The Family / Children of God

CHRIST-CENTRED BIBLE-BASED EDUCATION

Position and policy statement issued by World Services on the collective behalf of the fellowship of independent missionary communities commonly referred to as The Family

June 1992

1. Our educational philosophy

                We believe education is primarily the process of learning to apply God's Word to help us more fully understand the purposes of God in life and appreciate Him and the wonders of His creation. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). This process is not an option, but is commanded by God not only for children but adult Christians as well. His Word instructs us, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

                We believe that all truth and purpose for one's life comes from God. Therefore God and His Word must be placed at the centre of a child's life as well as his education. What a child studies, as well as his actions, attitudes, and developing beliefs, are all a sacred part of his vital relationship with God, which will have eternal effects and consequences both for himself and those he influences throughout his life. We feel that any educational undertakings, subjects, learning environments, influences or teachings that impede, contradict or detract from this essential Christian education and development are contrary to the will of God.

                As Christian parents, we are morally obligated and Scripturally bound to train our children. For this reason, we provide our children with positive home-study learning environments which encourage each child to discover his or her unique gifts, talents and abilities, to come to know God in a deep and personal way, and to develop qualities in their lives that reflect the life of Jesus. We believe that not only is the Christian lifestyle, environment and education we give our children essential for their spiritual growth and well-being, but that we are morally obliged to train our children in this way in obedience to God and His Word.

2. Our children have a right to be brought up in the faith in which they were born.

                The spiritual condition of a child is greatly affected by his or her surroundings. Christians, Jews, Muslims, and men and women of every religion must have the right to believe and live their faith and to pass those beliefs on to their children without hindrance. We do not believe it is the right of governments and government agencies to dictate religious beliefs. We believe that public service agencies and employees are overstepping their authority when they attempt to sanction one set of beliefs and denigrate and persecute another.

                We are deeply and fundamentally opposed to our children being taught as truths ideas which are in direct opposition to our understanding and stated beliefs in the Scripture.

3. The Bible is central to our children's education.

                The education and care of our children is based on the fact that the Bible contains the expressed will and Word of God for all Mankind. Furthermore, we believe that the Bible contains God's plan for our eternal Salvation and plays an essential part in the spiritual growth, guidance and strengthening of a Christian. Because of sin, Man has lost his intimate, personal and vital relationship with his Creator, and has become alienated from God and darkened in his understanding. God, however, in His great love and mercy has provided Mankind with a way of regaining this relationship with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible contains the history of Man's plight and the record and testimony of God's love, guidance, and clear plan of Salvation.

4. The Bible is the cornerstone of our curriculum.

                All subjects we study are viewed from the perspective of God's Word. We study Scripture to discover God's will, to examine and compare our personal lives and conduct with God's standard, to alter or conform our actions accordingly, and to be found pleasing to Him.

                Great men throughout the ages have paid their respects and homage to the fundamental role the Bible has played in the history of Mankind. Following are a few examples of the many which abound:

                Napoleon Bonaparte, once Emperor of France: "The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it. . . . Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded empires, but upon what do these creations of our genius depend?--Upon force! Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and this very day millions would die for Him."

                William Gladstone, who served four terms as Prime Minister of Great Britain in the period 1868 to 1894: "All that I think, all that I hope, all that I write, all that I live for, is based upon the divinity of Jesus Christ, the central joy of my poor wayward life. I have known 95 of the world's greatest men in my time, and of these, 87 were followers of the Bible."

                Sir John Ambrose Fleming, British inventor: "There is abundant evidence that the Bible, though written by men, is not the product of the human mind. By countless multitudes it has always been revered as a communication to us from the Creator of the Universe."

                Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States: "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Almost every man who has by his lifework added to the sum of human achievement . . . has based his lifework largely upon the teaching of the Bible."

5. Education has eternal consequences.

                Without Salvation and restoration to God as directed in His Word and accomplished by the Holy Spirit, a man's life will ultimately be without meaning or purpose. Without God's sustaining power, man will surely perish, as will all of his temporal accomplishments. We firmly believe that ultimately every man, woman and child that has ever existed will be called before God to give an account of themselves, and that the things they have said and done in life will be judged accordingly. We feel called and appointed by God with the serious responsibility of preparing ourselves and others for that decisive moment in everyone's existence when Jesus will say either, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" or, "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:34,41). We are morally obligated to pass on to our children an understanding of our duty to God and our moral obligation to be a spiritual help to others.

                Jesus plainly stated that those who believe in Him must continue to abide in Him in order to "bear fruit" in their lives, "for without Me [Jesus] ye can do nothing. ... That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge" (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:5). These are only two of the many Scriptures that support our conviction that it is critical for us to do all we possibly can to abide in the Lord and diligently study and obey His Word, knowing that such things have ramifications that extend into eternity.

6. Commitment to God is not an option but a commandment. The highest form of training that we can give our children is to train them for a life of service to God.

                We firmly believe that total dedication and lifelong service to God is what every Christian should strive for, diligently teach, and seek to instill in His children. Service to God is not a vocational option or choice that can be ignored without consequence, or simply consigned to a chosen few. We believe total dedication to God is the will and commandment of God for every believer. Therefore, we provide our children with extensive training and preparation to be able to reach this personal goal in life.

                The words of Jesus and other Scriptures are very specific in these matters as well. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [materialism, worldly ambitions]. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough [one's dedication and service to God], and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed. Labour not for the meat which perisheth [things of this world], but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him [Jesus] hath God the Father sealed." (Mark 12:30; Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 119:2; Matthew 6:24; James 1:8; Luke 9:62; John 8:31; John 6:27)

                Our educational objective is to foster total dedication to God and Christian discipleship in all of our children while helping them acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to lead happy, productive, fulfilling lives in His service. A missionary lifestyle that requires ministering to thousands of people in many languages all over the world demands a high level of training and education in all areas of life. Therefore, the emphasis we place on spiritual and ministerial training does not mean that our children are educationally disadvantaged should they at any time decide to leave our lifestyle and ministry for a more secular occupation or to pursue a secular education. They receive extensive practical training in other vocational and life skills, and our academic and vocational training is on par with, and often superior to, that which is available to students in society at large.

7. A God-centred education requires a Godly, Word-centred learning environment, separate from unbelievers.

                The educational experiences we provide our children not only encourage a good level of literacy and general educational skill and knowledge, but more importantly, learning takes place in an environment dedicated to fostering the truth of God as revealed by Him through the power of the Holy Spirit, in His Word, in His Creation, in a godly perspective of life, and in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our children are not only taught the facts of this truth, they have the daily opportunity to personally apply and further explore these truths in and through their own lives, because they live with and are taught by parents and others who have dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ.

                Each child is given the opportunity to discover and develop his or her God-given talents and abilities in a positive and constructive learning environment to the honour and glory of God and for His service.

                We do not believe that our children should be educated together with unbelievers. The Scripture commands: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

                Training a child in the way that he should go is a very demanding and specialised job. Teaching children to be kind, loving, forgiving, honest, dedicated to God and His service, depending on and trusting Him, hungering for God's Word and desiring to understand His will and ways, are not things that can be taught by secular people outside our faith.

8. Secular educational objectives are often contrary to our fundamental beliefs, values and goals.

                Thomas Arnold, who was the headmaster of Rugby (a famous English secondary school) from 1828 to 1842, stated that education was "first, religious and moral principles; secondly, gentlemanly conduct; thirdly, intellectual ability." How far from that order of priorities modern education seems to have fallen! Even achievement tests, which are routinely given to students, only measure limited academic performance in a few selected subject areas. They do not begin to measure the more critical aspects of a child's life that we consider very important: godliness, quality of character, decision making and leadership abilities, creativity, communication skills, respect for others, concern for others, the ability to get along with others, generosity, gentleness, patience, perseverance, a sense of humour, happiness, faith, conviction, determination, appreciativeness, and a host of other essential qualities that must not be neglected in a well-balanced education. To truly measure the quality of any approach to education, one must examine more than test scores and book-learning skills, and look at the whole child being educated.

                We therefore believe it is our moral obligation before God to direct the religious upbringing and education of our children. The materialistic or humanistic goals and standards of secular education are so pervasive and all-encompassing that a total compliance with such doctrines and teachings would, in our view, place our children in serious spiritual jeopardy. We would view an attempt to impose totally secular values and secular perspectives on our children as a serious disregard for our spiritual beliefs and an infringement of our religious rights, aimed at destroying our religion, as well as placing our children in serious moral danger. "Walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Ephesians 4:17,18; 5:11; Romans 12:2).

9. Our children receive a scholastic education in addition to their spiritual training.

                We understand and respect society's expressed wish to maintain a certain level of literacy and education in its population by setting minimal educational requirements. We also believe that a good standard of literacy and education is imperative. This we diligently strive to achieve and maintain in all of our communities, with each child receiving a sound basic education in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, health and physical education, as well as music, art and drama. On the various occasions that our children have been tested using standardised achievement tests, and in the individual testing that we ourselves give our children annually, they invariably score just as well, and very often better than their public school counterparts.

                Our children follow an orderly, progressive and well-planned curriculum which is continually being updated and expanded upon with new books, videos, audio tapes, computer programs, etc., which are obtained not only from Christian and Home School sources, but also any good secular sources that offer valuable approaches, ideas and materials.

                In higher grades, however, certain subject matters, notably certain higher math and science skills, are considered less universally relevant or needful for a well-rounded and effective Christian education. Instead, specialised studies become an individual matter based on vocational need or personal interest, with students free to study these topics on their own. We do not believe in studying simply for study's sake. In striving for time-efficient education for our young people, we do not believe we need to impose on all students secular studies that are of questionable worth or use in their future.

10. All subject matter is explored via a Godly perspective.

                Language is considered to be a special gift and faculty designed by God and given to Man at Creation. We give much emphasis to reading skills, instruction beginning at a very early age. Communication skills are particularly valued and stressed, since such skills are essential in order to properly present the message of God to the world. Our children are encouraged to be expressive, articulate, communicative, and creative, capable of solving problems, answering questions, giving and following directions. They enjoy a wide range of literary opportunities and experiences: letter writing, analysing, discussing, expressing their opinions, speechmaking, debating, chairing meetings, interviewing, learning a second language, etc.

                In mathematics, instruction focuses on competence, computational skills, comprehension, problem solving, and application of mathematical principles, with an emphasis on practical applications. The consistency of mathematical truths shows the orderliness and precision of God. Mathematical truths and absolutes exist because God created and upholds them. The Bible is full of examples of the use of numbers, from the designing of Noah's Ark (Genesis 6:15) to the measurements of the Holy City (Revelation 21:16,17).

                Social studies is dedicated to understanding the plan, purpose and presence of God in all aspects of life that affect Mankind: religion, history, geography, economics, government, leadership, race, social problems, human relationships, etc. The Bible has much to say in each of these areas of study and clearly reveals God's total control of the final outcome of Man's tenure here on earth, and what God intends Man to learn in the process. Our children are very knowledgeable of the world and its people, social problems and human conditions because of their active involvement in our missionary work and travels.

                Social studies for our children is a very exciting, living subject in which they discover with the help of the Bible the history of Man, the origin of races, the development of nations and languages. They also discover that there are spiritual forces at work in the world, both good and evil, forming and affecting governments and rulers; that the future has been foretold by God and that the times in which we live have been foretold for generations. Our children have a great interest in world news and social developments, comparing the events of our times with the predictions of the past to see if we do indeed live in Man's last greatest period of history before the return of Jesus to the earth.

                We view science as discovering information and principles about how God's wonderful Creation came to be and how it works. Godly scientists of the past such as Newton, Galileo, Maxwell, and Kelvin have shown us that when science is properly presented and understood, it is in complete agreement with the Bible. We view science as a wonderful opportunity to marvel at the Creation of God, and we use the Bible as our authority and guide in helping to answer our many questions about the marvellous world in which we live. The Creation reveals the infinite complexities and intelligent designs of the Creator, and demonstrates not only His wisdom, but His loving care for the work of His hands. "For the invisible things of Him from the Creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead" (Romans 1:20).

                We do not accept the spurious teaching of Darwin, or other secular teachings supportive of the erroneous and unfounded theory of evolution that seeks to ignore God, or push Him into the past, or which attributes to Creation some spontaneous role in planning, creating, ordering, or adapting itself under its own developing wisdom; nor do we subscribe to explanations that attempt to ignore God or blur His immediate active role or detract from His Eternal presence all around us.

                We consider music to have a direct spiritual effect upon a person. We feel musical expression can be one of the most enjoyable gifts God has given. Music is like a universal language of deep human emotion and experience. In our communities we enjoy a rich heritage of traditional and new musical compositions and creations. Music serves as a vehicle to present truth, to teach, admonish, and express a joyful heart. Music plays a very meaningful part in our devotion and worship of God and helps deepen our relationship with Him and each other. Even the youngest child is exposed to enjoyable musical experiences and encouraged to sing, dance, clap, tap, play instruments, and join in the joys of musical times together. Our children enjoy many opportunities to participate in musical experiences and develop performance skills, comprehension of melody, rhythm, harmony and creative expression. The audio and video music tapes we offer the public are simply a small sampling of the rich and creative musical culture our children enjoy in our communities.

                Industrial arts and vocational training are taught in hands-on practical learning sessions, as well as theory and textual lessons. Our young people are extremely proficient in a wide range of technical and trade skills. We do not believe in teaching theory without practice, ideas without reality, thought without action. Safe and responsible work habits are stressed in hands-on experiences as our young people assume real responsibilities while perfecting their technical knowledge and skills. Also, since learning and instruction largely take place in actual job situations working with others, they develop social and group involvement and leadership skills.

                Learning home economics is a way of life in our cooperative communities, and each child has much opportunity to learn not only many practical domestic skills, but also how to properly care for and maintain a home and prepare for adult life. Home economics training includes cooking and kitchen skills, sewing, homemaking and home care skills, as well as the care and training of babies and young children.

                Physical education and health are presented in the context of caring for the bodies God has given us. Good health habits, diet and nutrition are learned from a young age. Physical education is encouraged, with outdoor, healthful exercise or activities on a daily basis wherever possible. We do not promote aggression or extreme competition, nor do we consider it acceptable to become emotionally hostile or upset during games and group activities. We work hard to enhance positive social interaction between students, integrating appropriate Biblical principles and prayer into each activity.

11. True education must not be confused with simply acquiring knowledge

                "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity [love] edifieth" (1 Corinthians 8:1). Man may acquire vast amounts of worldly knowledge and power, yet it will profit him nothing if he loses his own soul. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36,37)

                The Bible warns us that worldly wisdom and knowledge are not only considered foolishness to God, but are not able to deliver or transform the human spirit; in fact, they do not even bring happiness to a man at all. "For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow" (Ecclesiastes 1:18). Only the knowledge and understanding that comes from God is able to satisfy the human heart and fill Man with true wisdom and understanding, give him long life and health, and cause the blessing of God to be upon him.

                Hence, we believe that true education must first and foremost recognise that God, through the operation of His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is the source of all truth and wisdom. Furthermore, that the path and plan for Man's eternal life and Salvation are found in the Bible, and every person seeking true knowledge and wisdom must study and meditate upon the Words of God in the Holy Scriptures. "The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalm 119:130).

                The most essential, meaningful and rewarding education one can receive in life is obtained through a prayerful study of God's Word and by letting Jesus and the Holy Spirit dwell in him and instruct him and lead him into all truth, knowledge and understanding.

12. Unique learning opportunities are available to our children.

                It is important to realise that our cooperative missionary lifestyle provides our children with many unique learning opportunities not available to children dependent on institutions for their education. In a sense, our children have the best of many worlds: home life, school life, family, business, and church. What society has partitioned into separate institutions, our children have free access to every day in our unique home environments: they see, enjoy and participate in meaningful ways in their parents' occupations; they enjoy positive peer interaction, cultivating deep and lifelong friendships; they are born with a purpose and live their beliefs rather than viewing them as a once-a-week experience. School and learning is a living, practical, purposeful activity. In effect, our children enjoy a continuous meaningful integrated educational experience that few other children in the world have. Their learning experiences take place in an atmosphere of close personal ties, respect, love, continuity, security and the time-efficient convenience of a home-based education.

                In our homes, there are a host of learning and vocational activities and experiences that are simply not part of a single-family secular lifestyle. Though we specifically dedicate a certain number of hours each day to academic studies, in practice, our children are intensely involved in learning activities, Bible studies, industrial arts and home economics, Christian outreach, reading and writing, outdoor games and activities, singing, performing, watching educational videos, and much more from morning to night. Our children live in an educationally, culturally and spiritually rich environment, and prosper because of it.

                Few educational facilities could ever match the individual care and attention that our dedicated parents and care-givers provide our children. The sheer man-hours of quality instruction invested in our children are far beyond the capacities of most schools or institutions to provide. Few salaried teachers or care-givers could match the dedication, sincerity, conviction, thoroughness, personal interest, love, encouragement, patience, respect, gentle constructive guidance and correction, good supervision, honesty, personal example, simplicity, and practicality that our parents and care-givers show and bestow upon each of our precious children.

13. In summary

                Our basic position on the education of our children is that it is our God-given parental right and duty as dedicated Christians to give them a godly education, bringing them up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). We translate this into practical terms by providing our children with a multi-faceted education: Christian and ministerial training, practical vocational training, scholastics, physical and social development. Our Christian ministry and cooperative lifestyle help provide an ideal home-based learning environment in which to accomplish these educational objectives.

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                "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (Isaiah 54:13)

                "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).