A Study on the Development of Christian Education after Korea’s Liberation(1945) and Suggestions for the Korean Church Based on Educational Perspective of the Presbyterian Churches

Abstract

This study investigates the development of Christian education from Korea’s liberation (1945) to the 21st century. The paper focuses on church education in the Presbyterian Churches, especially the activities of Sunday schools and The Korean Sunday School Association (KSSA). The period of the development of Christian education of Korea from its liberation to the 21st century needs to be divided into two sub-periods (“before 1980” and “after 1980”). The reason behind this division is due to the significance of the 1980s for the history of Christian education in Korea. Almost all aspects of Christian education grew exponentially in quality as well as quantity during this period. From 1980s on, the development of Christian education accelerated further. After Korea’s liberation, Christian education and the Korean Church were rehabilitated and reconstructed along with the whole country. The first period of history of Christian education is referred to as (1945-1980) “Reconstruction Period of Christian Education” and the second period as (1980-present) “Rapid Development Period of Christian Education.” While focusing on church education of the Presbyterian churches, this study investigates the major features of Christian education including the Korean Sunday School Association, Christian educators, Christian education research institutes, societies of Christian education, publication of Christian education materials, and curriculum for church education. After a brief survey of these areas, this study explores the strengths of Sunday school ministries of the Korean Church found in the history of Christian education development. Upon closing, this study provides six suggestions for the Korean Church in Christian educational perspective. With these suggestions Christian education can make a meaningful contribution not only for the rejuvenation of children’s ministry but also for the revitalization of the Korean Church. These suggestions are derived from reflection on the strengths discovered through the investigation of the development of Christian education during the period from Korea’s liberation to the present.