 93(2), 257-282.

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