This really looks excellent. In regards to your comment, "Our discipleship and learning philosophy must be an imitation of the methods of Jesus. In jesus' methodology, the object of study is not primarily the ideas of the teacher but the object of study is the life of the teacher himself (or herself). The method of learning must be based first and foremost on observation and imitation and only secondarily on articulation and codification."

Great stuff,it reminds me of a recent comment I heard that, "all important things are caught rather than taught." Meaning that it is by observation and imiation rather than reading a book that we grasp the most important stuff. It got me thinking though that Jesus was most consistent in his verbal teaching and way of life. What a model to follow!
christie | Homepage | 01.24.05 - 2:45 pm | #

Yes, I really think a balanced view of both external and internal consistency is vital. Jesus was the primere moral model and ethical teacher. Observation, imitation AND DISCUSSION..
brad
brad | 01.24.05 - 2:49 pm | #

Brad:

Part of my dissertation looked at brain-based learning (i.e., how the brain learns best). Three things are essential:

1. Relaxed alertness,
2. Orchestrated immersion,
3. Active processing.

Not surprisingly, this is exactly how Jesus trained the Twelve.

I've posted about this at:
http:// nonprophetchurch.blogspot...ch_archive.html

(You'll have to scroll down to "Christ on the Brain - Conclusion" to read the post.) There's also a link there to my whole, long, detailed, boring dissertation (if you're really a glutton for punishment).

I'm looking forward to this series.
Dr.MR | Homepage | 01.24.05 - 10:08 pm | #

You have made a lot of comments here, too many for me to deal with at this time, but wondering if you could expand on this:

"All our endeavors as Christians and our life in the church must stand upon a common understanding of our mission to make-disciples of every nation and to become “the city” whose architect and builder is God. Some Christian thinkers see the role of the church to be quite limited. I see it otherwise."

There is a trend among those who are involved with the emergent movement of speaking in generalities or when speaking of individuals, it is usually the radicals.

I'm wondering if you could let us know who these "Christian thinkers" are who believe the "role of the Church is quite limited"

Thanks,
Jeff Downs | Homepage | 01.25.05 - 8:59 am | #

Jeff,
Great question..I am contemplating the answer. I went to Talbot and I am a CRC pastor. My statement was to both of these school's views. I will hunt down specific quotes. Your question deserves a post. Thanks for the challenge.
brad
brad | 01.25.05 - 12:24 pm | #