Instead of bothering with people whose ears are so tender they can only endure a chorus that agrees with them, I offer to those more seasoned a thread for debate.
I assert that in a class, a class of any type whether it be the entire congregation or one student, the teacher IS the authority in the class and should teach, as Jesus did, with AUTHORITY. I further assert that the teacher should be by all normal human standards and then more importantly by BIBLICAL standards one that has MASTERY of his subject, hence his authority in teaching the subject.
I realize that in this day and age, disorientation to genuine authority is rampant in people in general but much so among Christians who of course are effected by the culture at large, which is by-in-large an anti-authoritarian culture. One that is intolerant of genuine boundaries and subordination to authority. So even approaching the subject for some is nearly impossible because you immediately get an emotional whiplash and intense hysterical overreactions. Of course this is my view, you may not agree but that could be because you are in the midst of what I just described, but maybe not. :laugh:
Anyway, the crux of the issue, what is the most effective way to regularly instruct? Well, if you look at most normal human functions regarding education, primarily you have the master teacher method. I know, somehow we Christians are now special and are exempt from this reality...right? WRONG. Let me enlighten.
From first grade upward we learn from a master teacher. In our ignorance we enter 1st grade with minimal skills. While it is normal during instruction to ask questions and discuss an area of misunderstanding or application, again, the TEACHER is the master of the class. The teacher corrects erroneous thinking or wrong conclusions by the student. Why can or does the teacher do this? Because they posses the academic and hierarchical authority to do this. The student is learning the subject that the teacher has MASTERED. This is the nature of the teacher.
But imagine if students in any grade decided they were going to shut up only when THEY thought they should or attempt to challenge the teacher's authority. You see, not only does the teacher have the duty and right to teach with authority but the structure of the class is the duty and right of the teacher, which is part of the hierarchical authority of the teacher. The teacher sets the times and method of teaching.
And so all through school this is our learning method. Algebra in 8th or 9th grade is learned by quietly learning from the mastery of the teacher. Again, no one is suggesting there aren't questions or discussion of concepts one needs clarity and application on, especially in Algebra, but it is the teacher, the MASTER that makes clear the unclear for the student.
Go to any area of life and where there is GENUINE learning there is GENUINE authority and mastery with the instructor. And where there is GENUINE learning there is genuine respect by students who recognize, appreciate and acquiesce to the superior training and preparation of the teacher. Hence they willfully and eagerly gain the benefit of his instruction so that they too may move on to mastery and the capacity to instruct.
In every area of life students primarily learn from a master. Karate, tennis, golf, needlepoint, tying your shoe, reading...whatever, all involve someone telling you the right way and the wrong way. The tennis instructor tells you which fundamental movements are right and which are wrong. And with all people the application of those fundamentals only adjust with their unique skeletal and muscular design. Meaning everyone's overhead is not identical but there are certain fundamentals that will be. These are rules and realities passed down by a master teacher to the student who in turn becomes a master, able to teach.
And this was the fascination with our Lord by the Pharisees. He taught with authority. While the Pharisees sat around debating and discussing what they THOUGHT something meant through there "share-for-alls" our Lord revealed their nativity and foolishness and demonstrated authoritative teaching. He made clear what something DID mean and didn't entertain everyone else's opinion and suggestion as to what THEY thought it should mean. Why? Because he knew what it meant. Hopefully no one is suggesting we cannot teach KNOWING what they Bible means or friend, you are in a world of hurt unable to come to the truth.
Does anyone say to the Master teacher who instructs in needlepoint, golf, mechanics, shoe tying and so on...WHO MADE YOU in charge and WHAT MAKES YOU think YOU have the answers? How can you teach me so AUTHORITATIVELY as if other ways aren't just as good? Who do YOU think you are? YOU are arrogant telling me in such a matter of fact way HOW something is properly done! Well guess who did develop such an attitude....the Pharisees! They HATED Jesus for such clear teaching and constantly correcting their error and ultimately paid the price for such audacity in teaching with authority as well as other false causes produce in the minds of the Pharisees and others, which He came to pay on our behalf
How bizzare would that be to have such a student? But alas it seems this is JUST what is being proposed by some. Frankly I find it a most pathetic way to learn if one learns anything that way, at all!
So here we come to the Bible and Christianity and it seems we have a very big case of rebellion among those who would in every other area of life learn with a master teacher. The qualified teacher will teach with mastery and authority. Just like in every area of life he should be able to clearly and concisely communicate the truths of his subject matter and aid in the enlightenment of the students. The students should arrive respectful of his academic authority and his hierarchical authority.
If a student believes that a teacher does not have either or any such authority then my question is, WHAT are you doing sitting under such a person's instruction?
In the end, the truth is, either you are or you aren't the one in authority in a class. If the teacher isn't the one in authority then, pray tell, who is? Good grief people. :laugh:
I assert that in a class, a class of any type whether it be the entire congregation or one student, the teacher IS the authority in the class and should teach, as Jesus did, with AUTHORITY. I further assert that the teacher should be by all normal human standards and then more importantly by BIBLICAL standards one that has MASTERY of his subject, hence his authority in teaching the subject.
I realize that in this day and age, disorientation to genuine authority is rampant in people in general but much so among Christians who of course are effected by the culture at large, which is by-in-large an anti-authoritarian culture. One that is intolerant of genuine boundaries and subordination to authority. So even approaching the subject for some is nearly impossible because you immediately get an emotional whiplash and intense hysterical overreactions. Of course this is my view, you may not agree but that could be because you are in the midst of what I just described, but maybe not. :laugh:
Anyway, the crux of the issue, what is the most effective way to regularly instruct? Well, if you look at most normal human functions regarding education, primarily you have the master teacher method. I know, somehow we Christians are now special and are exempt from this reality...right? WRONG. Let me enlighten.
From first grade upward we learn from a master teacher. In our ignorance we enter 1st grade with minimal skills. While it is normal during instruction to ask questions and discuss an area of misunderstanding or application, again, the TEACHER is the master of the class. The teacher corrects erroneous thinking or wrong conclusions by the student. Why can or does the teacher do this? Because they posses the academic and hierarchical authority to do this. The student is learning the subject that the teacher has MASTERED. This is the nature of the teacher.
But imagine if students in any grade decided they were going to shut up only when THEY thought they should or attempt to challenge the teacher's authority. You see, not only does the teacher have the duty and right to teach with authority but the structure of the class is the duty and right of the teacher, which is part of the hierarchical authority of the teacher. The teacher sets the times and method of teaching.
And so all through school this is our learning method. Algebra in 8th or 9th grade is learned by quietly learning from the mastery of the teacher. Again, no one is suggesting there aren't questions or discussion of concepts one needs clarity and application on, especially in Algebra, but it is the teacher, the MASTER that makes clear the unclear for the student.
Go to any area of life and where there is GENUINE learning there is GENUINE authority and mastery with the instructor. And where there is GENUINE learning there is genuine respect by students who recognize, appreciate and acquiesce to the superior training and preparation of the teacher. Hence they willfully and eagerly gain the benefit of his instruction so that they too may move on to mastery and the capacity to instruct.
In every area of life students primarily learn from a master. Karate, tennis, golf, needlepoint, tying your shoe, reading...whatever, all involve someone telling you the right way and the wrong way. The tennis instructor tells you which fundamental movements are right and which are wrong. And with all people the application of those fundamentals only adjust with their unique skeletal and muscular design. Meaning everyone's overhead is not identical but there are certain fundamentals that will be. These are rules and realities passed down by a master teacher to the student who in turn becomes a master, able to teach.
And this was the fascination with our Lord by the Pharisees. He taught with authority. While the Pharisees sat around debating and discussing what they THOUGHT something meant through there "share-for-alls" our Lord revealed their nativity and foolishness and demonstrated authoritative teaching. He made clear what something DID mean and didn't entertain everyone else's opinion and suggestion as to what THEY thought it should mean. Why? Because he knew what it meant. Hopefully no one is suggesting we cannot teach KNOWING what they Bible means or friend, you are in a world of hurt unable to come to the truth.
Does anyone say to the Master teacher who instructs in needlepoint, golf, mechanics, shoe tying and so on...WHO MADE YOU in charge and WHAT MAKES YOU think YOU have the answers? How can you teach me so AUTHORITATIVELY as if other ways aren't just as good? Who do YOU think you are? YOU are arrogant telling me in such a matter of fact way HOW something is properly done! Well guess who did develop such an attitude....the Pharisees! They HATED Jesus for such clear teaching and constantly correcting their error and ultimately paid the price for such audacity in teaching with authority as well as other false causes produce in the minds of the Pharisees and others, which He came to pay on our behalf
How bizzare would that be to have such a student? But alas it seems this is JUST what is being proposed by some. Frankly I find it a most pathetic way to learn if one learns anything that way, at all!
So here we come to the Bible and Christianity and it seems we have a very big case of rebellion among those who would in every other area of life learn with a master teacher. The qualified teacher will teach with mastery and authority. Just like in every area of life he should be able to clearly and concisely communicate the truths of his subject matter and aid in the enlightenment of the students. The students should arrive respectful of his academic authority and his hierarchical authority.
If a student believes that a teacher does not have either or any such authority then my question is, WHAT are you doing sitting under such a person's instruction?
In the end, the truth is, either you are or you aren't the one in authority in a class. If the teacher isn't the one in authority then, pray tell, who is? Good grief people. :laugh:
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