Education reform has never been one of those big ticket items for me, but in considering a political candidate I needed to take a deeper look into the topic. As a Christian the first scripture that comes to mind when I think about education is Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” As I’ve mentioned before, God’s word always seems to get at the heart of a matter. In this case it’s pretty clear what we’re to do as parents.
Train up a child in the way he should go
Creationism has not fared well in public schools. Neither has Intelligent Design, which simply acknowledges that there may be a Creator involved in life. I remember the first time I heard anything from a Creationist perspective–when I was in Bible school. After the session I cried for nearly an hour because I felt so jaded by my public education. I had never once been introduced to the topic. What about all of the other kids who never hear anything different. Some of them will grow up ignorant, become world leaders, and continue to propagate unbalanced scientific theories such as Evolution without a word to the contrary.
Advocates of public schooling often cite it’s social benefits. It will teach children how to interact with others. It will teach them decision making and critical thinking. It will teach them how to communicate. But it will not teach them how to pray, it will not teach them about the Bible, and it will not teach them the 10 Commandments all of which are life-skills that nobody should be without.
Dump education reform for just education
It’s obvious that public education will never benefit the Christian when it comes to Biblical wisdom, so what does a Christian do? Deuteronomy 6:7, in speaking of the Commandments, says “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Emphasis added) God didn’t say “The public school system shall teach,” He said You shall teach. Maybe it’s time for Christians to stop wasting tax dollars on education Reform, and instead focus on training their children themselves.
Further reading
Photo by Joseph Robertson
9 Comments
Dustin, I found your site after doing an internet search and absolutely love it!! good themes, great writing. I’ll be back often. I’m leaving you some “love” on my blog as well…happy blogging from Colorado!!
BTW, for what it’s worth…Scout II and the Mustang (owned one for 3 years).
I’m glad you found the site! What were you searching for? I’m telling you the Scout II is an awesome vehicle. I’ve never owned one, but seriously, what could be more manly?!
Did a search on “Christian Manhood Blogs” and yours came up.
I haven’t owns a Scout either but would love one (it’s on the list). I had an uncle growing up who owned one…great memories!
Amen, brutha! I have been a homeschooling mom lo these many years and wouldn’t trust my kids to public or Catholic school. Your blog is great, btw.
I was really happy to find your blog and have enjoyed it since my first visit. I have to tell you, however, that as a teacher who has spent 22 years (so far) teaching children in a wonderful public school district, that it is pretty tough to read your criticism of schools. I would be interested in knowing a few things: How much time have you spent in your neighborhood school? Do you volunteer and look for ways to make your local school a better place for children and adults? What do you really know about your local school? If it’s only what you have “heard” or read about in the newspaper, you owe it to yourself to make a visit. You may be surprised to find that there are many Chritians who teach in that school and many Christian parents who are working alongside teachers to create a wonderful place for learning. It is easy to sit back and criticize our schools without really knowing the fine work being done daily often under difficult conditions. If your local school and district are anything like mine, you will find Christian teachers, students, administrators, and families working hard and doing amazing things. It is disheartening to read your comments (and comments from others) which cite a lack of trust and lack of confidence in your brothers and sisters working so hard. Are public schools perfect? Of course not. The society in which they function is not perfect either. Our doctors, dentists, hospitals, retail clerks, writers, and government officials are not perfect either but you rarely read this type of harsh criticism of their work. Rather than criticize teachers and schools who work hard to meet a multitude of needs and deal with countless problems, I would love to hear you honor those who do what is often thankless work. You may also be interested to know that while there are many families who are doing a fine job teaching their children at home, typically when a “home schooler” enters the school system they are far behind academically. And, aren’t academics the primary purpose of education? Please don’t be so quick to assume our schools are failing and promoting values contrary to your values. Know that many fine students and adults are thriving AND being a excellent witness each day in schools across our country.
Hey Vince, I’m sorry to offend you. This was not intended to be a criticism of teachers or their work by any means. I would completely agree with you that teachers are wonderful, and incredibly under-appreciated, under-supported, and underpaid. I’ve known lots of Christian teachers and I hope that they are able to make some impact on children’s lives even with all of the restrictions on what they can and can’t say or do in class. With that said, you brought up some really great points that I would love to address.
This post was supposed to be an honest evaluation of a political issue (education reform) from a biblical perspective. The evidence that I’ve laid out is clear, God isn’t allowed in school these days.
I actually worked at a school district so I’ve had plenty of experience in the classroom. I worked in the curriculum department which gave me an up close look at how curriculum is decided upon. From my experience it didn’t look God had anything to do with it. In fact, neither of the folks making those decisions wanted anything to do with God.
I’ve also written this post as a person who has actually been through the public education system. I was routinely shot down in biology for even bringing up the topic of Creationism. I prayed outside of my school every Wednesday, amidst the mockery of my peers and the haranguing of my high school office staff. And when it was possible I led/participated in a Christian club on campus that was also the subject of much debate.
The fact of the matter is that public schools, from a federal level don’t promote Christian values. Does that mean you shouldn’t teach in one? Nope. In fact, I’d say it does. But should we continually pour money and resources into education reform that will never support teaching our children the timeless truths of the Bible? Absolutely not.
Thanks for your comments! While I don’t agree that “God isn’t allowed in schools these days”, and believe education reform isn’t contrary to Christian values (at least where I live), I appreciate your your blog and know I will continue to read and enjoy it. Remember to pray for our schools and encourage Christians to be a part of the reform taking place.
Great comments Vince. I’m super impressed how you handled some tough statements! Interactions like these most certainly help us to learn from each other. Thank you!
I think you make a great point that we need to continue praying for our schools. In the past, when I had a more regular prayer life, I would pray for all of the local political representatives (including the State Superintendent) but I never really added schools to the list.
I’m glad to hear that you’ll be sticking around!
I am surprised at the narrow vision of your public school reform post. Public schools are exactly that…public. They serve ALL students brought to them not JUST those that read the bible. So in a public school setting parents of students of all backgrounds should be the ones to instruct their children on their individual religious beliefs…that is NOT the job of a public school. I understand when parents homeschool their students however, this doesn’t adequately prepare children to be citizens of a world where they will encounter people of VARIOUS faiths, different socio-economic and ethnic backgounds. Often when homeschooled students get to the college campus it is an awakening in a myriad of ways. I think if you want your child to only be exposed to Christian values, Christian people, and Christian lifestyle the public school setting in any metropolitan city is not for your child.