Bigots, Prudes and Crucifiers

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Job 28:12

"Bigots, prudes and crucifiers", are some names which were given to children who are educated, or would be educated in a Christian school separated from state influence. Such education is also described as ‘divisive’ and it is said ‘would divide both church and community’.

It would seem by the above statements made in the media recently, that there is great ignorance regarding Christian education and the effects that such would have upon our multi-cultural society. We want to show that a truly Christian education can only do good for our local communities and our nation. We only have to examine the fruit thus far to see which road leads to life and which to destruction.

Education is about knowledge; the instructing of facts etc.; and then it is about understanding; making sense of the facts. These two dimensions, knowledge and understanding are two-thirds of what education is and by themselves we have a world view which amounts to humanism. Humanism is an intellectual justification for self-determination, it rejects God’s authority and He is absent from this education equation.

The humanist curriculum in schools contradicts the values being taught in the home and in the church. With peer pressure as well, it becomes a major influence in a child’s life and often we see the child rebelling in his or her teens against these inconsistencies. We can see the fruit of such an education in our communities, in our nation and sadly in our church, where a humanistic, man-centred view of life has been adopted.

There needs to be another dimension to education and that is wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to make judgements and act on them in a Christ-centred and God- honouring way.

But the wisdom needed is not of this world, "for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1Cor 3: 19). True wisdom is from above (James 3: 17) and it is to the word of God we need to look for true wisdom. There we see the glorious character of the Triune God displayed within it’s pages. It is here parents, pastors and teachers need to direct those in their charge. Humanist education teaches children how to make a living whilst God-centred education teaches the child how to live. All knowledge and every thought must be brought before the word of God, so as to have true understanding (2Cor 10: 5). It is the wisdom of God that builds character and conviction. It is the wisdom that makes it impossible that they should ever be ‘prudes, bigots or crucifiers’. That wisdom which is from above will reproduce itself in your children’s lives, so that they will walk in the wisdom of God in such a way that others can observe it in them. "Even a child is known by his doing, whether it be right" (Prov 20: 11). God’s wisdom helps us discern our needs from our wants, it teaches us how to use resources such as the money we have. Children need to learn it is not how much you earn, as how you earn it and how you spend it. "Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Prov 3: 9-10). It is when the whole curriculum is brought under the microscope of God’s truth and interpreted by God’s word, that we have true education.

Our children belong to God. We see the results to the covenant people of old when they treated His children as if they were their own, to do with as they pleased. (Ezek 16: 20-21) "Moreover thou has taken thy sons and they daughters, whom thou has bourne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured...?" God has given us His children to educate and train on His behalf.1 Are we protecting God’s children from temptation or are we putting a stumbling block before them?

The underlying presupposition in giving our children what we call a "Christian Education" is that as Christians we have a very distinct way of viewing all areas of life - distinct that is from unbelievers. We are to look at the world through God’s eyes.2 We are to think God’s thoughts, speak God’s words and perform God’s deeds. It is only in the Bible that God’s thoughts and wisdom are made known. There is therefore nothing our children might be taught that can be taught in a ‘neutral’ way as if that subject was not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
To teach Maths, English or any other subject as neutral facts without mention of God is at best negligent, or at worst deception.

We shall leave the last word to Emily Ruth Slater, who is a second year English Language student at Manchester University and is a young Christian lady who has received a God-honouring and Christ-centred education. "A Christian Bible based education gives a solid, firm foundation on which one may stand. It will not hinder one from further education, but rather help one to be able to go on. Many of my colleagues at University say, "What’s the point?" Jesus said, "I have the words of eternal life". He gives us a reason to fight the good fight and to work for Him. We as Christians, know where we are going and why we are here on this earth. We have a purpose in life because He has a plan and a purpose for us. Children and young people brought up on a Christian Education programme are better prepared than those that have come through state education.

No matter what parents believe and teach the child at home, if sent off to school or college, the child will learn to like worldly ways. How can one be surprised at how children "turn out" if they are sent to a secular school five days a week, thirty-six weeks a year, for thirteen years of life?"


Footnotes
1. I recommend the article "Secular Education" by the renowned Southern Presbyterian theologian, Robert L Dabney (Discussions: Evangelical and theological, Vol 3, pp 272-294, Banner of Truth, reprint 1981) Dabney strongly believed that the education of children is the God-given responsibility of parents and that this education must be distinctly Christian.
2. Gregg Price, Christian Education in the Home.

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