Savoring creation is where transformational Christian education begins, but we run into snags fairly quickly--as one would expect from a fallen universe.
That leads to the fact that--as educators--we must battle against idolatry. Saint Augustine defined idolatry as "worshiping anything that ought to be used or using anything that is meant to be worshiped." As we teach, we must beware against the bewitching brokenness that clings to our human condition. In order to offer restorative solutions, we have to know where God's world faces pockmarks.
It means asking questions like...
...how does the racism displayed in To Kill a Mockingbird reflect the ugliness of the human heart?
...to what extent do the callous actions of European knights in the Crusades influence the hatred incipient throughout Islamic terrorism today?
...in which ways do we exploit people by treating them as objects in our marketing techniques rather than image bearers of God who need to make deliberate, wise choices?
Definitely something more to consider. To offer grace, we have to acknowledge we're trying to help others (and ourselves) move away from something wretched.
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