I have written my thoughts on public education before and every time I do I get some of the most fierce blowback of any subject on which I might pontificate. That dynamic, in and of itself, might warrant some exploration, as the normal spiritual analysis of such a phenomena would be that you challenged someone’s idol. Why else would one be so touchy about analyzing a secular, government establishment?
That said, I certainly understand that the public education system has been almost sacrosanct in the public mentality throughout its history. It is true that upon its establishment we believed collectively that the education of our children was beneficial to ALL people and civilization in general. Of course, that premise was formed when education was more about reading, writing , and arithmetic rather than social engineering, gender dysphoria, and drag queen story hours. It was also considered beneficial as the culture was predominantly Christian and its leaders and teachers were most often committed Christian people. Even into the 1990’s, my sons had Baptist preachers’ wives as their teachers in public school and it provided some sense of confidence concerning their education. But that era has passed.
I struggle with criticizing public education. Not because I don’t see the massive problems and worldview challenges, but rather because of its possibilities, if we could get it back on the rails of actual education and sanity. Do I understand that there are individual schools and school districts that are doing phenomenal work with committed and gifted teachers and administration? Of course I know that is happening, but I am also convinced that those spaces are oases. They are the refreshment in an otherwise dry and desert land of education. They are becoming the exception rather than the rule. They tend to work stealthily amid the insanity that most know is happening around them. These teachers and administrators are indeed the missionaries to a foreign land (at times an alternate universe) and as much as I would salute and respect those missionaries who pack up their lives and hit the international field for ministry, I have nothing but respect for those people working in education as an actual calling to reach some of these students. So do not misinterpret my critiques as disrespect anymore than my critique of Afghanistan is a reflection on the missionaries who labor within those borders.
While some will try to paint public education as beginning in the early 17th century (1600’s), the movement actually is better located somewhere in the early 19th century (1830’s). For nearly 200 years we have made space for the public education of our children. The question I think we face as Christians is whether we can be supportive participants of the metamorphosis of the current public education system. Yes, we can be “salt and light” in every arena of life, but do we allow it to influence the next generation of believers and in particular our own children?
My thoughts are that the time has come for the Church in America to intentionally disconnect from the public education system as an act of obedience to God and for the sake of civilization. I actually believe that the most loving thing we can do for the future of civilization (which are our neighbors) is to prepare for its crash. If America refuses to reverse course in its spiritual lethargy and hostility, then we will collapse as a civilization. Who could repair it? Who could bring it back to the foundations which God would honor? Certainly not the same Babylonians who drove the nation into a ditch. It falls upon a prophetic people to prepare themselves and their progeny for the perpetuation of the Faith and the leadership of a collapsed nation. Everything that man creates has a lifespan and a time of usefulness. America is no exception. Public education is no exception. All things run their course. It is important to recognize when a once justifiable institution has run its course and the time has now arrived to acknowledge its time is over.
I know such a declaration of collapse sounds ominous and negative, but actually I see it as an opportunity for vision. It’s not a retreat from engaging culture, but rather a training time to participate in the restoration of civilization. And considering in some circles, the Church is as dysfunctional as the culture, it provides a way to reset our biblical mission and mandate in the next generation. Rather than inspire and entertain them (unsuccessfully) into the mission, we can actually lay down the foundations for a lifetime of Kingdom success.
But this will take creating an education/discipleship model which will challenge the current metrics for “Church success”. It will demand an unselfishness on the part of parents, grandparents, and committed adults to see beyond their own needs and sacrifice for something beyond themselves. We, as a committed people of the Christian Faith, must see this as a priority. It has been through the years, a hard sell for many Christian parents to eject from the public education system. We are forced to support it through our property taxes and for many it has become more of a cost/benefit analysis decision, rather than a principled, faith-affirming decision. I have come to the position that both cost and benefit is no longer worth the future of our Christian kids.
I want to suggest several reasons why this is the moment to make the decision to exit the public education sector and enter (or create) a more faith-affirming educational experience.
- Public Schools have become indoctrination centers rather than educational institutions. They are, for lack of a better term, Sunday Schools for secular humanism. The difference between church discipleship and public school discipleship is the school system gets 30 times the hours to disciple your kids than your local church. They teach evolutionary theory, relativistic epistemology, sexual perversions, and other destructive doctrines of demons. They’ve succeeded in discipling millions of our children in deception. Every metric, whether it be from BARNA or GALLUP, is clearly indicating that less than 4% of the aspiring generation will have anything remotely close to a working biblical worldview. If you disbelieve this analysis, just look at social media and the apps our kids are attracted to.
- Public education is not oriented around the Lordship of Jesus Christ and is disintegrated and often times hostile to the Christian Faith. If the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”, then how can our children properly know and evaluate much of anything if that truth is neglected or ignored? At present, the philosophy of the educational system is oriented around some deception called “neutrality”, which in actuality is anything but neutral. Again, there can be islands of exceptions out there, but in total, this is what we as Christian parents and the Church are facing.
- Students are influenced by their teachers. This can certainly cut in a number of directions both good and troublesome. However, teachers do not check their gods at the classroom door. Jesus said it Himself, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) Would an engaged Christian parent actually want their children to be discipled by atheists, humanists, philosophically compromised, or deviants for 30+ hours a week? Does this even make sense?
- While some students navigate the public school system well, has the fruit of its impact in our children by way of percentages in total been good or bad? How do we explain the egregiously declining numbers of biblical worldview in the next generation? Wouldn’t logic and reason cause us to examine the root causes of why our culture continues in practical atheism?
- Ephesians 6:4, specifically tasks fathers with the educational direction of their children. This passage refers to the total and comprehensive instruction of a child’s worldview and faith. This requires a Christian education, not a pagan one that you must constantly fight against after the fact.
- “But shouldn’t our children be salt and light in their schools?” Are they really? Would you pack them up and ship them off to an unreached people group in another land in their current state? Missionaries are trained, equipped, and mentored before hitting the field to evangelize. Truthfully, our kids are more often evangelized (proselytized) by their secular teachers and classmates than the other way around.
- “But I grew up in public school and I turned out alright”. Your anecdotal story isn’t the best argument. Yes, some Christian kids slip through the secular indoctrination mill with their faith intact. Of course, my suspicion is they had an incredibly involved and engaged church and parents to do it and it had its incredible challenges along the way. I too, was a public school graduate. Two of my three children had partial public school experiences but finished their high school degrees in Christian School. My youngest was both home schooled and Christian schooled due to the challenges of the local public school system. So, I have some anecdotal stories I can share as well. But anecdotes aren’t arguments. Look at the trends: Huge swathes of kids are leaving high school as nominal secularists who went to youth group. Beyond that, our kids are simply not prepared for secular colleges and universities (which could be another blog on the wisdom of those choices.).
So, what shall we do?
First, if you are unconvincingly tied to a public school educational experience as a Christian parent, then your engagement level with the School Board, School District Superintendent, local school administrators, Principal, PTA, elections, and your child’s teacher is non-optional and has now become paramount. If you are located in a spot where your school or district is an oasis of appropriate education, then praise God, but remain ever vigilant. Things can and do change from elementary school to middle school to high school. Wander through the school library and scan the shelves. Check out subjects through the actual or online card catalogue. Because of the ministry I am involved in, I see textbooks, curriculum, and library books from across my state. It would boggle the mind to see what is being offered to our children. I attend state school board meetings and I suspect most Christian parents would be flabbergasted at how often common sense and traditional decency is under assault. Google the phrase “school board controversies” and get ready to be offended. Whatever finances you believe you are saving by sending your kids to public school will be claimed as you support quality, Christian candidates for school board seats. Disengage at any of these points and your kids will be sacrificed on the altars of secularism. Don’t misunderstand me, I respect those who want to remain or feel called to stay and fight. The Lord places people where He wishes. But don’t fall asleep, the price will be high.
Second, the Church must immediately respond with affordable and creative means of educating its children. Some of this would simply be getting the church back to discipling rather than entertaining or inspiring only. I am for any creative means or methods available as long as it points people back to the foundation of the Scriptures. Our churches are going to have to strategize how they will combat the 30+ hours a week their children are being impacted by hostile philosophies. Pastors are going to have to cast a vision of commitment to parents about raising the next generation of Christians. This is going to be painful at some levels as parents will have to strip some of their children’s ancillary activities of sports and clubs, to make sure they prepared for their inheritance of a collapsed civilization.
Third, the Church will need to create actual schools to educate. There are numerous options which provide opportunities for ANY size church or budget. There are micro-schools, online schools, homeschools, Co-ops, free curriculum, parenting partnerships, and actual cooperation between 10+ churches in a region to start a Christian school, or partner with an existing Christian school. Yes, this is easier than you might think and it might be welcomed with greater receptivity than you might think. Churches should carve out scholarships in their budgets to help educate their children in a faith affirming way. Parents who see their local church emphasize their children are remarkably generous in helping that vision.
I was a local church pastor for over 35 years. I have often thought, in recent days, what advice I would offer a pastor just starting his pastoral ministry. Of course, I have an extensive list of “do’s and don’ts”, but I am convinced I would influence them to consider the educational arm of their ministry. How will your local church provide an answer to preserving the Christian faith in your youngest members? I understand that I am speaking to a 21st century Christianity that tends to embrace culture, rather exist counter-culturally, but I think the time has arrived to have the real conversation. I encourage you, while there is yet time, to chart the path for your kids and commit to being a part of what will be an important remnant.
Future civilization will thank-you.
No Comments