FORMATION AND EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL COMPARATIVE RESEARCH IN A GLOBAL ERA

Abstract

This article argues that international-comparative research is increasingly important in an era of globalization. It describes events at Princeton Theological Seminary leading the area of Christian education to change its name to Education and Formation. Drawing on empirical research, it demonstrates the ways formation and education are currently used by U.S. church leaders. Formation is commonly used to describe the way a congregation’s culture shapes the Christian identities of its members and education, teaching content to young people. The article concludes by arguing that these understandings are problematic and offers constructive alternatives based on the theologies of David Bosch and Jürgen Moltmann. Primary missional formation is the church taking form in mission; secondary missional formation is the enculturation of Christian identities through congregational participation. Education involves the upbuilding and criticism of Christian identity.