CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

 

Our state representative told me recently that the public schools are going to be teaching children as young as the first grade that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle. This is part of the “Common Core” curriculum, and is mandated by the United Nations. I do not claim to know all the details, but every Christian should be outraged. It is a shame that American churches have not taken a stand against a government that is set on taking away religious freedom. If we really had “separation of church and state” in this country, no school, textbook, or teacher would be allowed to infringe on our religious freedom by teaching our children things that are contrary to our religious beliefs.

          Worse yet the churches have failed to rise to the challenge. They not only fail by doing nothing. They also fail by starting schools that only the rich can afford. And, by hiring teachers that have been trained at secular schools. Any congregation that can afford a youth pastor can afford to hire a teacher instead. And, you only need one room for a one-room school. Moreover, if we do not need to charge tuition to pay the salary of a youth pastor we do not need to charge tuition to pay the salary of a teacher. I have seen this done. A congregation I belonged to in Ohio did it. They did ask outsiders to pay tuition. Members were asked to voluntarily pay about half that amount, but it was not required. It is time we recognize the fact that education of Christian youth is part of the work of the congregation and not something extra that is tacked on for a price.