Christianity and english language teaching: a case study of christian missionary teachers in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate influences and correlations between the Christian faith and English language teaching in Thailand. Central research questions explore the religious beliefs leading Evangelical Christian teachers to integrate their Christian faith and how the participants make such integrations into their classroom management strategies. Fifteen missionary teachers in a Christian language school in Bangkok were selected for this investigation. Data were obtained by semi-structure interviews. Results have revealed that there are three key themes influencing the participant teachers to integrate their Christian faith into teaching: divine mission (sharing faith with the world), divine creation of humans and divine calling (purpose in life). Furthermore, the participants employed a holistic approach for faith integration holding on relationship with students, professionalism and cultural awareness as core values. This research illuminates the interrelationship of teacher‟s personal religious beliefs and classroom management styles as well as enhances understanding of the intersections of Christian faith and language teaching.