As parents it's vital that we take charge of our children's spiritual development. Because our sons and daughters spend so much time exposed to media and information that may undermine the Christian values taught at home, Christian parents must proactively (and prayerfully) invest in their children's spiritual, moral, and yes— theological development. Regarding what is taught in classrooms, Martin Luther (1483-1546) famously said: "I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scripture, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount."
About schooling— I'm not asking you to show up and sit next to your teen during Biology class. What's important is that you're aware of what's being taught—and by whom. Whether good or bad, a teacher's influence in the life of the student is deep and long-lasting. Many educators provide positive influence in the lives of students. However, parents must make sure that the values taught in the home are not eroded by what's taught in the classroom. Remember that teachers are usually seen as "experts" by students in whatever field is being taught, which gives them a tremendous amount of potential to shape a worldview. They also have the advantage of frequent personal interaction, spending hours each day with your teen.
Education extends beyond the mere communication of facts and data. The worldview held by a teacher influences all that goes on in the classroom and impacts students at a number of levels. Simply put, worldview is the way you look at reality. Author James Sire calls it "a set of assumptions (which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which you hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic makeup of the world."2 Whether we realize it or not, we all think and live within the scope of a worldview.
The foundation and bedrock of the Christian's worldview are God and His revealed truth: God exists and may be known; He is the Creator and owner of all things, and we are accountable to Him; Man is made in the image of God, and human life is therefore sacred. These are but a few of the tenets comprising a believer's worldview—values that you as a Christian parent most likely have tried to impart to your children.
Fear Not!
Just because your teen goes to a public school doesn't mean he's bound to be a brainwashed atheist. Public education doesn't necessarily conflict with a Christian education. I know many born-again women and men who are teaching and working in America's public school systems, and who are valiantly representing their Christian faith as they do so. But it has been well documented that from kindergarten through grade school— all the way to the universities and post-graduate programs— our publicly-funded schools have for decades been turning against God, morality, and even against democratic America.
It's important that we realize our own responsibility as parents in instilling a biblical perspective on everything our kids encounter at school. No issue is too small to hash out over dinner. No conflict is too menial that your adolescent can't call you during the middle of the day for an answer, or just to vent. Educational pedagogy (the basic way that you approach learning) for many of the great leaders of our history had been Proverbs 1:7: We must help our children see life through a Biblical lens.
Like your child's general education, instilling a solid Christian worldview isn't just about memorizing data. Discernment is a key trait that must be built. That begins with you modeling biblical discernment and truth. You can't expect your son or daughter to know right from wrong if you're not exemplifying it at home!
The key for Christian parents is to be proactive rather than reactive. Don't wait until your oldest daughter comes home from college and announces that she's now an atheist. The time to incorporate consistent biblical discipleship (which should include worldview and apologetics content) into your family life is now—today! And don't forget an added bonus: As you prepare to help your kids "drill down deeply" into their faith, you'll be strengthening your own understanding of God's truth as well.
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