My OperaChristian Education: An Open Question
Thursday, January 26, 2012 11:36:36 PM
I plan to write a series of posts on Christian Education, K-12. This is something I have been involved with off and on since 1989, and especially now, teaching at the American Academy, where both my daughters also attend. I'd like to start with this question, and I'd like to invite responses:
Why is Christian education not one of the most important issues facing the church today?
Let me tell you where I'm coming from. My perspective is that of Cornelius Van Til and J. Gresham Machen, who saw the education of our covenant children as one of the most important tasks of the church, and saw just how important it was that this education take place within the covenant community. They saw, and I agree, that to entrust the education of future leaders and members of the church to those outside the covenant community was simply something that was completely wrong.
And yet, very few Christians seem to take this responsibility seriously today. Any number of church members, even pastors and elders, see little or no problem with sending their children to government schools where anything but the gospel truth (literally) is communicated, and a great deal that is virulently opposed to biblical truth. They see nothing wrong with exposing their children 5 or 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 180 days to teaching that they would never allow in their homes. Not to mention the social influence of the teachers and fellow students, many of whom most certainly do not hold to biblical values.
In conversation with some of these people, we are told that the PCA position paper on Christian Education is pious advice. If it's so pious, one wonders why more people don't take it? I have seen stiff resistance to the idea that government schools are just wrong and that Christian schools and home schooling are superior, both morally and educationally.
So, what do you think? Why are Christians in general so unconcerned with this issue, and so many willing to let their children be educated in the household of Baal? Why is it considered a lifestyle option? Do you agree or disagree, and what can be done about it?
Why is Christian education not one of the most important issues facing the church today?
Let me tell you where I'm coming from. My perspective is that of Cornelius Van Til and J. Gresham Machen, who saw the education of our covenant children as one of the most important tasks of the church, and saw just how important it was that this education take place within the covenant community. They saw, and I agree, that to entrust the education of future leaders and members of the church to those outside the covenant community was simply something that was completely wrong.
And yet, very few Christians seem to take this responsibility seriously today. Any number of church members, even pastors and elders, see little or no problem with sending their children to government schools where anything but the gospel truth (literally) is communicated, and a great deal that is virulently opposed to biblical truth. They see nothing wrong with exposing their children 5 or 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 180 days to teaching that they would never allow in their homes. Not to mention the social influence of the teachers and fellow students, many of whom most certainly do not hold to biblical values.
In conversation with some of these people, we are told that the PCA position paper on Christian Education is pious advice. If it's so pious, one wonders why more people don't take it? I have seen stiff resistance to the idea that government schools are just wrong and that Christian schools and home schooling are superior, both morally and educationally.
So, what do you think? Why are Christians in general so unconcerned with this issue, and so many willing to let their children be educated in the household of Baal? Why is it considered a lifestyle option? Do you agree or disagree, and what can be done about it?
Stardancer # Friday, January 27, 2012 12:02:18 AM
There is only one thing that can be done about it: Christians must find courage to follow the example of the Savior, and live what He teaches. There must be no confusion, no hesitation, no hypocrisy, and no compromise of those teachings, no matter the cost.
That kind of courage is very rare, in practice.
It shouldn't be.
BarryHofstetter # Sunday, January 29, 2012 1:37:51 PM
More on this in my next blog post.