I have been asked to write a series of posts concerning education. I do feel a bit hesitant to do so as I am no expert on education and have much to learn. I do, however, believe that the issue is essentially religious. In other words, it is our creed that Christ Himself is the Rock upon which every bit of our life flows - especially our educational methodologies, premises, and conclusions. It is because of this momentous fact, that I feel I should at least offer something.
Due to the nature of this subject, this post may fall outside of my typical 500 word limit!
It is obvious from the current state of things that we, as a nation and society, are becoming more secular. Secularity involves the whole person - mind, heart, emotions and all that. It is not merely intellectual, but also highly ethical. A person cannot fill his mind with what "is" without proceeding to make conclusions concerning what "ought" to be. The indicative precedes the imperative. And in our secular society, the imperatives are all jacked up. We must conclude, therefore, that the indicatives are all jacked up as well. This involves education.
In this series, I will not focus on methodology as much as philosophy. I will not concentrate on the facts or the means by which we reach facts, but more so on the presuppositions that interpret them and give them contextual value. In other words, I will not discuss the multiplication table, or how two times two equals four; but rather, how mathematics in general ought to bring the child face to face with the personal God who created him/her.
The first principle that we must understand is that all education is personal - that is, there are no propositional truths that fall outside of the Personal purposes of God. Every fact is, and must be, interpreted theistically. Mathematics is an act of, and must ultimately lead one to, worship.
How do we know this? Because the Scriptures tell us: "For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...all things were created through Him and for Him...and in Him all things hold together" (Col 1:15, 17). And, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). The most fundamental, intrinsic value of every fact is found in that it is from Him, through Him, and to Him. Yes, even mathematical "laws," historical data, logic, science, english and grammar.
Secular education provides us with a stark antithesis. It would have us come face to face with an impersonal universe. We can learn about this universe independently of God. As a matter of fact, the more we learn about this impersonal universe, the more we can understand whether or not there is a God and if we ought to obey Him.
It is detrimental to the image of God within every person to teach that one is able (and ought!) to think independently of God. Why? First, this just isn't true (breaking the 9th Commandment). It is impossible to think independently of God. Everyone presupposes God in every facet of life. Second, it teaches that one ought to trust in some other point of reference for all predication (breaking the 2nd Commandment). The reason then becomes the ultimate trustworthy source that places God in the dock. Third, it teaches pride - that we are able to know things independently of God (breaking the 1st Commandment). There are more reasons, these three should get the point across.
Think about it. When is the last time you have heard a science teacher stop to give praise to God for His faithfulness after conducting a successful experiment? On the other hand, how many times have we heard scientists use scientific consistencies in their attempts disprove God? This is the cultural bend - the secular agenda, which teaches its pupils that science is simply an independent means by which one can find or not find God.
This didactic persuasion is not ethically neutral, untainted by the deep stain of sin. Therefore, it stands in dire need of Redemptive intervention through proper education (Rom 1:16). I wonder how much error could be prevented if we would base our educational processes upon this fundamental understanding - that we must bring our children face to face with the Personal God, upon whom we are all completely dependent for everything in life - especially learning and communicating.
Understanding education this way sheds a completely different light upon reading, writing and arithmetic. These subjects are not simply a means by which children gain information. Christ is not only taught in Sunday School. He is not only preached in the sermon. As Christians, we must understand the faithfulness of Christ communicated in Science; the consistency of Christ presupposed in logic; the providence of Christ seen in history; the strength of Christ displayed in astronomy; and the love of Christ vocalized in language, grammar, and rhetoric.
Disclaimer: This post, along with those that follow, are not a direct "attack" on any one educational preference, whether public, private, Christian, or home schooling. I feel that any educational methodology that does not 'honor Christ the Lord as holy' should be redemptively confronted and corrected.
More importantly, these posts are meant to encourage, inform and to promote Gospel-centered growth. I understand that I have just introduced a philosophical "elephant." It is my goal to share ways in which parents can teach, and help their children learn unto the glory of God. I'm not an expert; but I am a parent. I'm struggling through this thing along with many of you. I hope these posts will be helpful. My plan, Lord willing, will go something like this:
1. Reading/Grammar unto the Glory of God.
2. Science unto the Glory of God.
3. History unto the Glory of God.
4. Math/Logic unto the Glory of God.
5. Language/Rhetoric unto the Glory of God.
Is there a presupposition that each person has the skills and abilities to teach the areas you mentioned and provide the best quality even if Chris centered for the education of the students. Not saying that the reasoning is not sound, but you would not seek to learn grammar from me a beleiver who does not have the skills and understanding of the multiple facets even thought I trust the savior. In your responces, entertain this subject for this is waht we are wrestling with as well. Grammar, Science, History, Math/ Logic, Language for those who do not feel gifted or qualified to teach these subjects.
ReplyDeleteParks Ave.,
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand the struggle. Educating our children is a huge job and the question of quality is one that is continually before us.
I do think, however, that, given our children's current learning levels, we are more than qualified to teach the listed subjects. Kindergarden (and even 1st grade) grammar, science, writing and reading is not all that difficult for us now.
I understand that others may not approach the task with the same confidence. I am not in a position to say whether or not they (personally) are justified in their decisions regarding the education of their children - whatever method they choose. This leads me to your question.
To answer your first question - no, there is not a presupposition that each person has the skills and abilities to teach in the areas mentioned. However, there is the presupposition that each parent own the responsibility of ensuring their children are educated in a way that promotes glorifying God as their Personal Maker.
On the other side of the coin, we must understand that secular education is an active education. It is actively teaching in a manner that promotes independent thought. Regardless of one's view of public schooling, this, at least, must be understood, considered, and confronted. We must also understand that private, Christian, and even homeschooling are not immune to these secular tendencies.
Yes, this is a daunting task. But it is one that the Lord will provide for, His grace being sufficient for us. He always provides what He commands. Cf. Deut 6.
I appreciate your thoughts. Peace bro.