May 24, 2019
Biographers and historians have conferred the title, “Father of Modern Education,” on John Amos Comenius primarily due to his contribution to modern educational methodology. Comenius was born on March 28, 1592 in Moravia, now in the Czech Republic. Much of this Moravian theologian’s writings suggest that the overarching objective of his life and work was of greater consequence than reformed educational method. The examination of the life and works of this seventeenth-century educational reformer will help us to understand if it was the intent of Comenius to influence positively the work of world mission.
John Henry shares his research, which could be significant to the
Christian church’s missionary efforts today. If the writings of
John Amos Comenius express his intent to contribute to world
mission, his vision for educational reforms may be important for
missionary efforts in cultures where the gospel is having little
effect. If Comenius’ vision for universal education is of a
missionary purpose, his life work may then be understood to
encourage cooperation between major cultural and religious blocks
of people for more than the commonly accepted social regeneration
aims of secularists.