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Article
The Role of Controversial Issues in Moral Education: Approaches and Attitudes of Christian School Educators
Journal of the International Christian Community for Teacher Education (2011)
  • Samuel J. Smith
Abstract
This study investigated the approaches and attitudes of Christian school teachers as they addressed controversial issues in moral education. Thirteen teachers from four schools were interviewed extensively. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was implemented. Participants conveyed that they attempted to remain pedagogically neutral in matters relating to denominational differences among Christian churches. While acknowledging that indoctrinative techniques may alienate students, teachers chose to indoctrinate selectively, especially in matters critical to the Christian faith. Issues impacting the classrooms included abortion, sex, doctrine, homosexuality, evolution, etc. Teachers rarely chose to remain neutral on controversial issues unless by doing so they sensed that they would undermine parental authority or a particular Christian church’s denominational doctrine.
Keywords
  • Curriculum,
  • Moral Education,
  • Controversial Issues,
  • Christian Schools
Publication Date
January, 2011
Citation Information
Samuel J. Smith. "The Role of Controversial Issues in Moral Education: Approaches and Attitudes of Christian School Educators" Journal of the International Christian Community for Teacher Education Vol. 6 Iss. 1 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/samuel_smith/104/