Should a teaching be judged by a teacher?

Question

A teacher is usually kind of a representative of certain ideas. Even in schools, colleges, universities, etc. students are more likely to study subjects taught by charismatic teachers. In spirituality if a teaching is delivered by teachers who don't really follow their own words and declared concepts, does it mean there's something wrong with the teaching?

I'm really greatful for ALL the answers.
But actually I've heard a lot of opinions about teachers. I was asking about the teaching, the philosophy and ideas they deliver. I mean if some teaching (or doctrine, or theory call it whatever you want) goes from people you doubt as good representers, does it mean there's something wrong with THAT THEORY? Or it's worth separating one from another and just accept the ideas if I like them, despite the personality of a teacher?
That was the question. Sorry if I didn't make it clear enough from the beginning.

People, come on! I was asking about the THEORY, not the teacher.

Answer 1

Teachers may only be judged by the student . C'mon try harder .

Answer 2

I can see what you are getting at, I don't think teachers would even get the job if they hadn't agreed to follow the doctrine of whoever employed them!
But a student is obviously more likely to be 'swayed' or 'believe' in a convincing teacher, (look at Hitler)!
So really the basic answer to your question is yes there is something wrong with the teaching.
If I could just ramble on a bit more, you mention spirituality as a specific example, I dont know why you plucked that subject out if the air, but I am an atheist, if I was teaching on the subject (and was allowed to) I would present both sides of the story, and the students would debate on the subject , I of course would be very biased and could speak very well against religion and all it stood for , I could also speak very well for the subject, but my heart wouldnt really be in it!
So although your question has great merit and was well worth raising, I see no real solution to the problem, but good luck in your search!

Answer 3

Even in the non-spiritual world, teachers don't follow their own teaching. Example: Doctors will tell you that smoking and taking drugs is bad for you, but I'm sure that you'll find some of these who do just that.
In the Christian world, we accept that everyone is a sinner and imperfect. However, we also accept that some of us sinners are gifted in certain ways, teaching being one.
True Christianity is not easy. The Bible says that those who truly follow Christ virtually die every day. Christianity is all about humility, sacrifice, service; these things go against our human nature.
Christianity also teaches us not to judge others. It would be nice to have perfect teachers, but in this life it's not going to happen. The best we can hope for are teachers who openly acknowledge their faults in genuine humility. This makes it possible for those being taught to forgive. Christianity is about relationships, learning to live with others in peace and harmony; if everyone else was perfect, we wouldn't learn much about our own sins, would we?

Answer 4

Good teacher never teaches too much.good teacher make the student interested in the subject and rest is easy.Good teachers in some countries are graded by the percentage of student they taught passes/clears the subject.What is wrong with present day teaching system is that teachers fails inspire student or fail to make the student interested in the subject.

Answer 5

Quite apart from the charismatic/spiritual aspect, you have asked two questions. As a teacher I'd rather be judged by a fellow teacher than an administrator who hasn't done any teaching for years. Children suffer from teachers, especially in Primary schools, who are obliged to teach subjects in which they are either incompetent or have absolutely no interest. In my case that covers maths (no interest and incompetent) and art (interested but incompetent).

Answer 6

Not necessarily, but it sure makes me wary of their teachings. People who do this usually get off track somewhere, because they are not teaching from experience, and the longer they go on that way, the more they are relying on theory, thus the more likely they are to get it wrong even if they're intent is pure.
Worse, is the fact that people usually teach different than they live because they are only teaching what is acceptable by the majority to gain access in order to spread what is not acceptable.

http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 7

Well, that depnds on the T/S relationship and the type of learning/teaching style. I could go on but I have had a difficult teaching day and I want to forget about it it, have a drink and cigarette, maybe get stoned. But a good teacher, in my opionin regardless of their own own ideas should encourage a student to think, and investigate 4 thmslvs.

P

Answer 8

There is a saying "practice what you preach". As a teacher, if you do not show in your actions as following what you teach, then you do not believe in yourself. A good teacher should be able as a matter of fact show-off what he teaches.

A preacher can not teach love and hate his follow human and be taken seriously. There must be something seriously wrong if a teacher does contrary to his teaching.

Answer 9

i don't neccessarily agree with you when you said that students, particularly at college and university are more likely to study subjects taught by charasmatic lecturers and tutors. the subject they choose to study is linked to their career aims and future job prospects more than say a tutor's standards of teaching. then again, there are those who are good at being teachers and tutors but as human beings they are horrible and dislikable, especially to a certain degree. i have met a few in the past that fit that criteria perfectly and of which i've had the misfortune to endure.

therefore, i am studying a subject i show a passion for and of which i love immensely- as opposed to his/her's teaching methods.

Answer 10

You've got a point. On the face of it, one should really just look at religion blankly without any outside influence and choose whether it's for them or not.

However, like you said, people are more likely to study (or follow) a certain subject (or faith) if the person PRESENTING that faith does so in an interesting manner. It's not ideal, but it's sadly the truth.

Answer 11

Having a "bad" teacher does not mean that there is somethng wrong with the teachng. The teacher may be "bad" because he does not understand what he taught. When we assess things being taught we should only accept what is good and reject what is bad. In this world there is no absolute good or absolute bad.