Why do we need an American Christian philosophy of education? What makes it unique? Why is it important?
Even though this book was written about 20 years ago, Ms. Dang’s words are truer than ever.
In ignorance, Christians are aiding and abetting anit-Christianity in America. More than any other factor, it is the weaknessof CHristian character and scholarship thatis responsible for this country’s apostacy from its founding Christian principles of education, government and economics. The pagan remains true to paganism. Spiritual backsliding is a believer’s trait, not a pagan’s. The dissolution of Christian character has resulted from generations of unbiblical education among Christian institutions of teaching and learning…It was the Biblical reasoning of the founding father generation that produced the only historical alternative to tyrrany and oppression of the individual, which promoted the fullest expression of Christian liberty, rather than pagan license. The Biblical principles that founded America provided for unhindered propagation of the Gospel. Wisdom thus encourages Christians today to identify Biblical principles of civil government as a foundation of their warfare against secular humanistic reasoning. (p. 10, 11)
Vocabulary of American Christian Education
Education
Mr. Webster’s definition in his 1828 dictionary is as follows:
The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations.
Christian Education
What makes it dinstinct from other forms of education? It simply is a descriptive term, meaning “of or pertaining to Christ.” It is education from and about Christ, whose philosophy, curriculum and methodolgy come from and point to Christ. Let’s view Mr. Webster’s definition of education in light of scriputre.
| Webster The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. | God’s Word All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16-17 |
| 1. “enlighten the understanding” | 1. “Doctrine” |
| 2. “correct the temper” | 2. “Reproof” |
| 3. “form the manners and habits of youth” | 3. “Instruction in righteousness” |
| 4. “fit them for usefulness in their future station” | 4. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” |
A philosophy of Christian education should have a distinctly Biblical and theological basis which separates it and its product from progressive, secular philosophies. Such a philosophy of education, if truly Biblical, has a universal application to all nations and peoples. It can be an instrument to evangelize and govern or disciple Christians in any nation. (p. 13)
How exciting! It is for all nations and all peoples because the principles are distinctly Christian. And can you see how Biblical it is to teach our children from His Word?
Mr. Rose cautions however that is there is only internal change with no change in the other spheres, it is not the fullest expression of God’s idea of government externally. We are to move from the internal to the external, shaping our civil government with our philsopohy of education/government.
American Christian Education
What is unique about our country’s original Christian education? Mr. Rose lists 6 distinctions. It teaches:
- students to think governmentally
- Providential history and the correlation between Christianity and America
- Biblical principles that produced our Christian form of civil government
- what it means to be an American Christian
- why this nation is unique in the history of Christianity, to the credit of Christ and His church.
- how to perpetuate America’s Gospel purpose: to extend the Gospel, inclusive of Biblical liberty with law, and Christian self and civil goverment.
There is a lot of food for thought in this step. God, help me to understand this in a deeper way. And help me to reform my philosophy of education to mirror Yours.
Hey…that was the same quote I was considering “lifting” from Miss Dang for an upcoming post, should I ever get to it. I just stopped by to let you know that I do read all you write…but mostly from your RSS. That’s why I don’t comment so much any more. I’m starting to think maybe I should just dump all the feeds and go back to reading and commenting on the few sites I started with. It takes about as much time, but is more personal. But then the problem starts of who to drop.
Rambling now, but thank you so much for your synthesis of all this information. It is a lot to get through, and I enjoy your posts on this!
Thanks Dana. As you can see I’m not sure about keeping up this blog. I just don’t have the time right now…or the motivation. Still trying to get the mind of the Lord on it.
Don’t you just love Ms. Dang? THanks for the encouragement on my posts. I really have no idea if anyone even cares to read what I write, so I just so it as therapy.
Anna-Marie
p.s. it has been 102 here. Can’t wait for the zoo!…