Why We Need Christian
EDUCATION
By Erick Streelman – Head of School, Saddleback Valley Christian School
It’s not just a public school problem -- it’s a societal problem. We
can blame the First Amendment, Western ideology, or American
individualism, but there is a false narrative that is being advanced in
our public schools and our world today: “We are the solution to all of
our own problems.” And because of this, we tell stories of heroes, but
we skip the motivation behind these stories.
T
he lesson we take from the story of Martin Luther
King, Jr. is that man can overcome persecution and all
situations can be thwarted when we stand together.
That’s a good lesson, but that only takes us part way.
The truth is that MLK believed and lived the words of Christ.
He loved his enemies. He prayed for his persecutors. He knew
that this world was only temporary and something greater was
coming. Oh my goodness! That is the message that our youth
needs to hear. That is a message of hope and life and truth. That is
a message that gets you through cancer and divorce and poverty
and disappointment and all of the other trials that are waiting.
Copernicus is a scientific hero celebrated in every public
school classroom in America. But no one mentions the fact
that Copernicus’ work led him to a greater faith in God as he
proved mathematically that the universe was far bigger and more
complex than man could ever comprehend. We can’t tell that
story in American classrooms because it might lead students to
the conclusion that science can actually increase faith and awe in
our Creator.
This is why Christian education is so essential. We have
to teach the next generation that there are things beyond their
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control and that reliance upon God is not a criticism of their
human strength or will. I am reminded of 2 Corinthians
12:10, where Paul says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight
in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in
difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Talk about
a countercultural and anti-21st century American statement.
When I am weak, I am strong…not exactly a Super Bowl-quality
ad campaign.
But as followers of Christ, we know that when we humble
ourselves and learn to rely on Him -- when we actually give it
all to God and trust His will and His purpose -- we find peace
and joy and strength that is outside of explanation. That is the
transformational message that the next generation needs to hear.
Christian education is about more than just memorizing
Scripture. It’s about more than dogma and doctrine. It’s
about more than school prayer or singing “Silent Night” at the
Christmas program. Our teachers are instilling a worldview.
They are teaching a way of life and a way of being. They are
shaping the mindset of the next generation of leaders and
instilling this amazing truth: the only way we can ultimately
survive is if we stop looking inward and learn to look up.
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