Today’s Christian Education Commentary
with Harold Naylor
What education changes can we expect to see when we elect a new president?
In this heated election season, each candidate for president will declare that he will improve America’s schools.
They want to see our children be more competitive on the world stage and believe that their solution will turn things around. So, they will either argue for more government involvement or less, depending on their party’s platform.
Why is it that the America’s schools need turning around? It is because they lost their original purpose when government got more involved and parents got less involved.
The solution? It is not a new president. It is parents claiming their God-given responsibility to lead their families and take full responsibility for the training of their children.
To my fellow voters and parents, please partner with a school that shares your values and priorities.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Worldview and Christian Education, Part II
by Allison Hyer
Allison is a gradaute of Calvary Christian School in Naperville, IL (elementary school) and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL (high school). She graduated from Bryan College in Dayton, TN. In addition, Allison is the daughter of Mr. Mark Strohm, Elementary Principal at Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA).
A person’s worldview—the basic set of beliefs through which you understand the world—is affected by the influences around them. One of the most important influences in a child’s life is his teacher.
Each day teachers pass on basic information that students accept as truth. Especially with young children, the truth of what a teacher says is not generally questioned. Not only in matters of fact does the teaching go unquestioned, though. The way a teacher treats students, the opinions a teacher may communicate—these are accepted as well.
Whether a teacher is passing on factual answers to the foundational questions (like teaching a child about scientific origins) or more subtle opinions (such singling out a child as commendable for something, which teaches about identity), a child is exposed to a teacher’s basic beliefs. Children are not equipped to untangle these beliefs on their own or even communicate them to their parents, so these beliefs will most often be accepted without question.
Since worldview is so foundational, the importance of answering basic questions correctly and consistently cannot be overestimated. When parents send their child to school, they are entrusting the mind of their child to his teachers. If the worldviews of his teachers are not biblical, the parents have led their child into a position where he will absorb basic beliefs that are not true or consistent. And because basic beliefs are also assumptions, he will not know how to question them.
His foundation for meaning, morality, identity and his understanding of his destiny will still be influenced by his parents, but because his teachers are in a position of authority and because they spend so much time imparting knowledge to him, there is no question that they will also be a huge influence on him in those areas. These unbiblical basic beliefs will be established in his mind, leading to, if not action based upon unbiblical beliefs, at least confusion. Which way of thinking is the right way—his parents’ or his teachers’ and friends’?
However, when parents send their child to a school where the teachers’ worldviews are biblical, they can be assured that he is learning—both extrinsically and intrinsically—the same basic beliefs and assumptions that they are imparting to him at home. They do not have to worry about their child learning unbiblical answers to basic questions about who he is, where he came from, what right and wrong are based upon, the value of other people and the meaning of life.
This leads to increased confidence for the child—there is no conflict between the authority figures in his life, so he can be more sure that what he believes is true. This will lead to a greater tendency toward action based on a biblical worldview, as well. Because he is learning to think in ways that are consistent and biblical, the fruit of those beliefs will be evident in a life lived more consistently by biblical principles.
An increase in confidence will also come for the parents—they do not have to worry about trying to help a child who is too young to question his assumptions unlearn what his teachers have taught him. Not that they can or should disengage in the process, but when they send their child to a Christian school, they can rest assured that they have entrusted the formation of their child’s beliefs to allies who are working toward the same goal—imparting a true and biblical worldview to their child.
Allison is a gradaute of Calvary Christian School in Naperville, IL (elementary school) and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL (high school). She graduated from Bryan College in Dayton, TN. In addition, Allison is the daughter of Mr. Mark Strohm, Elementary Principal at Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA).
A person’s worldview—the basic set of beliefs through which you understand the world—is affected by the influences around them. One of the most important influences in a child’s life is his teacher.
Each day teachers pass on basic information that students accept as truth. Especially with young children, the truth of what a teacher says is not generally questioned. Not only in matters of fact does the teaching go unquestioned, though. The way a teacher treats students, the opinions a teacher may communicate—these are accepted as well.
Whether a teacher is passing on factual answers to the foundational questions (like teaching a child about scientific origins) or more subtle opinions (such singling out a child as commendable for something, which teaches about identity), a child is exposed to a teacher’s basic beliefs. Children are not equipped to untangle these beliefs on their own or even communicate them to their parents, so these beliefs will most often be accepted without question.
Since worldview is so foundational, the importance of answering basic questions correctly and consistently cannot be overestimated. When parents send their child to school, they are entrusting the mind of their child to his teachers. If the worldviews of his teachers are not biblical, the parents have led their child into a position where he will absorb basic beliefs that are not true or consistent. And because basic beliefs are also assumptions, he will not know how to question them.
His foundation for meaning, morality, identity and his understanding of his destiny will still be influenced by his parents, but because his teachers are in a position of authority and because they spend so much time imparting knowledge to him, there is no question that they will also be a huge influence on him in those areas. These unbiblical basic beliefs will be established in his mind, leading to, if not action based upon unbiblical beliefs, at least confusion. Which way of thinking is the right way—his parents’ or his teachers’ and friends’?
However, when parents send their child to a school where the teachers’ worldviews are biblical, they can be assured that he is learning—both extrinsically and intrinsically—the same basic beliefs and assumptions that they are imparting to him at home. They do not have to worry about their child learning unbiblical answers to basic questions about who he is, where he came from, what right and wrong are based upon, the value of other people and the meaning of life.
This leads to increased confidence for the child—there is no conflict between the authority figures in his life, so he can be more sure that what he believes is true. This will lead to a greater tendency toward action based on a biblical worldview, as well. Because he is learning to think in ways that are consistent and biblical, the fruit of those beliefs will be evident in a life lived more consistently by biblical principles.
An increase in confidence will also come for the parents—they do not have to worry about trying to help a child who is too young to question his assumptions unlearn what his teachers have taught him. Not that they can or should disengage in the process, but when they send their child to a Christian school, they can rest assured that they have entrusted the formation of their child’s beliefs to allies who are working toward the same goal—imparting a true and biblical worldview to their child.
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Distinctive Mission of Christian Education
submitted by Bill Stevens, Headmaster ~ Wilmington Christian School (DE)
Jesus' Greatest Commandment
Dr. David Dockery, in his book, Renewing Minds: Serving Church and Society, writes about the Great Commandment of Christ . . .
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” ~Matthew 22:36-37
Dockery states that this is the starting point of our thinking about the integration of faith and learning. He says that these words of Jesus serve as the framework for carrying out the distinctive mission of Christian education to this changing postmodern world. It’s learning to think Christianly, to think in Christian categories, and at the same time connectedly to a Christian focus . . . namely Christ.
“Learning to think Christianly impacts our homes, our businesses, our health care agencies, our schools, our social structures, our recreation, and, yes, our churches too. Applying this Great Commandment entails all that we know of ourselves being committed to all that we know of God” (pp. 11-12).
Education today has become academically specialized and thus, being and becoming more unwilling to form interrelatedness between the disciplines. This unwillingness to relate disciplines to one another has resulted in a fragmentation of knowledge. It has resulted in a false dichotomy between the life of the mind and the life of faith. This fragmentation should alarm all who are committed to Christian education, for it strikes at the heart of our purpose and mission.
But alarmed we are not. Lest we would be so angered at the present state of education as to make the leap and sacrifice what was needed (at home and in our churches) to make a biblical worldview paramount for ALL the children of this next generation. As George Barna so aptly illustrated, we have become like frogs in the kettle, instead of leaping out, we slowly “boil to death” as the temperature rises. It is time, as the apostle Paul (and the prophet Isaiah before him) stated in their day . . .
“Wake up, O sleeper
Rise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you”
~Ephesians 5:14
Unfortunately, we have become complacent . . . at the very least, comfortable; accepting a postmodern, relativistic, God-neutral (at best) environment to educate kingdom kids. It’s not the money, for He owns it all and will honor those who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30). It’s not the “salt & light” rationale, for we are to be that wherever we are. It’s the philosophy, the mind-set, and the perspective under which we place our children for the foundation of their thinking, learning, and living.
As we see throughout this political campaign, and in the recent financial crisis, people are looking for a sound foundation. What do the candidates really stand for? What is there true worldview? What is at the heart of our economic structure? Will the financial foundation hold? Are power, greed and manipulation of people and their money the standard for our society? I can’t imagine you saying, “Yes”. So now take these same questions one-step further (or back) to the educational foundation of this next generation . . .
Let’s remember the question asked of Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment”? He answered it straight, that it was the first and greatest. And affirmed that it is a command, not just an option or nice idea. Our children need to learn to love God with their entire mind. That’s at the heart and soul of a Christian education! It’s our mandate and marching orders.
Thinking Out Loud,
~ Mr. Stevens
Jesus' Greatest Commandment
Dr. David Dockery, in his book, Renewing Minds: Serving Church and Society, writes about the Great Commandment of Christ . . .
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” ~Matthew 22:36-37
Dockery states that this is the starting point of our thinking about the integration of faith and learning. He says that these words of Jesus serve as the framework for carrying out the distinctive mission of Christian education to this changing postmodern world. It’s learning to think Christianly, to think in Christian categories, and at the same time connectedly to a Christian focus . . . namely Christ.
“Learning to think Christianly impacts our homes, our businesses, our health care agencies, our schools, our social structures, our recreation, and, yes, our churches too. Applying this Great Commandment entails all that we know of ourselves being committed to all that we know of God” (pp. 11-12).
Education today has become academically specialized and thus, being and becoming more unwilling to form interrelatedness between the disciplines. This unwillingness to relate disciplines to one another has resulted in a fragmentation of knowledge. It has resulted in a false dichotomy between the life of the mind and the life of faith. This fragmentation should alarm all who are committed to Christian education, for it strikes at the heart of our purpose and mission.
But alarmed we are not. Lest we would be so angered at the present state of education as to make the leap and sacrifice what was needed (at home and in our churches) to make a biblical worldview paramount for ALL the children of this next generation. As George Barna so aptly illustrated, we have become like frogs in the kettle, instead of leaping out, we slowly “boil to death” as the temperature rises. It is time, as the apostle Paul (and the prophet Isaiah before him) stated in their day . . .
“Wake up, O sleeper
Rise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you”
~Ephesians 5:14
Unfortunately, we have become complacent . . . at the very least, comfortable; accepting a postmodern, relativistic, God-neutral (at best) environment to educate kingdom kids. It’s not the money, for He owns it all and will honor those who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30). It’s not the “salt & light” rationale, for we are to be that wherever we are. It’s the philosophy, the mind-set, and the perspective under which we place our children for the foundation of their thinking, learning, and living.
As we see throughout this political campaign, and in the recent financial crisis, people are looking for a sound foundation. What do the candidates really stand for? What is there true worldview? What is at the heart of our economic structure? Will the financial foundation hold? Are power, greed and manipulation of people and their money the standard for our society? I can’t imagine you saying, “Yes”. So now take these same questions one-step further (or back) to the educational foundation of this next generation . . .
Let’s remember the question asked of Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment”? He answered it straight, that it was the first and greatest. And affirmed that it is a command, not just an option or nice idea. Our children need to learn to love God with their entire mind. That’s at the heart and soul of a Christian education! It’s our mandate and marching orders.
Thinking Out Loud,
~ Mr. Stevens
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Because Worldview Matters!
An invitation from Wilmington Christian School ~ Bill Stevens (Headmaster):
This note comes to you to let you know of a special time I am planning for our community. Wilmington Christian School will be hosting, what is hoped to be an annual event, the "RENEWING MINDS FORUM". It will be held at our school on Friday (evening - 7PM) and Saturday (morning - 10AM), October 17/18, 2008.
The speaker will be Dr. David Dockery, President of Union University in Jackson, TN. As you may recall, Union University was devastated by tornadoes back in February. Dr. Dockery has also authored several books on developing a biblical world view, with a particular emphasis on Christian higher education and impacting society.
I believe this is a timely topic for the era in which we live and certainly for our Christian school community in these days. I am inviting you to join us and attend this seminar. The cost is $15 per person with all proceeds benefiting the WCS Student Scholarship Fund.
My vision is that this would grow and develop both as an annual event, and a collaborative effort of our schools. Our churches, pastors, teachers, and board members all need to be stimulated, encouraged, and challenged to move this Christian educational ministry forward . . .
For more information and/or to download a registration brochure, please click here to visit the Wilmington Christian School website and click on the RENEWING MINDS link on the home page!
Please direct your questions to Wilmington Christian School using the contact info provided on the registration brochure.
This note comes to you to let you know of a special time I am planning for our community. Wilmington Christian School will be hosting, what is hoped to be an annual event, the "RENEWING MINDS FORUM". It will be held at our school on Friday (evening - 7PM) and Saturday (morning - 10AM), October 17/18, 2008.
The speaker will be Dr. David Dockery, President of Union University in Jackson, TN. As you may recall, Union University was devastated by tornadoes back in February. Dr. Dockery has also authored several books on developing a biblical world view, with a particular emphasis on Christian higher education and impacting society.
I believe this is a timely topic for the era in which we live and certainly for our Christian school community in these days. I am inviting you to join us and attend this seminar. The cost is $15 per person with all proceeds benefiting the WCS Student Scholarship Fund.
My vision is that this would grow and develop both as an annual event, and a collaborative effort of our schools. Our churches, pastors, teachers, and board members all need to be stimulated, encouraged, and challenged to move this Christian educational ministry forward . . .
For more information and/or to download a registration brochure, please click here to visit the Wilmington Christian School website and click on the RENEWING MINDS link on the home page!
Please direct your questions to Wilmington Christian School using the contact info provided on the registration brochure.
Worldview and Christian Education
by Allison Hyer
Allison is a gradaute of Calvary Christian School in Naperville, IL (elementary school) and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL (high school). She graduated from Bryan College in Dayton, TN. In addition, Allison is the daughter of Mr. Mark Strohm, Elementary Principal at Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA).
Every person has a worldview—a basic set of beliefs through which you see and understand the world. When you wear a pair of glasses, everything you see is affected because you see it through the glasses. Your worldview is similar. Based on it—your basic assumptions about life—you evaluate and act. Everything in your life is affected, from the priorities on your to-do list to the way you process the evil you see around you.
A worldview is made up of answers to some basic questions that everyone has to answer, whether they want to or not, whether they know it or not. As they grow into adulthood, every person has to answer questions like these: “Where did I come from?” “Who am I?” “What is my purpose in life?” “What is right and wrong?” and “Where will I go when I die?” The answers to these questions, acquired on purpose or picked up from others, are the foundation of their worldview.
The answers affect the rest of their lives—how they think about morality and ethics, what they choose to do with their money, the way they conduct themselves from day to day, their interactions with other people. Let me provide a simplified example. Worldviews are not usually as consistent as in this example, but this will allow you to see the thought process through to its conclusion.
If you answer the basic questions according to the worldview that the majority of our culture has, the answers are that we evolved from animals, so we are animals, fighting for survival. Right and wrong can only come from what works best—for the society, for you individually, etc. The ultimate fate is obliteration. This affects why people with this worldview believe in “tolerance”—because no animal has a better grasp of truth than any other. All views must be equal. Whatever works better for you, whatever it takes for you to survive, that must be right for you. Truth comes from within you.
However, if you answer the questions from a biblical worldview—we were created in the image of God, we are here to glorify Him and draw others to know Him, right and wrong are defined by God’s character, and ultimately all people are destined for heaven or hell, based on what they choose about Jesus—your belief in “tolerance” is much different. You do not affirm contrary beliefs to be true, because truth is defined by God’s character. You tolerate people with contrary beliefs not because whatever they believe is true for them, but you love others and are respectful to them because they, too, are made in the image of God.
Most people come by their worldview passively, never taking the time to examine the basic beliefs they have. They accept and proceed to act on opinions they have picked up, either from their parents, their friends, the media or others in authority in their lives. This includes teachers.
Because worldview is important, it is also important that a child’s influences share his worldview. The next blog entry (check back next Wednesday) will explore how the worldview of a school’s administration and teachers is foundational in developing a child’s personal worldview.
Allison is a gradaute of Calvary Christian School in Naperville, IL (elementary school) and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL (high school). She graduated from Bryan College in Dayton, TN. In addition, Allison is the daughter of Mr. Mark Strohm, Elementary Principal at Delaware County Christian School (Newtown Square, PA).
Every person has a worldview—a basic set of beliefs through which you see and understand the world. When you wear a pair of glasses, everything you see is affected because you see it through the glasses. Your worldview is similar. Based on it—your basic assumptions about life—you evaluate and act. Everything in your life is affected, from the priorities on your to-do list to the way you process the evil you see around you.
A worldview is made up of answers to some basic questions that everyone has to answer, whether they want to or not, whether they know it or not. As they grow into adulthood, every person has to answer questions like these: “Where did I come from?” “Who am I?” “What is my purpose in life?” “What is right and wrong?” and “Where will I go when I die?” The answers to these questions, acquired on purpose or picked up from others, are the foundation of their worldview.
The answers affect the rest of their lives—how they think about morality and ethics, what they choose to do with their money, the way they conduct themselves from day to day, their interactions with other people. Let me provide a simplified example. Worldviews are not usually as consistent as in this example, but this will allow you to see the thought process through to its conclusion.
If you answer the basic questions according to the worldview that the majority of our culture has, the answers are that we evolved from animals, so we are animals, fighting for survival. Right and wrong can only come from what works best—for the society, for you individually, etc. The ultimate fate is obliteration. This affects why people with this worldview believe in “tolerance”—because no animal has a better grasp of truth than any other. All views must be equal. Whatever works better for you, whatever it takes for you to survive, that must be right for you. Truth comes from within you.
However, if you answer the questions from a biblical worldview—we were created in the image of God, we are here to glorify Him and draw others to know Him, right and wrong are defined by God’s character, and ultimately all people are destined for heaven or hell, based on what they choose about Jesus—your belief in “tolerance” is much different. You do not affirm contrary beliefs to be true, because truth is defined by God’s character. You tolerate people with contrary beliefs not because whatever they believe is true for them, but you love others and are respectful to them because they, too, are made in the image of God.
Most people come by their worldview passively, never taking the time to examine the basic beliefs they have. They accept and proceed to act on opinions they have picked up, either from their parents, their friends, the media or others in authority in their lives. This includes teachers.
Because worldview is important, it is also important that a child’s influences share his worldview. The next blog entry (check back next Wednesday) will explore how the worldview of a school’s administration and teachers is foundational in developing a child’s personal worldview.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Neutral Education
Is there such a thing as neutral education?
Most educators, and far too many parents, have bought into the myth that education can be “religion-neutral.” They are convinced that teachers can train the mind without shaping attitudes, behavior or spiritual beliefs, and leave that for the parents to do at home.
However, neutral education is simply impossible.
In Romans 12:2, Paul observes the vital link between what we learn and what we become. As Gordon Clark puts it, “The school system that ignores God teaches its pupils to ignore God. That is not neutrality. It is the worst form of antagonism, for it judges God to be unimportant and irrelevant in human affairs. This is atheism.”
http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/ ~ We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.
Most educators, and far too many parents, have bought into the myth that education can be “religion-neutral.” They are convinced that teachers can train the mind without shaping attitudes, behavior or spiritual beliefs, and leave that for the parents to do at home.
However, neutral education is simply impossible.
In Romans 12:2, Paul observes the vital link between what we learn and what we become. As Gordon Clark puts it, “The school system that ignores God teaches its pupils to ignore God. That is not neutrality. It is the worst form of antagonism, for it judges God to be unimportant and irrelevant in human affairs. This is atheism.”
http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/ ~ We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.
Monday, September 8, 2008
What happens at a Christ-centered school?
Blog post written by Michael Essenburg, Christian Academy in Japan
Originally posted on the Nurturing Faith blog.
Shortest answer: The “4 differences.”
Short answer: At a Christ-centered school, students learn “different content” for a “different purpose” from “different people” in a “different environment.”
Longer answer:
(1) At a Christ-centered school, students learn “different content, skills, and values.”
They learn to…
Understand Bible stories, the plan of salvation, and a biblical perspective of what they study.
Apply a biblical perspective to what they study.
Respect themselves and others as image bearers of God.
Use their learning to serve God and others, and to take care of God’s creation.
Value and maintain spiritual, moral, physical, social, and emotional health.
(2) At a Christ-centered school, students learn for a “different purpose.”
They learn in order to impact the world for Christ. They learn in order to be Christ-like. The primary purpose of a Christ-centered school is not to help students get into college or get a job.
(3) At a Christ-centered school, students learn from “different people.”
They learn from God’s people. People with new hearts who live for God. People who bear the fruit of the Spirit. People who are passionate about helping all students increase their understanding and application of a biblical perspective.
(4) At a Christ-centered school, students learn in a “different environment.”
A Christ-centered environment. An environment that is safe, healthy, and nurturing. An environment that is characterized by love, gratitude, trust, respect for differences, and high expectations.
It's not too late to enroll your child in a Christian school. To find a Christian school in your area, visit www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com and use the School Finder feature!
Originally posted on the Nurturing Faith blog.
Shortest answer: The “4 differences.”
Short answer: At a Christ-centered school, students learn “different content” for a “different purpose” from “different people” in a “different environment.”
Longer answer:
(1) At a Christ-centered school, students learn “different content, skills, and values.”
They learn to…
Understand Bible stories, the plan of salvation, and a biblical perspective of what they study.
Apply a biblical perspective to what they study.
Respect themselves and others as image bearers of God.
Use their learning to serve God and others, and to take care of God’s creation.
Value and maintain spiritual, moral, physical, social, and emotional health.
(2) At a Christ-centered school, students learn for a “different purpose.”
They learn in order to impact the world for Christ. They learn in order to be Christ-like. The primary purpose of a Christ-centered school is not to help students get into college or get a job.
(3) At a Christ-centered school, students learn from “different people.”
They learn from God’s people. People with new hearts who live for God. People who bear the fruit of the Spirit. People who are passionate about helping all students increase their understanding and application of a biblical perspective.
(4) At a Christ-centered school, students learn in a “different environment.”
A Christ-centered environment. An environment that is safe, healthy, and nurturing. An environment that is characterized by love, gratitude, trust, respect for differences, and high expectations.
It's not too late to enroll your child in a Christian school. To find a Christian school in your area, visit www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com and use the School Finder feature!
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