Probing More Deeply a Major Historical Epistemological Foundation of Adult Education Internationally and in the United States of America

Commission for International Adult Education. Available from: American Association for Adult and Continuing Education. 10111 Martin Luther King Junior Highway Suite 200C, Bowie, MD 20720. Tel: 301-459-6261; Fax: 301-459-6241; e-mail: [email protected]; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://www.aaace.org/page/CIAE

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Adult Education; Global Approach; Religion; Religious Factors; Educational History; Churches; Christianity; Judaism; Epistemology

The historical and philosophical foundation of adult education finds its origins and motivations stemming from various sources nationally and internationally. However, one not to be ignored pertinent epistemology source is the overall umbrella concept of piety and devotion including the three elements of religion, spirituality, and a personal relationship with the living God. Many activities of adult education are deeply rooted in the overall umbrella concept of piety and devotion foundations and the God who some of us declare openly that we serve with willing, humble, contrite, and grateful hearts as well as serving many constituencies with whom we are involved. Presently, it may be beneficial to remind ourselves and others that God (whom atheists and anti-theists say does not exist) has influenced some of the operationalization of adult education. From ancient times, the international Hebrew and Christian Scriptures identify Moses, Joshua, Paul, and Jesus (even at the age of 12) being involved in adult education. Long (1991) identifies ten early innovative adult educators (from 1591 to 1920) strongly lacing the religious dimension in their adult education writings. Knowles (1962, 1977) and Grattan (1955, 1959) substantiate that the Church was at the forefront in adult education in the USA during the first two centuries of our existence from 1600 on. Reischmann (2006) from Germany, states that the religious foundation is one source of adult education. Henschke also references may things in adult education he has accomplished are a result of the "Call of God" on his life which he has joyfully enacted. [For the full proceedings, see ED625421.]

As Provided

2023

ED625473