EDUCATION: How Should We Educate Our Children

"I am afraid that the schools will prove to be wide gates to hell unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them on the hearts of the youth. I advise no one to place their child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Any institution in which men are not constantly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt." Martin Luther

Martin Luther started a revolution in education by translating the Bible into the common language and printing it cheaply. Everyone needed to learn to read so they could study the Bible. Since that time, Christian missions have always been at the forefront of education.

Education in South Africa

Nelson Mandela was one who benefitted from this education. "We owe a debt to religion and religious institutions which is beyond words, because our generation is a product of church education. From the first standard, right up to university, I was in religious schools" he said.

Most of the early schools and universities in South Africa were founded by Christians to promote the Christian faith and worldview.

Later the government offered to help with education. But this 'help' turned to a demand to control education. The apartheid government confiscated many schools and teachers' training colleges from Christian missions. Home-schooling was banned. Nevertheless, the Christian faith wqas still taught in most schools. Private Christian schools stayed multi-racial despite apartheid.

In 1994, with the interim constitution, homeschooling was unbanned. In 1996 parents gained more power through school governing bodies. Christian organisations gained more access to work in schools.

Nevertheless, Christian education came under attack. Some academics began trying to replace Bible education with secular 'religious studies', which was non-compulsory. Later they tried replacing it with 'Lifeskills' and 'Sex education'. Increasing taxes and lowered subsidies to private schools made private Christian education less affordable. Many schools stopped teaaching the Bible. Then came the banning of corporal punishment, which despite objections, the Constitutional Court ruled must apply also to Christian schools.

The results of these anti-Christian moves have been more immorality, drug use, rape, gangs and rebellion in schools. Teachers have a tougher time with discipline. Organisations such as 'Planned Parenthood' have introduced immoral sex education. When the Bible is removed from a school, the devil moves in.

Many teachers and parents also objected to Curriculum 2005 and 'Outcomes Based Education' for lowering academic standards.

Now, in the proposed "New National Curriculum", Bible teaching is replaced with an interpretation of the 'values of the constitution' hostile to Christian values. For example, it promotes acceptance of homosexuality. Sex education and multi-faith religious education is compulsory for all pupils even from a very young age. The Bible and abstinence are not mentioned. It would be forced on everyone including private schools and home schools. How long are we going to allow this decline to carry on?

Asmal's attack on Christianity

Cause for concern is Education Minister Kader Asmal's offensive attacks on the Christian faith. On Human Rights Day, 2001, he criticised 40 000 Christians for praying for the salvation of homosexuals. He also objects to Christian organisations working in schools. At his 'Values in Education' conference he attacked the role of missionaries in education. He recently called Christian educators 'right-wing fundamentalists' and the Christian worldview 'a historical anachronism' (out of date). Asmal also claimed responsibility for the pro-homosexual clause in the constitution. Ironically, while attacking Christianity and parents rights he criticises Christians as being intolerant. God commands us to pray for such people (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Matthew 5:44).

What does God say about teaching children?

Educational choices

Educational alternatives in South Africa today include homeschooling; private schools and government funded schools. Whichever we choose, our children must be brought up in the way of the Lord.

What about non-believers?

Non-believers can decide how they want to educate their children. Different schools can have a different ethos. Christians should try to offer them the alternative of Christian education. Many non-believers send their children to Christian schools because of the high standard of discipline, moral values and academic excellence.

What can I do?