FOUNDATION OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Believing that the Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible revelation to mankind, First Baptist Christian School consults Scripture for guidance in developing a philosophy of education. In doing so, we find that the Bible speaks very clearly regarding the education of children. Thus, we need not appeal to secular philosophies that are prevalent in contemporary culture. From the biblical passages that refer most explicitly to the instruction of children, we draw the following conclusions regarding the nature of the learner, the goal of Christian education, and the responsibility for educating children. We will strive at all times to ensure that the school’s policy and practice flow from our philosophy of education. (References: 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:19-21; Ps. 119:89)
NATURE OF THE LEARNER
Every child is created in the image of God, and has intrinsic value as a result. Man is created for God’s glory and is commanded to worship Him. At the same time, man lives in a fallen state as a result of sin. Man’s sinful condition alienates him from God and renders him unable to worship God properly, live righteously, understand spiritual things, and recognize that all truth in creation reveals the Creator. Thus, the child is not naturally inclined to seek or achieve the aims that the Bible requires. (References: Gen. 1:26; Is. 43:7; Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 1:18-25; 1 Cor. 2:14)
GOAL OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Christian education is ultimately concerned with training children to become adults whose lives are wholly devoted to God. This involves, at the least, leading the child to a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and instilling in the child a thorough-going Christian worldview that brings biblical Christianity to bear on every area of life. The well-trained Christian mind will not divide life into sacred and secular categories. Rather, the believer will view work, worship, relationships, and use of resources as spiritual decisions. Consequently, the believer will endeavor to do all things with excellence, as unto the Lord. (References: Deut. 6:1-9; Ps. 78:1-8; Prov. 22:6; Col. 2:2-3, 6-8; Col. 3:23)
RESPONSIBILITY FOR EDUCATING CHILDREN
We believe that the primary responsibility for educating children rests with parents. We acknowledge that there is no such institution as the Christian school to be found in the Bible. The school derives its authority from the parents and serves to assist them in their God-given responsibility of training their children. Therefore, Christian schooling is best understood as a collaborative effort to disciple the children of Christian parents. It is imperative that parents agree with the school’s philosophy, support the school’s mission and policies, and involve themselves in the school’s activities. (References: Eph. 6:4, Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 22:6)
|
