The Importance of a Christian Education

Written by: Rebecca Hyde

Every day children are exposed to different worldviews. Some of these messages spur children on toward the mind of Christ, while others are far more misleading. While the Bible does not say that Christian education is the only way, it does emphasize the importance of training our hearts for Christ. It is critical to take time to consider the concept of truth within educational settings. John Gresham Machen states “A Christian boy or girl can learn mathematics, for example, from a teacher who is not a Christian; and truth is truth however learned. But while truth is truth however learned, the bearing of truth, the meaning of truth, the purpose of truth, even in the sphere of mathematics, seem entirely different to the Christian from that which they seem to the non-Christian; and that is why a truly Christian education is possible only when Christian conviction underlies not a part but all, of the curriculum of the school.”

For the Student

When education is presented with a Biblical mindset, all subjects possess a mindful reverence to the Creator of science and the Author of history. A Christian education equips students to see the world through a lens of purpose. When God is incorporated in the classroom, students are encouraged to draw deeper meaning even from subjects they dislike. Academics are not merely an obligation, but an opportunity to understand more vastly about the intricacies of our Maker. Christian education is important because it teaches students to incorporate God into all things. God is not confined to church or family life. Instead, students learn to include God in every corner of their life. Christian education can become an avenue of inclusion which paves the way for children to explore parts of God’s character, that would be left unnoticed otherwise. Gordon H. Clark states it this way, "The school system that ignores God teaches its pupils to ignore God; and this is not neutrality.? It is the worst form of antagonism, for it judges God to be unimportant and irrelevant in human affairs.? This is atheism." Acknowledging God in all parts of curriculum demonstrates to young learners that God is intricately integrated into our daily lives.

For the Parent

Education is an investment into the heart of a child. As believers, there is a deeper responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go; so that even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This responsibility should invoke thoughtful consideration. Is what’s being taught in the classroom undermining your voice and in your child’s life? Who are they being influenced by? These questions are not to incite fear, but instead to inspire a deeper reverence for the voices you allow to speak into your child’s life. There is a weightiness that comes with holding an influencing role in the life of a child during their formative years that often we treat far too flippantly. The foundation that is built through education is sacred, and effects how children behave and what they believe about themselves in relation to the world around them. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the concept of Christ’s love and life take root in the heart of a child. Third John 4 says “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Here at LUOA, we seek truth first and foremost. We seek education that creates a safe environment for young minds to be sharpened and hearts to be softened by the love of Christ. LUOA Alumni, Abigail Applegate describes her experience with Christian education and LUOA specifically as a constant when she was experiencing intense circumstances and life change. She noted that "it helped buffer the transition a lot. LUOA has always been there to fill in the cracks when things in my life weren’t steady or things got hard, and I’m so thankful for that." Education in its best format is designed to partner alongside students to help meet their individual needs.

Source: Liberty University