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Christianity Today, May (Web-only), 2007 |

SoulWork

The Cost of Christian Education

Getting schooled in the faith is more unnerving than I care to admit.

Mark Galli | posted 5/31/2007 08:23AM

The thought of watching my youngest pick up her high school diploma tomorrow has started me pondering education—in our nation and in the church.

I've been concerned about both, and I'm hardly alone. ...

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Allyce

Posted: June 06, 2007 12:27 PM

I am #7 out of 8 children. 4 of us graduated from Christian university; a 5th obtained an RN. Our family had nothing-except character. "What God orders, He pays for." There is no other way to describe how we completed Christian college. However, without having experienced the benefits of a truly Christian school, one cannot fully appreciate them. The majority of students at our college spent weekends in the surrounding communities and states living out what they learned in the classrooms. The basis of what is taught in secular schools is the antithesis of Christianity. Students absorb anti-Christian principles without realizing it--and many become "college shipwrecks". Most educators are very liberal in thought & practice, as demonstrated by causes espoused by the NEA and by college professors. Few students have wisdom to counter such indoctrination. Teaching in public school after having taught in Christian school was disheartening. Christian values are allowed only in secular terms.

Sharon Hartman

Posted: June 02, 2007 10:08 PM

What is a "Christian Education"? Is it learning the Scripture? Is it learning to be like Christ? Is it being surrounded by others who are attending a "Christian" school (K-12 or college)? Both my husband and I attended different Christian colleges. His opinion is that it's the best place to send our kids. I left the Christian college because many were there "because grandma, grandpa, dad and mom attended here." Some drove 30 minutes on the weekend to the secular university to party. I walked out of one math class because the professor (who was a great math teacher and did mission work in the summer time) went into some sexually explicit inuendo. I alone stood up and walked out of class and spoke to him privately later. The most valuable thing I took away from my "Christian education" were the New and Old Testament classes. Wish we could get that for our kids at our church. I left the "Christian college" after 3 semesters to attend the big state U where "people were real."

Matt	Posted: June 01, 2007 10:14 PM

I weep for this generation. I am 28 years old and have attended public/secular schools since kindergarten. By October, I will have obtained 2 masters and a PhD. I do not say this to brag by any means, but to show that a man can be in the world but not of it. Why do Christians continue to believe that Christian education will solve the problems that our society faces? Why do we have thje mentality that if we just hide from the world in Christian communities everything will be ok? Our call as Christians is to be salt to the world. It means that we are to be salt wherever and whenever. It means taking the time with our children and encouraging them to be light in public schools. It means parents taking the time and being active in their PTA's and city councils. It means challenging our kids to dream big dreams and to become teachers, lawyers, politicians, and even professors in order to engage our community and the world. Only by engagement can we change the world.

Allyce

Posted: June 01, 2007 5:36 PM

As a veteran educator with advanced degrees who spent many years teaching in Christian schools and public schools, I am somewhat baffled by this article. My husband, also a veteran educator with advanced degrees and former Christian school administrator deciphered the premise of the essay as: objective vs subjective teaching. There is a place for both methods. Both of us graduated from Christian university. Whenever the value of Christian education is questioned, this motto comes to mind. "Christian education does not cost, it pays." The main problem we encountered while teaching in Christian schools was worldliness among students and parents. Parents sacrificed to send their children to Christian schools, often due to concern with academics/ atmosphere in public schools. Unfortunately, many parents did not fully support the efforts of the dedicated, godly staff in the Christian schools. Discipline and academic scores were questioned. Self-discipline was lacking at home.

http://charlesburge.blogspot.com/

Posted: June 01, 2007 1:22 PM

Mark - good post, but why no mention of home schooling? If there is any Christian community that seeks to integrate real life and learning, it would be this overlooked segment of the Church. Rather than creating social miscreants, home schooling done well actually advances socialization skills by placing young people alongside adults, thus avoiding the 'artificial environment' of classroom learning. Otherwise, thanks for articulating very well what many other dads and moms are experiencing at this season.

Delwyn X. Campbell

Posted: May 31, 2007 7:54 PM

This article reflects the Christianity that is practiced in White American Suburbia, not that which is practiced in the inner cities. Perhaps Mark needs to come to a good inner city Baptist, Deliverance, or Church of God in Christ congregation. It would do his family some good. Regarding the cost of Christian universities, unless you have the money to pay for it, the issue is still the "cost." After all, if I cannot afford to go there, it doesn't matter what the alleged "value" is, I cannot afford it. In order for me to consider a Christian University, I annot go to a place that sucks up all of my financial aid, leaving me with nothing. That is why I chose San Diego State for a Religious Studies undergrad program. I got a great education from some gifted professors, met some wonderful people, and lived out my Christian witness, without giving all of my financial aid to the school.

Steve Turner

Posted: May 31, 2007 4:42 PM

Does Barna's research look at the drop off of 'twentysomethings' out of church who do have a 'Christian College'education.His other research on the mass of people leaving the existing traditional church looking for alternatives-either Christian or other models seems to say that those from Christian Colleges are not making a real difference to the exit or society as a whole.In Australia we have very few Christian Universities, while 30% are educated in Christian based schools. We have 5 children aged from 21 to 14 and we decided to never rely on anyone else or institution to teach our kids about what it meant to follow Jesus.Along with welcoming discipling input from those we have met on the way- Christians and those ignorant of their 'Christian influence', we are committed to discipling our children and building community in our home.Acknowledging discipleship is caught more than taught means making the whole home a place of ministry, for our kids friends, their families and friends.

Anonymous

Posted: May 31, 2007 4:26 PM

Jim, if only the solution were as simple as sending your kids off to a Christian college. My oldest did well in such a setting; my second broke our hearts in the fourth year of Christian college, and our third refuses to go to one. Our kids were steeped in Christian camps, church youth group, and two graduated from a well-know Christian 4-year college program. Yes, absolutely, the biggest challenge is in the young adult years. I have come to believe that "deliver us from evil" is not a prayer that we will be untouched by evil, but that evil will not ultimately win over us. Christian education is only one part of the process of discipleship, and there are no quick fixes in discipling our children. It will often be a gut-wrenching experience. But praise God that caring Christian communities exist to express the love of God; and it is often these kinds of communities that will carry us along on their faith when ours has run dry, until we can be replenished.

Matt Stephens

Posted: May 31, 2007 1:25 PM

Here's an idea... Why don't we train up several thousand Christian financiers and developers (and pastors!) to invest in real communities. Communities with houses, condos, apartments, parks, smaller schools, locally-owned businesses, and entertainment venues. We need to start listening to prophets (Christian and secular) like George MacDonald (The McDonaldization of Society) and Tom Sine (Mustard Seed vs. McWorld) who have warned us for the last 30 years about the dangers of modernity run amok. We may not ought to start bulldozing the burbs (at least for another 40 years, that is, when their shoddy workmanship shows its ugly face), but we certainly should start anew today. Unfortunately, every time you bring up authentic community, people (not least pastors) wig out and think you're advocating the Jesus People or something. To hell with isolation, fear, depression, sprawl, waste, & dog-eat-dog economy. Up with true communities and the true Gospel! www.theincarnate.blogspot.com

Jim Elliott

Posted: May 31, 2007 11:58 AM

Mark - The real test for your daughter will be the next four years. A 2006 study by the Barna Group indicates "Most of them (i.e., twentysomethings) pull away from participation and engagement in Christian churches, particularly during the “college years." It amazes me how many Christian families ignore such research and send their sons and daughters off to secular colleges and univeristies. The member schools of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities are committed to high quality education, integrating faith and learning across the academic disciplines. Just as importantly, spiritual formation takes place in community among faculty, staff and students. Residence halls become learning/living environments where students not only grow socially, but spiritually. The issue then is not the "cost" but "value" of a Christian higher education. A Christian college education is one of the best investments parents can make in the lives of thier children.

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