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Why Christian Education? By Maureen Merkle
| SOUTHERN MARYLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY |
| K2-12 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR SOUTHERN MARYLAND |
Biblical Foundation The Holy Scriptures are very clear that the responsibility of educating children rests solely with the child's parents. Deuteronomy 6:5-8 tells parents that they are to instruct their children in the things of the Lord and that they are to integrate their instruction in all areas of their child's life. As Christian educators we believe that Christian schools act "en loco parentis" which is the Latin term which means "in the place of parents". During the course of the average school day Christian schools are integrating God's truth into all areas of study the children are exposed to. Public Schools as a "Non-Religious" Alternative?
institutions. Many a parent has bought the myth that public schools simply exist as "educational institutions" and that they are neutral in all religious aspects. Wrong. There is absolutely no neutrality when it comes to religious philosophy and public education. Humanism (the basic belief that man is his own source of truth) along with many other ungodly philosophies flourish in the public school system. In fact, Humanism declared itself as a bonafide religion in the 1930's. Humanistic philosophy is integrated into all aspects of public education. Children are robbed of the knowledge that Jesus Christ embodies all truth and they are taught anti-Biblical thought. Another good reason why public schools are not a good alternative for education is the impact that teachers have upon their student's lives. There are many, good, Christian teachers who devote their lives to ministering to children in the public sector. Praise God for their diligence and missionary work. However, the majority of teachers who work in the public school system do not profess to love God and the influence that they have upon their students is not scriptural. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:40, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher". Who do you want your children to be like? As Christian educators we believe that students should be like Christian teachers who love God and know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Christian teachers give their students advice from a biblical basis and refer students to God's word for answers to life's questions. The Issue of Sheltering Children Some Christian parents have accused Christian schools of sheltering children from the "real world". As Christian educators we beg to differ and point out that the "real world" is where God is the focal point. The "real world" these parents are referring to is absent and devoid of the full recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We also take point with the term "sheltering". Since when did the term "sheltering" take on a negative connotation? We would like to suggest the greenhouse as a good example of biblical sheltering. The greenhouse exists to nurture plants that are unable to survive in the "harsh" environment of the real world. Sheltering takes place by carefully attending to the precious plants until they are ready to function to their fullest ability in the "real world". Final Conclusions
children in the things of the Lord. They also exist to guide children to God's truth as it exist in the academic realm. There is no such thing as the perfect Christian school for they are administered by imperfect people who are sinful; however, we believe that they are a biblical alternative for parents who are seeking academic excellence for their children's education. Please make it a matter of prayer as you consider the grave responsibility you have to educate your children. |
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| Since all truth extends from God and the person of Jesus Christ, all truth must be obtained from a Christ-centered position. |