The American Crisis
When you take a deep look into the American classroom, you see an array of issues that present themselves. Over the course of the last eight blogs, we have examined how major events in history should be analyzed from a biblical worldview approach. We have delved into the history of education, from its origins to its present state. The American crisis has unfolded in the homes, pulpits, and classrooms of our nation. It has been a gradual drift from a once foundational lifestyle based on truth and principles to a feelings-based, individualized approach to life. Life, at its core, has changed. If you cannot see that, you have your head buried in the sand. The drift from principled thinking and teaching has opened hearts and minds to what is now considered "open thinking."
While I could spend hours discussing how I believe the church has drifted over the last 100 years from God-ordained preaching to self-absorbed preaching, I will not. I do not believe I can speak to something I am not actively involved in. What I will address is how the home has drifted and how the school has imploded. I want to make something very clear before we continue. Allow me to define a few types of schools:
Public School – Public school was originally an idea created to bring the local community together to educate the hearts and minds of children. Public schools were designed to meet the needs of the local community, with values that clearly reflected those of the community. (Side Note: These types of schools no longer exist in America.)
Government School – Government schools are solely run, funded, and philosophically guided by the government. The government determines the curriculum, values, what is allowed, and what is not. Government schools create a stronghold over the public or community school through funding and legislation. The mandates set by government schools are now followed by the local community. (Side Note: Charter schools should also be considered government schools.)
Private School – A private school is funded and run by those who pay tuition. It caters to a specific niche, attracting parents and students for a particular purpose, whether it be academics, athletics, or the arts. Private schools provide a complete experience, but it comes with a price tag. In recent years, private schools have contributed to the economic divide in America, where the elite attend private schools instead of government-run schools. Private schools uphold a specific philosophical stance that sets them apart from others.
Christian School – A Christian school has "Christian" in its name and derives its foundation from Christian principles. Christian schools believe that all are welcome and loved, and they serve as an alternative to government schools. Specifically, Christian schools compete with private schools by offering a private school experience with a bit of Christianity added in. (Side Note: I would include Catholic schools in this category, as well as other denominational or religious schools.)
Kingdom School – A Kingdom school focuses on creating an environment and training ground that advances the Kingdom of God above everything else. This type of school could also be defined as a biblical school, one that derives all its foundation, training, and decision-making from biblical principles. Kingdom schools seek to lead children to Christ, disciple them in biblical truth, equip them with the skills for life and eternity, and deploy them to transform their homes, churches, and schools for the Kingdom.
I have been challenged in recent days because of the terms I use to describe the current status and types of schools in America today. Let me be very clear: the only way to educate in the way God designed is through a Kingdom/Biblical school.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
When you look at this verse, you are both challenged and motivated to carry it out. I believe this begins in the home, which we will discuss in the coming days. However, when I look at this verse, I view it from a different perspective. Every parent is sending their child to one of the types of schools mentioned above. Every parent is allowing their children to be influenced and guided by something. As parents, we must think long and hard about the influences we allow in our children’s lives. We must closely examine the philosophy and foundation of the place where we are sending them to be educated.
You will notice that I did not list a sixth type of school, which could be homeschooling. Here's why: homeschooling is the most biblical way to educate. However, even in homeschooling, the curriculum you use, the methods you employ, and the outside influences you allow still fall under one of the categories listed above. When homeschooling, you are still deciding what type of school your child will be influenced and trained by. Think of it this way: whether I homeschool or send my child to a brick-and-mortar school, one of these five types of schools is influencing them. This is a conscious decision parents make every day. How will my child be educated? The real test now is to take a deep look into the school your child attends and evaluate what level of influence they are under. Please notice the differences between each type of school. The differences can be found in the curriculum used, the partnership with teachers, and the indoctrination your child is receiving. This is a choice. What are you choosing?
This is the American crisis
Mr. Euler has over 20 years of experience working in Christian Schools, 13 as a Head of School and is currently the Head of School at Word of God Academy, Shreveport, LA., a ministry of Word of God Ministries.
Website www.wogacademy.org
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