“I Went to Public School…and I Turned Out OK”

I have heard statements like this for many different things in people’s lives.  They did something in their past and it work out for them.  As a result of that, they feel that they, or their children, can do the same thing and have no ill-effects.  In this case, they believe that because they went to public school and turned out okay, that they can send their children to public school and they will be okay.  This is bad reasoning and just plain unbiblical.

First of all, if we do something that we ought not to do, there are always consequences.  We may not see the consequences right away, or we may not even see them at all.  Things that are done early in a person’s life has a ripple effect throughout their lives, and it touches their family, friends, and other influences.  There are people that do drugs and drink alcohol as a teenager, stop later in life, but they still have to suffer the physical, psychological, and inter-personal affects of it.  Even if something is done just one time, it still has an effect, no matter how minute it may seem.  There are some that continue in these and other sins for years and decades with few consequences (as a matter of speaking), but what about those that completely destroy their lives in just a few short days, weeks, or months?

(Ecc. 8:11) “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

Usually, when someone does something that they shouldn’t do, and they don’t get caught, they tend to try it again.  Each time that they “succeed,” they become more and more bold in it.  They also become more and more cold to it.  The guilt soon goes away and they no longer hear the Holy Ghost whispering in their heart and conscience.  Their conscience is seared with a hot iron (1 Tim. 4:2).  They then don’t see anything wrong with what they did and they believe that what they did was “okay.”  (By the way, there is always danger in asking “What’s wrong with _________ anyway?”  The proper thing is to ask, “What is the best way according to the Bible?”)

On the other hand, those that think they turned out “okay” may not have done anything “bad.”  Just as a frog is boiled by slowly turning up the temperature in a pot of water, they merely became accustomed to the evils of the public school.  They see and acknowledge some of the apparent evils (violence, etc.), but they [truly] believe that the public schools are still okay.  They may attest that they are not perfect, but that they are still fine.

It has been mentioned in previous posts that there are many evil’s of the public school, but the underlying one is that the foundation is all wrong.  The authority behind the public schools is tied to the government, which has no Biblical authority regarding education.  The government’s authority and influence in the schools has been absolutely detrimental to the entire system.  While they claim to be neutral, they have definite stands against the Bible and it’s morality.  They push paganism (called “humanism”) through every aspect of the school, making the schools a social breeding ground rather than an educational garden.

True, you may have survived your years in a public school, but you still received instruction promoting their pagan philosophies.  It was subtly filtered in, and you received it unwittingly.  You may have had the opportunity to go to a good church and receive sound Biblical teachings that helped to counter the public school’s teachings.  BUT, that is the exception rather than the rule!

(1 Cor. 15:33) “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

(Gal. 5:9) “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

The Bible teaches that even one bad apple can ruin an entire basket of good apples.  What would happen if one good apple gets put in a basket of all bad apples?  Surely the good apple wouldn’t “rub off” on the bad ones and make them good?  This is what the public schools would teach, but that thought process is opposite the teachings of  Scripture.

Coming through a public school “okay” is only by the grace of God.  I can say this will all certainty – I went to public school up through the 9th grade, and it was only by the grace of God that I survived.  It was not easy to overcome the philosophies and teachings of the world.  There have been many that I have personally known that went to public school, trying to maintain their Christian testimony, only to fail and give in to the temptations (“peer pressure” is a strong force at any age, especially while young).

I am not saying that a Christian school is perfect and never has any students that “fail” as Christians.  I have seen my fair share of those that attended Christian schools and still went to the world.  However, the chances of “survival” are much greater in a Biblical environment (a discussion of different “Christian” schools is another matter) than in an environment that is poison at best.

You would be a fool if you believe that just because you went to public school that your children would be okay, too.  Prayerfully consider these things and make the right choice for your children.

Humanism So-Called

The Religious Right speaks about the humanism in the public schools – well, in the public sector in general.  It is very dominate in the classrooms and textbooks of the public schools.  I would like to take a look at this so-called “humanism.”  This is a short excerpt from my book; it is not an exhaustive study, but it does get your mind thinking.

“Humanism” is another plague of the public schools that the Religious Right attacks constantly.  They argue that it is as much of a religion as Christianity, and, therefore, must be treated the same: either both having equal time and emphasis or neither having any time at all.  It is true that “humanism” is a religion, just as Christianity, Buddhism, or Catholicism is.  The real issue, however, is not “humanism” verses Christianity, but that “humanism” is not truly humanism at all.

Calling it ‘humanism’ is like calling a ‘lion’ a ‘cat.’  While a lion is in the cat family, calling it a ‘cat’ portrays a vastly different picture of the animal.  In Scripture, the Bible refers to the worship of anything besides the true God idolatry, which is paganism.  Paganism clearly has Satan as its head, whereas humanism places man as its head and focus.  The Bible only speaks of two ways: the narrow way and the broad way (Matthew 7:13-14).

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.  (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (1 Peter 5:8)

If the devil, as a lion, convinces us that he is only a man, we drop our guard, and he gains an advantage over us and is able to devour us with ease.  The greatest danger of “humanism” is that it focuses our attention on men – “flesh and blood” – instead of the true enemy.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Why Money Is Not The Issue

I recently read an article on a Christian Education website that talked about why money is not an issue.  Overall it is a good article, but I felt that I should input some things and share them here.

My wife and I made the decision a long time ago that we would never send our kids to public school.  We made the decision before marriage.  I since decided that I would be more particular about a school and/or curriculum, not just “Christian” in general.  Money was never a motivation for any of these decisions.

The decision to not go to a public school is, first of all, because that it absolutely does not have the right foundation or authority behind it.  They can talk all they want to about the children and families being the most important thing, but there is an agenda that is being pushed behind it.  Not going to a public school would also be more expensive.  I remember hearing the saying, “You get what you pay for” – and it definitely applies here.

Going to a Baptist school or homeschooling does cost more money than going to a public school, but the benefits are far greater.  Yes, it will cost more money, and it will also take more time, energy, and patience (many of us are bankrupt in these areas, too!).  I personally know the time and effort it takes to work with my three-year-old, and that is only an hour or so of “school” a day!

We do have to remember that God will always take care of us when we do what is right.  If we try to skimp on the right things or take shortcuts, we may not see the blessings of God poured out.  That doesn’t mean that it won’t be difficult or that finances will be a breeze, it just means that in the end, God will make it work out.

I can think of George Mueller – he never asked a single person for help with his orphanages, but God provided millions of dollars (sometimes in the form of food, help, building, etc.) because he prayed earnestly for them.  Many times that is our problem – we go to others for help and never earnestly plead to God.

I am not an advocate for “handouts,” but there are many times that churches can help (I should say, “your” church) with tuition costs.  I don’t believe it is right for everyone to just get a free ride (that would be an unnecessary burden on the church, school, and teachers), but those things are available to those that truly can’t afford it.

I went to public school through the 9th grade, and then finished in the school in my church at the time (Madison Baptist Church).  My mom was not in strong favor of the church or school, but was willing to let me go if I paid for it.  I didn’t have the money to pay, but I ended up working for the church to pay my tuition.  I can say that I appreciate my education more than the average student because of that.  Money was not the issue.

“I can’t have my child work for their own education!”  You can make your own mind up about that.  But I know that if they were to put some of their time and sweat into something like that, they would appreciate it more and would probably actually do their homework.  Also, if they learn a good work ethic like that while their young, you won’t have to worry about them being a bum when they graduate – they will know how to get out there, get a job done, and have an appreciation for the benefits.  I am not talking about slave-labor, because kid’s should be kids; I’m talking about cleaning restrooms, sweeping and moping the floors, etc.

There are different ways that the finances can be “worked out,” but the important thing is making the decision to trust God.  I believe the Bible calls it “faith.”  We need to realize that what God’s desire is for our children’s education, then make the decision to follow what God wants, and then take it to God to have Him take care of the obstacles.  Money is not the issue – faith is the issue.

(1 Timothy 6:6-12) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Why “Baptist” and not just “Christian” or “Bible” Education?

This post is an answer to a comment/question that was posed.  I appreciate all comments and questions, no matter which “side” it comes from.

I completely understand where this is coming from – that’s where I was a few years ago.  I am continually trying to study and learn more, but my eyes have been open to several things in general “church” history.  I just barely mention some things in the introduction, but I go into some more (yet not completely comprehensive) detail throughout the book.

First of all, I am a Baptist for a reason.  It is not because I was born a Baptist (I was not).  It is not because it’s where I started.  It’s not because that’s what I was taught.  It’s because I believe that it is the closest, doctrinally, to Scripture.  Of course, there are many different types of Baptists, and almost no two Baptist preachers/churches are alike, but historically and overall, the Baptist doctrines and distinctives are correct.

There may be some Catholics that are saved, but I am not going to take one of their catechism books to teach from.  The same goes for Lutherans, Methodists,  Congregationalist, Church of Christ, etc.  They have different doctrinal stands than that of Baptists.  I prefer to just take the Bible and teach straight from it, but if I am going to use someone else’s work, it’s going to be a Baptist that agrees doctrinally.

“Reformed theology” stems back to the Reformation period, with John Calvin being the primary “father” of it.  Luther, Zwingli, and others certainly have their place in forming the Reformation and the theology that comes from it, but it was John Calvin that stands above them.  John Calvin actually resurrected Augustinian theology with some minor differences; and Augustine was a prominent Catholic teacher in the fourth and fifth centuries.  In fact, Reformed theologians refer to themselves as “catholic Reformed.”

All of the denominations that came out of the Catholic church during the Reformation kept much of the Catholic teachings and practices.  You can see that when you go to a Lutheran church, etc.   One of the practices that they kept was that of a church/state marriage.  They all persecuted those that believed contrary to the state church (whether it was Lutheran, Calvinism, Church of England, or whatever).  They wouldn’t just “make fun of them,” they would tax them, imprison them, threaten them and their families, disarm them, exile them, or even execute them – all in the name of the church.

Another of the teachings is that of the universal church.  Yes, I do believe that everyone that accepts Christ as Savior is part of the body of Christ and will one day be part of a “universal” church, but God’s plan and dealings today are with local, independent churches.  The “universal church” concept leads to many destructive practices, such as denominational hierarchies and the para-church organizations (including home churches and the like).

I also must state that Baptists are not a result of the Reformation.  Baptists go back to the time of Christ and the Apostles.  There may not be a direct progression that leads from one church to another or from one century to another, but there have been “Baptist” churches since Christ.  There has always been groups of churches that believed and taught the Bible the same or close to the same as we Baptists teach today.  The idea that Baptists came from the Reformation gives the idea that the only “church” in existence was the Catholic church, which would mean that the Gospel was hidden for over 1,000 years until Martin Luther discovered that “the just shall live by faith” in Romans 1:17.

So what about the school curriculum?  ALL of the major curricula available has or is influenced by Reformed theology, and they teach that the Reformers were great men and mention nothing about their persecutions :

A.C.E. is non-denominational (para-church).

Abeka out of Pensacola is non-denominational (para-church).

Bob Jone is Methodist.

These curricula also omit Baptist influence in history.  Baptist theology is what brought freedom of religion or liberty of conscience (the liberty to worship or not worship God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience).  When America was settled in the early 1600’s, state religions were established, and it illegal to be anything other than the state religion.  Taxes were forced upon everyone to pay for the clergy of the state church.  It was primary Baptists (there were some Quakers, Jews, and some others that helped) that fought for the liberty to serve God freely and openly in America – not in the medieval times, or in Russia, or in China, but IN AMERICA.  This part of history some disappears in the Reformed curricula, and the credit passed onto the Reformed churches and leaders.  Which, by the way, all history written by anyone can be influenced and skewed, even from Baptists, but it is completely dishonest to completely (or almost completely) erase Baptists from history when they have contributed so much.

Landmark’s Freedom Baptist Curriculum is the only curriculum (that I am aware of) that is produced solely out of an independent, local Baptist church.  My opinion is that they do not come out far enough with Baptist history, but it is a good curriculum otherwise.

As far as the “brainwashing” aspect that I was asked about, we do have to be careful for two reasons: we should not impose on another person’s conscience, and we must realize that there is a slight chance that we may be wrong (don’t tell that to any Baptist preacher, though:).  At the same time, we are commanded by God to teach our children the Word of God (Deut. 6:4-11), we are to only teach sound doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3, 10;  4:16; 6:3-5) and we are to be simple concerning evil (Rom. 16:19).  Yes, we must teach our children to read and study the Word of God for themselves, but we must guide them in what we believe to be sound doctrine.

So, why “Baptist” education and not just “Christian” education?  Because I am a Baptist by conviction, believing whole-heartedly that it is the closest to sound doctrine, and I must pass that doctrine on.

No Child Left Behind

I was recently looking at some things pertaining to The No Child Left Behind Act.  Here are two links:

The NCLB

Parents Guide to NCLB

For years, I had no issues with No Child Left Behind – after all, why would I want a child to be left behind in school?  Who wouldn’t want higher standards for schools?

Now, I have come to the conclusion that the standards set forth in the act are mostly good, but the source and the means are not acceptable.  Yes, students should be encouraged to do better in school; teachers should be held accountable for what and how they teach; parents should be (a lot) more involved in their child’s education; crime, drugs, alcohol, sex, truancy, and all those other issues must be addressed.

BUT IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB TO DO THIS!

The only involvement that the government (at any level) should have in schools is the physical safety of the students, parents, and teachers.  Government’s job is that of the safety of its citizens, not the education of its citizens.  By all means, make sure weapons don’t come into the schools (using “common sense”); arrest those that commit crimes worthy of it; stop drug and alcohol use; set and regulate building codes for safety; but don’t mess with the rest.

The government should not be funding schools either.  “Who’s going to pay for the schools, then?”  Let’s look at this:

The average cost right now for each student in public school is about $10,000 a year(different sources give different amounts, but this is an average).  Some private schools could average that amount as well, if not surpassing it; however, I do know that there are many Christian schools that have a cost much less than that (between $1,000 and $5,000 a year), are doing as good or better academically, and are still paying taxes for other kids to go to public school!

If the government is out of the schools, taxes would be lower (more money in your pocket) and budgets could be better controlled (less wasteful spending), resulting in less cost per student.  Many families still have to pay various fees for their children in public schools also.  If we do these things, it would be reasonable for each parent to pay for their children’s education.

A non-profit, non-government organization could be established (locally, regionally, or whatever) to help those that truly cannot afford to pay.  These organizations would survive on contributions and donations.  There are many people are are willing and able to help in this area.

This is definitely not a quick fix, nor do I suggest that it is “that easy.”  We are talking about a system that has been in place for centuries and has grown in its power.  There are many other facets that would need to be addressed as well, but I still hold to the position that IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENTS JOB to educate, or regulate the education of, our children.