While secular education is important and necessary Christians must enter the education system with a careful eye. There are many “accepted” teachings which are contrary to the Word of God such as teachings regarding the age of the earth and evolution. Christians must be aware of the types of teachings and be prepared to stand against them. How can Christian parents be prepared to stand against these teachings and prepare their children to stand against these teachings?
- Educate yourself. I remember when I was a young child (I think I was in elementary school) being taught in school that oil formed below the surface of the earth millions and millions of years ago. I was fascinated by the teaching and promptly shared it with my mother when she picked me up from school. My mother was quick to refute such a teaching, telling me that although some people think that, the Bible does not agree with that particular teaching (the earth being that old). My mom was prepared to contest what I had been taught at school.
- Educate your children. Just a few years ago I was of the mindset that I wanted to know nothing about evolution. I knew it was false and had no desire to know anything about the teaching. I cringed when the subject was mentioned in my biology classes, and although I had the opportunity to take the class of evolution, I declined because I did not want anything to do with the subject. However, I feel differently about learning about evolution now. I think it is important to know what is being taught about such things as evolution for several reasons. First, I will not be caught off guard by the teaching, especially if I am trying to speak about God to someone who believes in evolution. Secondly, by knowing about evolution, I am better prepared to defend against the teaching. If your children have knowledge of what is being taught and why it is not a good teaching they will be better armed against falling into the false teaching.
- Maintain an active communication with your children. As you would do with any subject, make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your children about what they are being taught at school regarding things that might contradict the teaching of the Bible such as evolution. Hopefully by maintaining this communication your children will always feel comfortable asking you about things that are not congruent with the things they have learned about the Bible.
While I think that the three things I mentioned above are key to being able to stand against teachings at school which are contrary to the Bible, I also think it is important to mention a few others. For instance, this is something you can pray about. It is also important to continue to study the Bible. I also think it is also important to remain informed about the false teachings. Remember 1st Peter 3:15-16: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”
All Scripture reference is taken from the NKJV.
See the related blog “Fearing Science.”