ERIC Number: EJ1102339
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jul
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2056-9971
EISSN: N/A
Altruism and the Flourishing Teacher: Exploring a Christian Theology of Love
Matthias, Laurie R.
International Journal of Christianity & Education, v20 n2 p106-118 Jul 2016
This article responds to Chris Higgins' (2010) claim that perpetuating the myth of altruism is a factor that leads to teacher burnout, thus making "flourishing teacher" an oxymoron. It does so by exploring various views of the Christian concepts of agape, kenosis, and desire, debunking some persistent definitions that linger in Christian circles as well as embracing the layers of complexity inherent in a theology of love. The implication for Christian teachers is that because self-sacrifice and self-abnegation are not synonymous, it is possible for them to live lives of altruistic love, avoid burnout, and flourish in their vocations. Implications for teacher educators are also explored.
Descriptors: Altruism, Christianity, Religious Education, Teacher Burnout, Definitions, Teacher Educators, Intimacy, Misconceptions
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A