Philosophy of Christian Education:
Excellence in Vocation and Citizenship
In last summer’s “Get-to-Know-Dr. Sutton” series, we released a piece about his approach to Christian higher educationand featured two points of his 12-point educational philosophy. This semester we will highlight the other ten principles that Dr. Sutton believes should drive Christian education at the classroom level.
Dr. Sutton’s fifth principle for Christian education is that the Christian educator should promote, encourage, and emphasize the importance of excellence in vocation and citizenship.
Dr. Sutton says of this principle, “Daniel was chosen to lead in Babylon in part because he ‘show[ed] aptitude for every kind of learning’ and was ‘well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace’ (Dan. 1:4). Furthermore, Joseph rose to power in Egypt in part because Pharaoh found him to be more ‘discerning’ and ‘wise’ than anyone else (Gen. 41:39). Both of these men of God had tremendous influence in secular cultures because of their exceptional skills, abilities, and wisdom. The Christian educator should thus encourage vocational and civic excellence in his or her pupils.”
