The Bible Must be the Basis of Christian Education

This post is the fourth in a five post series about homeschooling. All of these posts are previews of topics I cover in more detail in my book Faithful Parents, Faithful Children which is available for free in the Amazon Kindle store now through Tuesday (2/12/2013), and also available in print in our store. If you want to stay connected with us please head over and Like our Facebook page and join our growing community, we would be ever so glad to have you join us. Today’s preview is an excerpt from the chapter on the importance of a Biblical worldview in education.

Adding the Bible to Secular Curriculum Fails

Many schools advertise that they integrate Christian thought into their teaching. When the schools integrated the races a few decades back it meant that the schools were still basically white, but that black students could be added to what was there already. No one challenged the foundational precept that the schools were dominated by white students and white culture. I am making no judgment about that fact, but I am pointing out that we are doing the same type of thing when we integrate Christian thought into a school. We are agreeing that the true base for knowledge is something outside our Biblical tradition, and that spiritual things are going to be added to that predominant base. This reflects a false theory of knowledge. It is a theory that begins with man, or the thoughts of man, and tries to build from there. It is a mistaken foundation. Rather, Christians must begin with God and then determine how all learning relates to Him and His purposes. The beauty of His character is to be noted and communicated through what is known. The message of the universe is not primarily about man. It is about God. We pursue knowledge in order to glorify God and serve man. We desire knowledge, but we regard God more highly than our accumulation of that knowledge. Everything begins and finishes with Him.

Homeschooling Allows Parents to Give Their Children A Truly Christian Education

When we see Christian schools advertising that they integrate the Bible into their studies we now assume that the school officials really have no understanding of what it means to teach from a Biblical worldview. Integration is a flawed concept from its outset. Christian students should flee these schools. If they remain they will only become confused by the contradictions built into the teaching. To integrate Godly thought into a man-centered curriculum is impossible. God does not conform His Word or His work to fit man’s contemplations. Rather, we must fit ours to His. This flawed theory of knowledge called integration carries no value for the Christian student. It is another reason parents should obey God and teach their own children. Parents can start with a correct base at the outset.

For Christian Culture,

Don Schanzenbach

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