Existential Learners

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. Act 17:11 (NLT)

              When Paul and Silas made their rounds sharing the news of the resurrected Messiah, many of the Jews refused to even consider their claims. They knew the scriptures and there was no way this news of Jesus being the much-anticipated Messiah could be accurate. They read the scriptures and interpreted them as they saw fit without ever considering the claims of Paul and Silas.             

              The Bereans were different. They received Paul’s words with open minds and eagerness. What I like the most about them is they immediately went back and checked what Paul was preaching against the backdrop of scripture. They did whatever was needed to find the real truth.

              The Bereans are similar to the Existential thinkers in our classrooms. These kids are our deep thinkers who ask larger than life questions. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Is there life on other planets? Similar to the Intrapersonal Intelligence, they are self-examiners and seem wise beyond their years. They have a strong understanding of the importance of each person and they feel a great responsibility to fulfill their intended purpose on Earth. Sometimes these students might seem distant or lost in thought, when in reality, they are exploring topics most kids their age would never think to ask. Because these students are deep thinkers, they may get bored with surface questions and discussions. Ask the hard questions. Introduce them to the deeper thinkers of the past and present. Include abstract and creative activities. Engage in critical thinking activities and teach them how to research. Practices of mindfulness and journaling, especially in nature, spark their souls. Simple answers aren’t enough; they want depth and substance, especially from their teachers.

              While we are blessed to live in a country of compulsory education, one of the areas that often goes lacking in the classroom is teaching students how to think for themselves in a critical fashion. We teach students about reading, writing, mathematics, physical education, science, history, and technology but when do we teach them to think for themselves and question? Our goal is to train them to be productive citizens, but at some point, we stopped creating world changers and instead a generation blind rule followers.

              Children with the Existential Intelligence have the potential to make huge changes by challenging stagnant ideologies and correcting corrupt systems. They see the bigger picture and want others to benefit from their knowledge, not just themselves.

              How are we fostering the growth of these deep thinkers? Are we forcing them to sit in silence and never explore their deeper brain processes? Or are we giving them the tools and opportunities to grow to their fullest potential?

Do the Heart Work

1.      Do you include deeper, searching questions in your lessons on a regular basis?

2.      How are some ways to engage your Existential learners?

3.      What larger than life questions do you think about?

Digging Deeper

              Jesus was known for asking questions that caused the hearer to pause and think. Read a few of these verses below and take time to ponder them as well.

1.      For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:46 (ESV)

2.      Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51 (NIV)

3.      “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 (NIV)

4.      Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

5.      “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? Luke 6:46 (NLT)

If You Get Spare Time 

              Spend some alone time asking yourself big questions. You can talk through them or write out your responses.

1.      What does it mean to really live for Jesus?

2.      Do I really believe he will supply my every need? How do I know?

3. Is Jesus the Master of my classroom?