SEL in Lutheran Schools: A New Perspective on an Old Practice

SEL in Christian Education

In a recent article by Dr. Jesse Florang, a fellow Nebraskan (Go Big Red!), the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) has brought to light an intriguing perspective on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The article posits that SEL is not a new concept for Lutheran schools, as religious education has long served as the original SEL curriculum. This premise is both fascinating and thought-provoking, and it’s heartening to see thought leaders within the LEA recognizing the importance of SEL. You could make a solid case that Christian Education was historically the first to recognize the importance of a holistic approach to education.

As a teacher of Religion at a Christian International School, it’s great to see these topics reverberating across different educational contexts. However, there are a couple of additional points that might merit discussion.

1. Delineating Character Education from Christianity

While the article rightly highlights the historical role of religious education in fostering social and emotional skills, it’s crucial to distinguish between character education and Christianity. SEL, or what some might call character education, is not the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news of salvation by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Christianity is fundamentally about this salvation, and sanctification and character development are byproducts of a life submitted to Jesus in partnership with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while SEL can complement Christian education, it should not be conflated with it.

2. Humility in Approach

While the author would likely agree with the first point, the second slightly diverges from some of the article’s assertions. SEL lessons can provide valuable insights and perspectives that Christian educators might learn from, even if they do not fully adopt them. There is much to be gained from the methodologies and approaches SEL takes towards education. The line from the article that I take the most objection to (and perhaps I'm taking it out of context) is when the author writes that there is:

“no reason to change, update, revise, or modify a religious SEL curriculum that has already prepared several generations to be successful long after graduation,”

I believe that kind of thinking can cause Christians to be blind to the following:

1. Every curriculum is centered around students, and no two students are the same. This means that Christian education should continually adapt its approach to meet students where they are and explore how the gospel applies to their current context.

2. While God is consistent, a Christian’s understanding of Him is ever-evolving. As an infinite God, a Christian's knowledge of Him is limitless. This growing understanding should be reflected in the curriculum.

3. As bearers of God’s image, Christians should infuse creativity and energy into the curriculum.

4. Christianity adds depth to the concepts presented in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approaches. For example, Self-Awareness, one of CASEL’s five SEL competencies, from a Christian perspective, begins with an understanding of God—God is, therefore I am. A Christian’s identity is not imagined and created in the psyche but through the sacrificial love that enables a relationship with God and adoption into His family.

By integrating these ideas, Christian educators can enrich their educational practices and better support students’ development.

In conclusion, while the article by Dr. Florang offers a compelling argument for the historical role of religious education in SEL, it’s important to recognize the distinctions and potential synergies between SEL and Christian education. By doing so, Christian educators can ensure that their educational practices are both effective and true to their faith.

You know the old adage, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” I don't mean to throw stones, especially at stained glass.

What are your thoughts on integrating SEL with Christian education? Let’s continue this important conversation!

#ChristianEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #FaithInEducation #LutheranSchools #CharacterEducation #GraceAndFaith #TeachingWithHeart #StudentDevelopment #EducationInnovation #FaithBasedLearning #NebraskaPride #GospelTruth #HolisticEducation #SpiritualGrowth

Generative AI was a thought partner in the writing of this post.