THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

What do Christian schools see as the purpose of education?

School is an accepted, in fact, expected, part of our modern society. We assume it is a good thing. Access to education is now seen as a right, not a privilege. Before choosing a school, Christian parents should take a step back and ask a more important question – “what is the purpose of education?”

For many parents, the often unstated goal of school education is to prepare their child for a career. Going to university is often seen as the doorway to this. The purpose of education can then become simply the creating of future employees and employers. Believing this some parents may adopt a consumer mentality in choosing a school. They shop around for the best value based on the school’s academic reputation for providing access to the university. The Bible has a radically different purpose for life than is taught in most schools.

1 Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

In light of this, the purpose of education could be to help children understand their God-given gifts and abilities so as to serve Him and others in society.

An education that denies God, or seeks to diminish His importance misses this “chief aim”. Instead, it often focuses on the personal success of the individual. The definition of success is often vague. For some success is defined by what we have attained to or acquired. One of God’s definitions of success is found in Matthew 25:23. Here Jesus says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant!” when speaking of a man who wisely used the talents God had given him.

What is it we really want for our children as a result of their years of education? Is it to be happy, have friends, a job, and travel? The most common desire for Christian parents is that their children will make good choices in life. To choose satisfying work, good friends, to share, to treat others like they wish to be treated. Ultimately it is to choose to follow Jesus and serve God and others with their gifts and abilities. A child’s education is more than imparting knowledge. It is to impart wisdom to make wise choices in life.

Deuteronomy 30:19 “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

In James 3 the Bible contrasts two types of wisdom. One is earthly wisdom which is described as unspiritual and demonic. The other is wisdom from above, which is described as …pure; then peace-loving, gentle, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:15-17)

A Christian school is by no means perfect but is seeking to impart godly wisdom for life. The foundation upon which an educational system is based is therefore important.

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”

As parents, we need to be confident our children will receive in school wisdom that is worth having and that lines up with the Word of God.