Christ-Centered Education: Post-Critical Pedagogy

Without Christians discipling others, there is no Christ-centered education.

In Christ-Centered Education: Post-Critical Pedagogy, Steven F. Hyatt argues that Christian education must move beyond the limitations of instrumentalism, worldview reductionism, and dualistic thinking to embrace a Christ-centered, transformative pedagogy rooted in six core biblical principles: worship, love, biblical faithfulness, community fellowship, responsible stewardship, and wisdom. Drawing on insights from philosophy, theology, sociology, and critical pedagogy, Hyatt critiques prevailing models of Christian schooling that prioritize doctrinal content and defensive cultural postures while neglecting the formative and relational dimensions of education. He contends that Christian education is a holistic process of discipleship that cultivates epistemic humility, wisdom, affirms creaturely existence, and prepares the next generation for vocational participation in God's redemptive work.

This ontological investigation focuses on the educator and proposes a post-critical approach that values presence, hospitality, and mutual transformation over control and certainty. Hyatt urges educators to reimagine their work through the lens of the incarnate Christ, advocating for a pedagogy that centers on embodied practices, dialogical relationships, and attentiveness to the Spirit's work in everyday life. This work offers both a prophetic critique and a constructive vision for educators committed to nurturing faithful presence in a post-Christian, post-secular world.