Be Still and Know: Contemplative Practices for Christian Schools and Educators

The goal of Christian education is distinctive: to help students develop into well-integrated human beings and faithful disciples. Yet Christian schools are beset by many of the same challenges that plague virtually all schools today--a culture of distraction and deteriorating mental health, the erosion of community and social bonds, not to mention widespread disaffiliation from traditional religious institutions. Drawing upon current research in psychology, neuroscience, education, and spirituality, Be Still and Know presents the contemplative Christian tradition as an untapped resource for addressing these challenges and helping Christian schools to better fulfill their mission.

In these pages, veteran educator Patrick Manning guides readers through a school day where they experience people, time, space, and school activities in a more contemplative manner. He invites readers to engage in Christian contemplative practices for themselves through a series of meditations. He also comes alongside them to assess the significant challenges of working in education today, and to develop practical responses grounded in the wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition as well as current research.

Educators will come away from this book personally renewed and professionally equipped with new strategies for teaching, researching, working with others, building community, playing, and ordering time in their classrooms and schools. Wise, timely, and transformative, Be Still and Know is a vital resource for teachers and administrators in Christian schools.