The article under consideration is written by Stimming (1999) and deals with the use of Augustinian Confessions when teaching theology in the classroom. The author does not formulate the research questions or provide a clear thesis statement in his article, which keeps the reader a bit at a loss. However, Stimming (1999) names the purpose of his paper, aiming at the identification of the sources and implications of the theological anthropology. One of the primary arguments of the article is the Augustinian claim, “you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you” (as cited in Stimming, 1999, p. 137). The author stresses that the review of this statement helped him to acknowledge the subject matter of theology teaching, which is assisting students in opening their hearts to God and finding peace.
Another important point is related to the role of the teacher who should say to themselves, “I cannot reflect on the influence of sin in the classroom without considering the impact of my own diseased self” (Stimming, 1999, p. 139). Teachers should use authority wisely and try to empower students, which will lead to enhanced engagement. The author also stresses the value of self-reflection for teachers who receive an opportunity to identify their weaknesses and build on strengths. The method utilized by the author (self-reflection) is effective as it provides insights into the experiences of an educator. The major implication of the article is its potential effects on teaching practice as educators can improve their teaching methods through the use of self-reflection. The article by Kanu (2019) addresses similar aspects of Augustinian ideas discussed in Stimming (1999), which suggests that educators concentrate on the guiding principles articulated by the Christian philosopher. The article by Stimming (1999) also raises relevant questions regarding the outcomes of using such Augustinian principles by educators in a larger educational setting.
References
Kanu, I. A. (2019). Augustine‟s pedagogy: Religio-humanistic perspective. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 17(1), 45-53.
Stimming, M. T. (1999). Confessions from the classroom teaching with Augustinian eyes.Teaching Theology & Religion, 2(2), 137-142. Web.