This is the first entry to my blog, Eagle Quill 2. Through this space, I will be addressing a most crucial matter relating to the church in the western world today---that of the education of children and youth. To set the tone--with no desire to be melodramatic--when the Judge of all things will finally address church leadership of our generation, I believe that the greatest point of loss and regret will be the manner by which we have ignored our responsibility to bring up children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." Professionally conducted surveys consistently tell us that anywhere between 65% and 85% of young people (late teens and twenties) are walking away from the faith.
Gordon H. Clark wrote, “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.” Our forefathers understood this to be true and that explains why the history of education is rooted in theology and religious philosophy. This “4th R” (religious viewpoint) of education has always been as present as the other three (reading ‘riting and ‘rithmetic). It cannot be avoided. Ultimately, the world/life view—the major life commitment by which a person lives—is informed by the educational system in which he/she is trained. So, no wonder we're witnessing such an immense "falling away."
As a former staff person at postsecondary institutions (in university chaplaincy), I can relate to the statistics quoted. I comprehend fully what Reg Andrews has written.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, university students create the largest proportion of the "mass exodus" from churches, for a number of reasons. Christianity is often seen as being antithetical to education or to higher learning. Furthermore, the church in society has been relegated to a position of irrelevance, as the harbinger solely of tradition and not of (modernizing) change. It is most unfortunate that young people sometimes have not seen role models worth emulating in their growing years in church when they were (early on) most impressionable.
Undoubtedly, PCA's commitment to greater change through yearly mission trips, combined with other initiatives for social involvement, helps to create an overall broad impact. Children learn that formation is not just about individual(ity). For 40 years, students of PCA have been guided in building communities outside of the comforts of North America--whether through weekly monetary giving, or by a student's giving of ones time and resources abroad. To compound the voluntary investments of influence, food bank drives and weekly chapel times focus on the values of humanity and of people from other cultures; regular ratification helps to develop young minds and hearts, so that God's creation is appreciated in all the many facets. These student activities, coupled with the academic drive for excellence, make PCA a positive environment that fosters the willingness in students to make a difference.
Without the commitment of teachers, and the interest of all the staff in the whole welfare of each child, a school cannot be a "training ground" for children that would be worth considering. In preparing children to enter in the arena of the global sphere or work place, the very diverse, multidisciplinary, active approach of PCA's schooling--based upon solid principles--may "reap" a lasting reward. It may not change the general course or tide of society in a postmodern world; but, in the life of a child, the right environment can certainly make a difference. Ultimately, the person will be the answer.
Hi Reg,
ReplyDeleteSusan and I have always cherished knowing you at Peoples as a man of God. We wish you every blessing as you steer the children entrusted to you at PCA to God and His Word.
Just before I read your blog post I happened to be on John MacArthur's blog where he spoke of the need of the church today - A high view of God and His Word.
If the teaching of His Word is uppermost at PCA to nurture a High view of God, then all things will follow. I have no doubt about it because we have a God who is true to His Word.