The Case for Christian Global Citizenship Education

Abstract

With rapid globalization, various forms of citizenship education, peace education, environment education and development education are clustering under the umbrella of what is known as “Global Citizenship Education” (GCED). However, this does not mean that there is consensus on approaches or curricula, due to inevitable differences between traditions, histories, worldviews, cultures and aims. As a result, for instance, some versions of GCED focus on neoliberalism aimed at fostering global competency for better economic opportunities for future generations, while other versions are focused on decolonizing the international system, establishing justice, or democratization. With the world experiencing a global pandemic that has laid bare the self-interest of many nations, this paper discusses the legitimacy and methodology of the Christian approach to GCED based on a review of the literature. Biblical values provide practical wisdom and leadership in each category of global citizenship education, including social justice, globalization, environmental issues, diversity issues, and conflict. However, in constructing a more comprehensive educational framework of global citizenship, faith communities are perceived to be disengaged and lacking leadership. This paper provides a rationale for a call to Christian communities to realize the Bible’s sufficiency and respond to the Cultural Mandate and the great commandment to love thy neighbor through active participation in GCED based on the spirit of shalom.