I always have found the debate over religion and the public school system as doomed from the beginning. It does not seem that it is a battle, which Christians are capable of winning, let alone a battle that Christians should even be fighting. Yet, the battle continues and I am afraid that if any religious tolerance is granted it will only allow a watered down and meaningless presentation of the Christian faith.
There is now raging a debate in Odessa, TX over the use of a Bible study course curriculum. The curriculum is developed and promoted by the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools. The following is posted on the Councils website:
The curriculum for the program shows a concern to convey the content of the Bible as compared to literature and history. The program is concerned with education rather than indoctrination of students. The central approach of the class is simply to study the Bible as a foundation document of society, and that approach is altogether appropriate in a comprehensive program of secular education.
A few thoughts: First, the Bible cannot be compared to other great books of literature and history. If it is relegated to a mere historical or literary book than the message of the Bible is dead. Rather, the Bible is the book of life or judgment to those who accept or reject its message. Secondly, the claims of objectivity are just downright impossible. Just what is the fine line between education and indoctrination? The public school system fails to realize that they do more than just simply provide objective education. The entire system indoctrinates. Whether they realize it or not they are brainwashing children with their own religion – secular humanism. This battle is not one of religion verses objective education, but one of two religious worldviews clashing against each other. Lastly, if the approach to studying the Bible is “appropriate in a comprehensive program of secular education” then it can be nothing more than a gospel-less, watered down message of the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I for one certainly don’t want this kind of curriculum in the public school system. Once the Bible is made into another book of history or literature taught appropriately for the public school system than its message is already lost.
6 comments:
I agree with you, but what's the alternative in public schools? Neutrality in is a myth; so, we could abolish public schools altogether, but short of that, what sorts of reforms should Christians advocate if any? Should we simply abandon them to wherever the secularists decide they should go?
Tom:
Is there an alternative within the public school system? Maybe a better questions would be: "is there an alternative to the public school system?" I speak personally for my family - education must be distinctively Christian. As a family, yes, we are abandoning the public school system. Can we truly abandon them if they are not ours in the first place?
There is also what Robert Godfrey called "The Myth of Influence." The secularists already decide where the public schools should go. Can Christians truly influence the system for good, where the truth and fullness of the Christian faith is taught? The very system and structure of public schools no longer allows for such an overhaul.
Tom, I would seriously love to hear your suggestions for reform, but I honestly don't see any hope.
Will, the direction of public schools is a touch point in the so-called culture war in the west. Historically, as Christians we can go a number of ways on the issue. 1. We can become theonomists and seek the ultimate establishment of a Christian theocracy, like the early Puritans on this continent. 2. We can be like the anabaptists, and withdraw from the culture, and, except for evangelism, reject the legitimacy of interaction in one whole sphere of human existence - the public sphere. Or, 3. We can take a mediating position like the early Baptists and other Dissenters did, arguing for liberty of conscience alongside of Christian participation in the public square to influence the culture for good and for Christ.
I certainly don't know the answers, but I don't think that either the theocrats or the sub-culture isolationists are right.
Tom:
I agree that neither the "theocrats" nor "isolationists" are right. I do believe it is necessary to engage culture and not withdraw. After all we are to be in the world, but not of the world.
However, when it comes to public schools and the indoctrination of my children - I will be doing the "brainwashing." Not some secular atheistic humanist.
I am not a big fan of James Kennedy but I was listening to him this morning and ironically enough he was talking about public schools. He had a great quote from Charles Hodge. In regards to the state run (i.e. public schools) Hodge said, they will be the "greatest enginery of atheism."
I do believe that there is a culture war which needs to be fought. However, I am not going to pit my children up against athesists and secularists.
I believe one of the best ways to engage culture in this regard (to public schools) is on a personal level. As a pastor of a local church one should develop friendships with the teachers of the school and seek out their salvation. This is, in my opinion, the best way to engage culture - through the proclamation of the gospel, not political activism.
Will, I couldn't agree with you more regarding our children. The Lord gives us the responsibility to train them diligently in His ways (Deut 6:6f). Unlike some, I do not agree that we should send our children to public schools to be missionaries there. I went to a public school for one year of middle school and it was a mental and bodily war daily.
And, I agree with you about political "activism." To be active is usually good, but to be an activeist is to be imbalanced at best. As Christians, our energies are better spent elsewhere, as you aptly noted. But, what about Christians called to politics - governors, senators, representatives, and political aides etc.? And, what about our own particpiation in politics as citizens in a democratic republic? What exactly is our responsibility there? Shouldn't we have a theological matrix that informs our decisions and helps us to vote and act biblically and Christianly in the political sphere, without becoming "activists?"
I think we would agree that public schools shouldn't even exist as they do now. But, they do exist. So, given their existence, how should Christians relate to them? Do you think we should oppose their using literature that teaches that homosexuality is a legitimate alternative lifestyle? Should Christians vote for candidates and school board representatives who oppose such things? This is what I'm talking about - how theolgically and to what extent theologically should Christians as a group actually engage the culture in this arena? Obviously, what's at stake here is the glory of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom. And that is accomplished, as you say, by Christians influencing others one at a time, loving them faithfully, and telling them the gospel. This is Holy Spirit work. But, the question still remains - even though your own children are not in public schools, as a Christian do you believe that it is a civic responsibility to vote and act in ways in relation to public schools that are faithful to Scripture, and what would that look like?
I don't have all the answers.
Blessings!
You don't have all the answers! I cannot believe it. :)
Practically, hmmm...
Well as I stated earlier the gospel and its proclamation must be central. However, as far as voting, political Christians etc. hmmm...
Theologically you can argue from common grace and state that a society which adheres more closely to biblical absolutes will in the long run better benefit the Christian. However, it must be my pessimistic amillennialism which provides a bleak outlook on the situtation.
For instance, is the public school system redeemable? Certainly, will it ever be? Probably not, humanly speaking.
Yet, I guess, we must labor in various ways nonetheless even if it is a hopeless situation? (thinking out loud).
Post a Comment