The significance of a Christian philosophy of life in the child's constitution of a life-world through education

Abstract

This study demonstrates the lack of meaning in contemporary society. Modern youth is confronted by numerous factors contributing towards a meaningless life. Because the child has an existential yearning for menning, he needs the pedagogic guidance of a (Christian) educator to assist him to constitute his own life-world and, in particular, to enable him to attain a meaningful existence via the acquisition of a Christian philosophy of life. The study reveals the role of education with regard to the various components of constituting a life-world and the overall task of the school and its curriculum. The significance of a Christian philosophy of life in helping the child to constitute a life-world through education is demonstrated with special reference to various aspects of adulthood (modes of human existence) and certain meaningful relationships.