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Article

Open Access

A Christian Approach to Education for Sustainable Development

Author(s)

Mary-Noelle Ethel Ezeh

Full-Text PDF Download XML 526 Views

DOI:10.17265/1548-6591/2015.05.001

Affiliation(s)

Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

In declaring 2005-2014 Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), the United Nations challenge all countries to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into their education and learning policies and programmes at all levels. The concept of sustainable development, first used in 1987 Brundtland World Commission Report, has itself since evolved from its narrow two foci use on environment and development process, to include broader dimensions that integrate economic, ecological, social, and spiritual well-being which promote the quality of life. But a proper integration of these four pillars of sustainable development into education and learning process requires an innovative and interdisciplinary approach. Sustainable development is a scientific concept which builds on observable facts as well as an ethical imperative which demands critical reflection on responsible human action. The objective of this study is therefore to critically examine how the content and practices of the Christian faith teach and enhance responsible action for sustainable development. Firstly, the paper analyses some key Biblical values that foster sustainable development. Secondly, it demonstrates how the basic principles of Catholic social teaching correspond with and promote the principles of sustainable development. Thirdly, it highlights some Christian activities that promote sustainable development. Finally, the paper concludes by recommending a greater integration of the Christian value-based education into the education and learning system in Africa.

KEYWORDS

education, economic, ecological, social, spiritual well-being

Cite this paper

Journal of US-China Public Administration, May 2015, Vol. 12, No. 5, 337-344

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