Cultivating Criticality in the English Language Classroom: A Biblical Perspective

Authors

Peter Teo, National Institute of Education, SingaporeFollow

Keywords

criticality, Critical Discourse Analysis, Bible, critical reading, critical writing

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to connect criticality and Christianity by showing how the notion of criticality as an embodiment of a critical disposition that translates into action reflects and reinforces some of the teachings in the Bible. The article unfolds in three sections. The first discusses the notion of criticality from the perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a socially committed praxis that exposes how everyday text and talk reproduces inequalities and inequities in society. In the second, I show how this focus on social injustice in CDA is aligned with biblical teachings about the importance of care, compassion and kindness as modelled by Jesus Himself. Finally, I offer guidelines on how this criticality can be cultivated in the English language classroom by encouraging learners to (1) read to question and (2) write to challenge assumptions and ideologies embedded in everyday texts that perpetuate social inequality and injustices. In doing so, it is hoped that the imperative to foster a critical disposition in learners can meet, mesh and coalesce with the mandate to live out our Christian faith.

Recommended Citation

Teo, Peter (2024) "Cultivating Criticality in the English Language Classroom: A Biblical Perspective," International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching: Vol. 10, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/ijc-elt/vol10/iss1/4