REKINDLING THE FLAME of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Society in general has been adversely affected by a subsequent decline in morals and ethical values.  The absence of strong biblical principles in the curriculum of secular schools and colleges is the main contributor to escalating crime rate, immoral lifestyles, and sub-standard academic performance among high school and college students.

Christian schools have placed great spiritual emphasis on their curriculum ensuring that it includes learning experiences which serve as good examples to the student.  It helps to develop strong principles and concepts about biblical truths while endorsing the belief in God as creator of the universe and all in it.  Prayer is another component of the Christian school system.  Prayer enables the students to focus and direct petitions to Almighty God thereby developing a relationship with him as well as an allegiance to him. Christian morals and character are developed as the Christian education touches the tri-part unit of the student:  a) Body – physical education, b) soul and mind – intellectual textbook application, c) spirit – the Holy Bible inspired by God becomes practical through the Holy Spirit.

Characteristics of the Christian school

1          It helps each student see the world through the lens of biblical truths.

2          It acquaints the students with the world by way of the general study of natural science, social studies and other studies which deal with proper biblical and ethical human relationships.

3          It prepares the student for intelligent and satisfactory living, enabling them to take their place in society as good representatives of the Christian faith.

4          It guides students in making appropriate vocational choices.

The curriculum of Christian education includes liberal arts and sciences, usually sub-divided into the humanities, social sciences and the natural sciences.  The objective of the curriculum is two-fold, i.e., to teach vocational expertise necessary for employment as well as to develop the students’ spiritually so that they can pursue their lives of faith in obedience to God and his specific laws.

Students attending Christian schools are exposed to certain disciplines, which cultivate feelings and imagination and also to expand the mind through biblical concepts and other subjects such as art, literature, history and science.  Christian schools differ in that they maintain that students are more than just computerized numbers in a group.  Instead, students are treated as people with feelings and emotion and are seen as special and unique to God and their teacher.

In essence, in the Christian schools the students learn:

1.         The Bible as the main textbook, the manual for their lives,

2.         God is the creator of the universe and all living things therein,

3.         Each individual has a soul which needs to respond to God,

4.         The 3 R’s (Reading Writing and Arithmetic) as well as other subjects of importance,

5.         To respect and give keen attention to their teachers

6.         It is not right morally to cheat on test or homework

7.         The value of honouring and respecting their parents and to honour their promises.  Basically do what they said they would do, respectfully.

8.         To perform well whatever task is assigned to them at home, school or in the workplace.