God Our Teacher: Theological Basics in Christian Education

The book God Our Teacher by Dr. Robert W. Pazmiño is a wonderful work about the harmonization between Christian education and theology. The book's focus deals with the instructive model of Christian teaching by synthesizing it with some of the different theological aspects that Christians interact with in education. The book, chapter by chapter, explains the different perspectives that humans have as they relate with the Triune God. This book critique will speak to both the positive and negative aspects of the volume in question. In examining the book, this paper will critically assess each chapter by what it purports and how effective the author is in communicating his ideas. Robert Pazmiño is the author of God Our Teacher: Theological Basics in Christian Education. He was educated at the esteemed Columbia University, where he received a Doctorate of Education. Robert Pazmiño and his wife, Wanda, live in Massachusetts where he is a professor at Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS). Dr. Pazmiño currently serves as the Valeria Stone Professor of Christian Education at ANTS. He is the author of several other books including: By What Authority Do We Teach?, Principles and Practices of Christian Education, and The Seminary In The City. Although the author does not explicitly state his purpose in writing the book God Our Teacher, Pazmiño does indicate his reasoning behind creating a book that delineates a theological basis for Christian education. The writer begins his book in the introduction by simple stating what existence truly means: "Ultimately, life and theology come down to God and us. Therefore, the ultimate questions about life can be viewed in terms of our relationships with others and our communion with God (pg 6)." That quote sums up the purpose of humanity and the author's reasoning for writing his book. The book God Our Teacher: Theological Basics in Christian Education is a very good evaluation of the dynamics between Christian education and theology. Once the text is analyzed, the reader will render the conclusion that Dr. Robert Pazmiño certainly is a scholar on the subject. The author writes his thoughts in a way, so much so, that they are very academically focused, but quickly understood by thinking through the topics. Sometimes, however, the author's point is not always conveyed intelligibly. Overall the book is well written and an interesting read. Dr. Pazmiño sets in motion chapter one by clearly identifying the purpose of his study. Whether an area of issue in education or any other subject, a Trinitarian view, for Christians, is the starting point. Understanding how the Divine deals with humanity in the Godhead model will assist humans in understanding how God interacts with his creation in all avenues of life. The first chapter argues this very well and it makes sense to the reader where the writer's heart is. However, there are some places where the author's arguments are not coherent. Even though the common person

Pazmino's book is helpful for new Christian teachers to understand the concept of teaching that is explicitly Christian. It is a reminder for seasoned Christian teachers that their teaching focus should never waiver from Christ. I agree with Pazmino that Christian education encompasses proclamation, community formation, service, advocacy, and worship. Sunday school and Discipleship teachers present Christ to their students through the Bible while using their words and actions. Teachers then educate their students so that one day they will tell others about Jesus, share each other's burdens, do ministry, intercede in prayer, and glorify God. This is the process that Pazmino describes as "formation and transformation of person as beings for others (21)." Overall, I enjoyed reading Pazmino's book because he encapsulates principles central to the teachings of Christianity. He dissects the topic of Christian education and presents the various parts to the reader. This is a book all new Christian teachers should read. Pazmino's six "theological teachings" summarizes the main points of his book: · "God is the starting point of Christian education" (35) · "We teach: God transforms sin through salvation" (57) · "Jesus Christ provides a model for teaching that transcends time" (86) · "The Holy Spirit empowers us for teaching" (112) · "God works through us to accomplish His mission in the world" (132) · "God wants us to embrace the future of Christian education with living hope" (157)