9. Manna issue 61 - Raising the Bar in Religious Education 提高宗教教育的標準
Instilling a solid faith in future generations.
為子孫後代灌輸堅定的信仰
Tan Guat Kim—Cheras, Malaysia 馬來西亞蕉賴
“The youths of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
“今日的青年將成為明日的領導者。”
I have often pondered on this axiom.
It is a natural process of life.
However, the demands and expectations on today’s young people
coupled with their own curiosity and society’s influences
well surpass that of my own youth!
我常常思考這個格言。
這是一個自然的生命過程。
然而，對今日青年的要求和期望，
伴隨著他們自己的好奇心和社會的影響
遠遠超過自己年輕時的水準！
Today’s progressive and globalized society reflects phenomenal development.
Knowledge is expanding at an exponential rate.
Simultaneously, we see the emergence of children who are the product of this new age.
當今進步和全球化的社會反應了驚人的發展。
知識正在以指數的速度擴張。
同時，我們看到了新時代產物的兒童出現。
In this environment, it is important for religious education (RE) classes
to meet the diverse and changing needs of the students.
Are we sufficiently equipped
to help our youths face the challenges that lie ahead of them?
How do we help our students stay grounded in pure faith,
church doctrines, and Christian ethics?
What does it take for us
to help them live a life of reverence and to serve God?
在這種環境下，很重要的是，宗教教育（RE）課程，
要滿足學生各種不同且變化的需求。
我們的裝備是否足夠，
可以幫助我們的青年去面對擺在他們面前的挑戰呢？
我們如何幫助自已的學生紮根於純正的信仰，
教會的信條和基督教的行為準則？
我們需要付出什麼，
才可以幫助他們過敬畏且服事神的生活呢？
These objectives should be the core of every RE department,
but this feat entails redesigning an RE landscape
that may have already become outdated.
It is a timely move for the RE department to diversify its programs
to accommodate a new generation of children effectively.
這些目標應該是每個宗教教育系的核心，
但這項偉大的工作需要重新設計宗教教育的生態，
這種情況可能已經過時了。
教牧處可以實現多元化活動是及時的舉措，
可以有效的順應新一代兒童。
What should be the specific goals and strategies
of the RE department in the 21st century?
More importantly,
how are we to address the changing world
while retaining the objectives of religious education?
These are pertinent questions and sobering challenges
that ought to be raised.
21世紀教牧處應該有什麼具體目標和策略呢？
更重要的是，
我們如何應對不斷變化的世界，
同時保留宗教教育的目標呢？
這些都是相關問題和發人深省的挑戰，
應該要被提出來的問題。
THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 宗教教育的角色
At Home 在家
RE classes can influence the values of the students,
but Christian values are first and foremost developed at home.
Because children will absorb values and beliefs
that are modeled at home,
Christian parents must not neglect their parenting responsibilities.
宗教教育課程可以影響學生的價值觀，
但基督教價值觀是首先重要在家要培養的。
因為子女會吸收在家形塑的價值觀和信仰，
基督徒的父母絕對不能忽視自已養育子女的責任。
To be a Christian parent is a gift from God as well as a duty,
and the greatest challenge is to bring up children
who are able to fulfill their religious, social, and moral responsibilities.
成為基督徒父母是神的恩賜，也是責任，
而最大的挑戰就是要養大孩子，
讓他們能夠履行自已宗教、社會和道德的責任。
God explicitly gave instructions for parents
to teach their children His thoughts and laws
(Deut 11:19-21).
Through Moses, God told the Israelites:
神很清楚的給父母指示，
要教導他們的孩子明白祂的旨意和律法
（申 11：19-21）。
神透過摩西告訴以色列人：
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
(Deut 6:6, 7)
“6我今日所吩咐你的話都要記在心上，
7也要殷勤教訓你的兒女。無論你坐在家裡，
行在路上，躺下，起來，都要談論。”
（申 6：6，7）
Children must be rooted in their faith at home
and have their faith reinforced in the church.
孩子必須在家紮根於自已的信仰，
且在教會加強他們的信仰。
Therefore, parents must take religious education seriously.
They should lead by example
and incorporate God’s word into their daily thinking, speaking, and living.
Priorities should include praying together,
setting aside consistent times to read the Bible,
and building a close and loving rapport with their children.
因此，家長一定要重視宗教教育。
他們應該要以身作則，
並結合神的話語融入他們日常的思考，言語和生活中。
重要的優先事項應包括一起禱告，
留出固定的時間讀聖經，
並與自已的子女建立親密而充滿慈愛的融洽關係。
At Church 在教會
The church needs to support the RE department and understand its role.
Sufficient funds should be allocated to improve educational resources
such as visual aids, reference books, and other classroom materials.
教會應該要支持教牧處且了解其角色。
應撥出充足資金改善教育資源，
例如視覺教具、參考書和其他課堂材料。
The church should liaise closely with the RE department.
The concerns and needs of the RE department
should be brought up and discussed with the church council.
In turn, they must take proactive steps
to provide for those needs and address problems.
教會應該緊密的聯繫教牧處。
教牧處的擔憂與需求，
教會職務會應該要提出來討論。
反過來，他們要採取積極主動的行動，
來準備好滿足這些需求，且解決問題。
When the church and the RE department work together,
the church doctrines and teachings will have significant effects
on students and their families
and make an impact on our students’ upbringing.
We cannot afford to look lightly on RE
because the children who pass through church doors today
will comprise the future congregation and leaders
—the hope
—of the church.
當教會和宗教教育系一起工作時，
教會的教義和教導將會給學生和其家庭產生重大的影響，
並給我們學生的成長產生強大的作用。
我們經不起輕視宗教教育的後果，
因為今日走進教會大門的許多孩子，
將包含著未來的會眾和領導者
—是盼望
—教會的。
Ultimately, the church should remain a child’s spiritual anchor,
and those of us who are given the responsibility of RE
are tasked with guiding our students to God
and ensuring that they will remain in the church
and live a life of reverence and discipline
(Col 1:28).
最終，教會應該成為孩子的屬靈支柱，
以及我們這些肩負宗教教育責任的人，
得到任務要引導自已的學生走向神，
並確保他們會留在教會，
並過著敬畏和紀律的生活
（西 1：28）。
BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION 建立堅固的根基
An Impenetrable Faith 固若金湯的信仰
While weekly RE classes can help guide students
and give them Bible knowledge and life application examples,
what happens during the rest of the week is out of the teacher’s hands.
雖然每週的宗教教育課程可以幫忙引導學生，
並教授他們聖經的知識和生活的應用實例，
而本週其他時間所會發生的事情就是超出老師所能控制的範圍了。
An area of immense concern,
particularly for our impressionable teenage youths,
is their social circle.
They are experiencing a plethora of disconcerting changes and challenges.
For many, their Christian values and integrity will be challenged
as they come into more contact with the world through their friends and the media.
Can they still defend and maintain their faith?
一個備受關注的區域，
尤其對我們敏感的青少年來說，
就是他們的社交圈。
他們正在經歷大量令人不安的變化和挑戰。
對許多人來說，他們基督教的價值觀和正直將會受到挑戰，
隨著他們透過朋友和媒體的世界而有了更多的接觸。
他們仍然可以捍衛且維持自己的信仰嗎？
In reality, our students cannot live an insular life,
restricting their movements
and debarring themselves from interacting with friends outside the church and their homes.
This is not practical
—we must find another way to ensure that their faith remains grounded.
事實上，我們的學生不可能過著孤立的生活，
限制他們的行動，
並阻止自己不能與教會和家裡以外的朋友互動。
這是不切實際的，
—我們必須找到另一種方法，來確保他們的信仰有根基。
I recall Daniel and his three friends,
who were captured and thrown into the sinful society of Babylon.
They were taken from their families
as adolescents into the service of the king.
They were surrounded by a pagan and idolatrous culture,
yet none of them were influenced by it!
How did they stand firm in such an environment?
我記得但以理和他的三個朋友，
他們被抓並且丟入巴比倫的罪惡社會。
他們被帶離自已家庭，
身為青少年時期就去服事國王。
他們受到異教和偶像崇拜文化的包圍，
然而他們卻沒有一個人受到了影響！
他們是如何在這樣的環境之下站穩腳根的呢？
The answer is they took their values and faith with them.
They did not isolate themselves in order to keep their faith.
Their faith remained deeply ingrained in their hearts,
despite being exposed to all sorts of social ills.
答案就是，他們帶著自己的價值觀和信念。
他們並沒有為了保持自已信仰而自我孤立。
他們的信仰仍在他們的心中根深蒂固，
儘管暴露在各種的社會弊病之下。
Therefore, to nurture and prepare our students,
we must challenge them to acquire an impenetrable faith.
This will ensure that they are able to overcome all temptations
and uphold their Christian principles in this ruthless world
—just like Daniel and his friends.
因此，為了培養及預備我們的學生，
我們必須挑戰他們，讓他們獲得不能穿透的信心。
這將確保他們能夠克服所有的引誘，
並在此無情的世界中堅守自已基督徒的原則，
—就像但以理和他的朋友一樣。
Well-versed in the Bible 精通社交禮儀
An essential component of maintaining a strong faith
is being well-versed in the Bible.
It is not possible to live out God’s words
if we are not acquainted with them.
要保持堅強的信心的重要元素，
就是要熟讀聖經。
要活出神的話語是不可能的，
如果我們不熟悉神的話語。
Therefore, it is disheartening to note that,
for many students,
their only contact with the Bible is when they attend RE classes.
I have reminded my Junior Youth students (ages thirteen to seventeen) time and again
that reading the Bible is not an option
but absolutely critical and mandatory in their walk as a Christian,
and they must never underestimate the importance of Bible reading.
因此，很令人失望去注意到，
對很多學生來說，
他們與聖經的唯一接觸是在參加宗教教育課程時。
我曾經多次的提醒自已的青少年學生（13歲至17歲），
閱讀聖經不是一種選擇，
而在他們作為基督徒的道路上絕對重要和強制必需的，
他們絕不能低估閱讀聖經的重要性。
Many are reluctant to read;
not only do they find it boring and dogmatic,
they encounter difficulties
in understanding the many connotations of what they read.
Nevertheless, these obstacles must be overcome.
許多人都不想讀經；
他們不僅覺得讀經很無聊而且太教條，
他們遇到了困難，
去了解自已所讀內容的許多含意。
然而，這些障礙都必須克服。
Students must be conscientious in following a Bible reading plan.
They should be encouraged to read the Bible systematically,
with determination and commitment.
For example, they can read in chronological order
to see the significance of Bible events and accounts clearly.
學生必須認真的遵循聖經的閱讀計劃。
應該鼓勵他們有系統地閱讀聖經，
帶著決心和熱情。
例如，他們可以按著時間順序閱讀，
可以清楚的看見聖經事件和記載的重要性。
Guidelines should be given on how to approach reading the Bible.
They should begin with a prayer for God’s guidance and understanding
(Jn 16:13).
The students’ attitude is also important;
they should read with a humble heart
and depend on the wisdom of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
應就如何閱讀聖經提供指引。
他們應該先祈禱求神的帶領和理解來開始
（約 16：13）。
學生的態度也很重要；
他們應該懷著謙卑的心去閱讀，
且依靠基督的智慧和聖靈的引導。
Study aids
(Bible concordance, church commentaries and outlines, the dictionary, etc.)
can further enhance their understanding and perception of the Bible.
More importantly, RE students must be made to realize that
reading the Bible to gain knowledge is insufficient.
They must take it a step further by applying the word of God
(2 Tim 2:15).
聖經學習輔助工具
（聖經索引，教會註釋和大綱，字典等）
可以進一步加深他們聖經的理解和了解。
更重要的是，必須讓宗教教育的學生了解到，
閱讀聖經來獲得知識是不夠的。
他們必須更進一步應用神的話語
（提後 2：15）。
They must be firmly grounded in the doctrines
and disciplined in their pursuit to study the Bible.
Then they will be able to judge the world from God’s perspective
and grow in their faith.
All RE teachers should continually encourage their students
in this direction of spiritual cultivation.
他們必須堅固的紮根於教義，
並在學習聖經的追求過程中自我訓練。
然後他們才能從神的角度來判斷世界，
並在他們的信仰成長。
所有宗教教育的教師應持續鼓勵自已的學生，
朝著這個靈修的方向前進。
RECOMMENDATIONS 建議
Having had the privilege of being a teacher for three decades,
I have concluded that
the students of today greatly differ in character, poise, and personality
from those I first taught.
Therefore, to keep up with the times,
I must also change and explore new methods and avenues
while retaining what has proven to be good and sound.
很榮幸可以當了三十年的教師，
我得到了結論是，
現今的學生的道德、體態和個性上有很大不同，
比起我最初所教過的人。
因此，為了與時俱進，
我也必須改變，探索新的方法和途徑，
同時保留那些得到證明是優良和健全的教導。
There is an imminent need to evaluate our teaching methods
and modify them in response to the changing society.
There is limited room for complacency,
but what I would like to strongly reiterate is that,
amidst changes, the fundamental beliefs and church doctrines must never be sacrificed.
God intended that His truth be applicable at all times,
regardless of changing and new environments.
要評估自已的教學方法是隨時迫切需要的，
並且根據不斷變化的社會進行改進。
可以自滿的可能性很有限，
但我想要嚴正重申的重點是，
在持續變化中，絕對不能犧牲基本信仰和教義。
神希望祂的真理任何時候都能適用，
無論是有什麼變化和新環境。
For RE Teachers 給宗教教育老師
Being an RE teacher is a privilege and an honor
and should not become a burden or a chore.
成為宗教教育的老師是一種榮幸，
並且不應成為一種負擔或苦差事。
Teaching God’s word is not merely a duty or a cerebral task
—it requires our emotional and spiritual involvement.
Being an RE teacher means that
we should not only teach but constantly be supportive
and concerned for our students
and be sincerely committed to taking a personal interest
in their faith and spiritual growth.
教導神的話語不僅是一項責任或動腦的任務，
—它需要我們的情感和屬靈的投入。
成為宗教教育老師代表著，
我們應該不僅是教導，而且還要一直給予幫助，
並且關心我們的學生，
並真誠的投入個人關心，
在他們的信仰和靈性成長上。
We are not teachers for an hour per week;
instead, we need to make the effort to understand
and bond with them as unique individuals.
This is by far the most rewarding approach to being an RE teacher.
我們不是每週只花一小時的教師；
相反的，我們要努力去理解，
並且視他們為獨立的個體與之建立聯繫。
迄今為止，這是成為宗教教育老師最有收獲的方法。
If all RE teachers constantly examine themselves,
evaluate and improve their teaching methods,
inject new ideas and enthusiasm in their teaching,
and take time to be thoroughly prepared for their lessons,
it will alleviate boredom and classroom routine.
In addition, it will open doors and avenues
for the students to be more motivated to learn.
如果所有宗教教育老師一直會審視自己，
評估且改進自已的教學方式，
為教學注入新的理念與熱情，
並且花時間為課程做好充分的準備，
它將減輕無聊和課堂日常的形式。
此外，它將打開許多大門和途徑，
讓學生更有動力去學習。
We should also support seminars and workshops
organized by the church on local, national, and international levels.
These programs provide in-depth exposure and practical advice on teaching.
These skills and knowledge are necessary and relevant,
and they may prevent more experienced teachers from getting stuck in a rut!
我們也應該鼓勵講研討會和講習會，
由教會在地方、國內和國際間各層面所舉辨的活動。
這些活動會提供深入的教學經驗和實用的建議。
這些技能和知識都是必需且有相關的，
他們可以防止有更多具有經驗的老師陷入困境！
Counseling 輔導
The RE department can consider offering student counseling sessions
that are made available to all RE students
as a group or on a one-on-one basis.
There are students who may need individual counseling
beyond the classroom to resolve personal issues.
They need the privacy to share with someone they can trust
to alleviate their personal burdens
—a counselor, teacher, or godly adult
who can lend an objective ear and offer wisdom from the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
宗教教育系可考慮提供學生輔導的課程，
可以提供給所有的宗教教育學生聚得聯繫，
以小組或是一對一的方式進行。
有些學生可能需要個別的輔導，
而不是在課堂上去解決個人的問題。
他們需要有可與信任之人分享的隱私，
來減輕他們的個人重擔，
—可以是輔導員，老師或敬虔的長輩，
他們能夠客觀的傾聽，並且給予來自聖經和聖靈的智慧。
Counseling must integrate prayers, appropriate advice from a Christian perspective,
and biblical principles.
Only then will the counseling sessions be truly beneficial.
輔導必須結合禱告，從基督徒的角度所提出適當的建議、
和聖經的原則。
只有這樣，輔導才能真正有幫助。
Bible-based advice on topics like friendship, peer pressure, and career guidance
should be discussed openly in class.
Students should be encouraged to look in the Bible for answers
and be prepared to deal with such issues.
This will then pave the way for resilient personal development.
像是友誼，同儕壓力和職業指導許多有聖經根據主題的建議，
應該在課堂上公開討論。
應該鼓勵學生查找聖經的答案 ，
並準備好處理此類問題。
這將鋪平道路給個人有韌性的發展。
Evangelism 傳福音
It is never too early to learn the art of evangelizing!
RE students can be ambassadors for God.
What better way than for the students to invite their friends
to attend RE classes together with them?
學習傳福音的技藝永遠不嫌早！
宗教教育的學生可以成為神的代言人。
還有什麼比學生邀請自已朋友，
和他們一起參加宗教教育課程還更好的方式呢？
RE teachers should encourage their students to be involved in evangelism.
First, RE teachers should instill a sense of responsibility
and the need to evangelize to their friends outside of church.
宗教教育教師應該鼓勵自已的學生參與傳福音。
首先，宗教教育老師要灌輸責任感，
以及向教會以外朋友傳福音的需要。
Second, they should be taught how to evangelize.
The RE department should set aside time
to teach the importance and significance of preaching God’s word.
第二，他們應該得到教導如何傳福音。
宗教教育系應該預留時間，
教導傳講神話語的重要性和意義。
Third, much preparatory work is needed.
Students should be familiar with the church doctrines and key Bible verses
before preaching to their friends.
It is important to equip the students with appropriate procedures of preaching
and to constantly remind and show them the power of prayer in spreading the gospel.
第三，要準備很多工作。
學生應熟悉教義和重要的經文，
向他們的朋友傳教之前。
讓學生具備適當的傳道程序是非常重要的，
不斷給他們提醒和展示傳福音禱告的力量。
Outreach Programs 開拓活動
The RE department can implement programs
that appeal to students to reach out and show their concern for other members.
These activities, which are less didactic and more interactive,
can include leading fellowship services and helping members in need.
宗教教育系可以實施計劃，
呼籲學生伸出援手並表達對其他同學的關心。
這些活動比較少說教，有較多的互動，
可以包括帶領團契聚會和幫助有需要的同學。
The objective of outreach is to teach Christian living principles.
Visiting retirement homes, orphanages, and hospitals
provide opportunities for the students to evangelize and work with non-Christians.
向外開拓活動的目的是，教導基督徒的生活準則。
參觀安養院、孤兒院和醫院，
讓學生傳福音，及與非基督徒合作的機會。
The students should also be encouraged to serve other members in the church.
For example, they can allocate a certain portion of their time
to run errands or do some housework for senior members
who are in need of help.
They can also serve fellow students facing difficulties
by offering their time, prayer, and support.
也應該要鼓勵學生為去服事教會的其他信徒。
例如，他們可以分配一部分的時間，
去為長者幫忙跑腿或做家務，
因為他們需要幫助。
他們也可以服事有困難的同學，
透過提供時間，禱告和支持。
Participating in these outreach efforts
will allow students to bond with their community as well as other church members.
These efforts will help students appreciate their social environment
and acquire healthy attitudes like humility, respect, commitment, concern for others,
as well as responsibility.
Such exposures can add great value towards their personal Christian growth.
參與這些向外開拓的工作，
將使學生與他們的團契建立及其他的教會信徒建立緊密的連繫。
這些付出將幫助學生珍惜他們的社會環境，
並獲得健全的態度，如謙遜，尊重，熱情，關懷他人，
同時具有責任感。
這樣的接觸可以給他們個人的基督徒成長增添巨大的價值。
In an ever-changing society, RE classes pave the way for students
to achieve their emotional, social, and spiritual potentials
—helping each student develop and reach spiritual maturity and integrity.
在此不斷變化的社會中，宗教教育課程給學生鋪路，
去實現他們的感情，社交和屬靈方面的潛力，
—幫助每個學生發展，並達成心靈的成熟和正直。
There is wisdom in serving God as an RE teacher,
and it is the desire of RE teachers everywhere
to see their students articulate and apply God’s words in life
and to utilize their talents to serve Him
and make good decisions in their personal lives.
作為宗教教育老師服事神是有智慧的，
這是各地宗教教育教師的願望，
可以看到他們的學生在生活中清晰表達和應用神的話語，
並利用他們的才能來事奉祂，
並在個人的生活中做出正確的決定。
May God open for us a window of opportunity
to serve with an unclouded mind, undaunted spirit, and steadfast faith.
When an RE department is committed to working with the church
and to adapt and make changes in line with the needs of a new generation of students,
a dedicated and Cteacher can and will make the difference.
願神為我們打開機會之窗，
可用無憂無慮的心情，無所畏懼的心境和堅定的信心來服事。
當宗教教育系努力與教會合作時，
並根據新世代學生的需求進行調整與改變，
一位專心投入的教師可以且會帶來改變。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同?
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)