Behaviorism in Christian Education

Abstract

Dr. Glenn Barnes critically examines behaviorism through a Christian lens, tracing its philosophical roots from Descartes, Locke, and Hume to modern psychology and B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning. He contrasts behaviorism’s deterministic, mechanistic view of human nature with the biblical understanding of man as a unified, spiritual being created in God’s image. The essay explores behaviorism’s applications in education—programmed instruction, contingency management, and the Keller Plan—while acknowledging its effectiveness in shaping observable behavior. Barnes warns, however, that behaviorism’s emphasis on external control and reinforcement neglects the inner transformation central to Christian sanctification. He argues that only the Gospel can truly change hearts, minds, and actions. While recognizing behaviorism’s contributions to educational practice, Barnes urges Christian educators to evaluate its methods critically and prioritize spiritual growth over behavioral outcomes. — Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)