Public school and the Christian parent

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Esaias

All are viable options IF they are all CHRISTIAN in their pedagogy. American public schools are not (by law), therefore are not a viable option. Once again, the issue isn't academic performance or social skill sets. The issue is the Bible commands Christian education, not secular, for children of Christians.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

All are viable options IF they are all CHRISTIAN in their pedagogy. American public schools are not (by law), therefore are not a viable option. Once again, the issue isn't academic performance or social skill sets. The issue is the Bible commands Christian education, not secular, for children of Christians.

The Bible commands that parents raise their children in the fear and admonition of the LORD. That can be done even in cultures that do not have a public educational system. That can be done in a "Christian" educational system. And, it can be done in a culture that has a purely secular educational system.

Now, we do agree that a secular educational system presents challenges. But this doesn't equate to a ticket to Hell.

Can we agree on that much?

[houston]

And I?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by houston

And I?

You're probably all right. Depends on whether or not you can shockamoo, tho...

[houston]

Originally Posted by Esaias

You're probably all right. Depends on whether or not you can shockamoo, tho...

Came close at cell group. Got a little wild.. I raised a holy hand. Hallelujah!

[Aquila]

Now, we're Apostolic. This opens another can of worms. If it is a mortal sin to send your child to a secular school, then is it not equally a mortal sin to send your child to an Evangelical Christian school or even a Catholic school? Doesn't this imply that unless an Apostolic parent sends their child to an "Apostolic" school, or homeschools, they will suffer eternal torments?

[Aquila]

Regarding government authority and civil obedience, Paul wrote:

Romans 13:1-7 English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

1 Peter 2:13-14 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

Paul wrote this in the present tense, speaking of the government that then was. Now, that government wasn't "Christian". In fact, it was pagan, hedonistic, and even in some cases hostile to Christianity. The emperors claimed divine authority, honor, and worship. And eventually, this very government that Paul admonishes Christians to peacefully submit to executed the Apostle.

Yet based on Paul's words, that Roman government was "instituted by God", and whosoever rebels against said government would incur the judgment of God. And Christians were to seek approval and acceptance with said government, knowing the government serves a greater good by preventing total chaos, by punishing wrong doers. And so, Christians were to obey the institutions of earthly Roman government, pay taxes, give due honor, and due respect.

Today, we live in a nation with a secular non-sectarian government. It is often hostile to religion. And it is especially hostile when religions seek to impose their beliefs on others. But America isn't as bad as ancient Rome was by any stretch of the imagination. And it is a law in the United States that parents educate their children. And, this government not only allows for religions to provide a religious education for those families and children who are religious, but it provides a non-sectarian, non-religious, public educational system for those families and religious bodies who do not have the resources, skill, or ability to send their children to private religious schools. And yes, depending on the staff and/or teachers in these institutions (many of which are indeed Christian), a school may be friendly, neutral, or hostile to overt religious proselytizing, pandering, or practice on the premises... especially if any of these things might appear to be endorsed by the institution. Ultimately, this is "intended" to keep the peace among the student body and the community at large.

We are not to adore, be allegiant to, nor worship any earthly government (pagan, secular, or religious). Though we are to seek to live at peace with earthly governments as we seek Christian autonomy with regards to faith and practice. This is why some Christians do not swear oaths or testify in earthly courts, why some Christians do not stand or cover their hearts for the anthem, participate in military service, or enter any profession that might require them to use deadly force under the authority of said earthly government. We were, are, and always will be the Kingdom of God regardless of what earthly construct exists around us. And this will be so until Christ returns and all earthly authority is subdued... by Him personally.

That being said, if a Christian must send their child to public school due to circumstance, it is no sin. However, the challenges are real and the Christian parent does well to get to know the specific school their child attends and what challenges they might have to face and prepare their child appropriately.

[Amanah]

Mission
The mission of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.

Vision and Goals
The vision of College of the Ozarks is to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.

To achieve this vision, the College has Academic, Vocational, Christian, Patriotic and Cultural goals. Even as College of the Ozarks has evolved through secondary and junior college stages to the present four-year liberal arts institution, the fundamental goals of our no-tuition college have remained the same.

Academic Goal
To provide a sound education, based in the liberal arts.

Vocational Goal
To promote a strong work ethic, encouraging the development of good character and values.

Christian Goal
To foster the Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service.

Patriotic Goal
To encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.

Cultural Goal
To cultivate an appreciation of the fine arts, an understanding of the world, and adherence to high personal standards.

http://www.cofo.edu/Page/About-C-of-O.14.html

[CalledOut238]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Mission
The mission of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.

Vision and Goals
The vision of College of the Ozarks is to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.

To achieve this vision, the College has Academic, Vocational, Christian, Patriotic and Cultural goals. Even as College of the Ozarks has evolved through secondary and junior college stages to the present four-year liberal arts institution, the fundamental goals of our no-tuition college have remained the same.

Academic Goal
To provide a sound education, based in the liberal arts.

Vocational Goal
To promote a strong work ethic, encouraging the development of good character and values.

Christian Goal
To foster the Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service.

Patriotic Goal
To encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.

Cultural Goal
To cultivate an appreciation of the fine arts, an understanding of the world, and adherence to high personal standards.

http://www.cofo.edu/Page/About-C-of-O.14.html

Now that you have mentioned Christian Colleges. Has the UPC worked with varying states to set up Christian K1-K12 schools? The majority of what we see in Virginia are Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist or Methodist. I am sure my wife would be interested in helping with the requirements required in our state for target cities in Virginia. My children have graduated and I cannot turn back time for them, but we can contribute with her knowledge and financially.

If Apostolic schools provided outstanding curriculum; preparing students for colleges and trades, that could be a great tool for growth in our fellowships.

James 2:26 (KJV) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Selah

[n david]

Originally Posted by CalledOut238

Now that you have mentioned Christian Colleges. Has the UPC worked with varying states to set up Christian K1-K12 schools? The majority of what we see in Virginia are Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist or Methodist. I am sure my wife would be interested in helping with the requirements required in our state for target cities in Virginia. My children have graduated and I cannot turn back time for them, but we can contribute with her knowledge and financially.

If Apostolic schools provided outstanding curriculum; preparing students for colleges and trades, that could be a great tool for growth in our fellowships.

James 2:26 (KJV) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Selah

I don't believe the UPC HQ has developed anything nationally. While growing up, I knew of several churches who had their own church school, either ACE or Abeka. The church my parents pastored has its own private ACE school.

Not a bad idea, but likely too costly.