Philosophy of Education
The Bible warns us to beware of hollow and vain philosophies that are patterned after human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world. In this we understand that the learning process is not a neutral endeavor. There are competing ideas which are antithetical to one another vying for the mind. Since this is so—and since it is important that Christ be Lord of all, it is important to build a philosophy of education that is distinctly Christian in its orientation.
The Basis of Education
In developing one’s understanding of the educational process one must first begin with the Scriptures and the Triune God who created us. God himself declares that wisdom begins with, commences through, and culminates in the fear of God (Prov. 1:7; 15:33 2:5).
The Bible says that before all things were created God existed and that He is the self existing, self sufficient “I Am.” All of creation flows from Him and is sustained by Him. Therefore He is the source and fountain of all knowledge. Also, since He the creator of the mind and “in Him all things hold together” God also gives coherence to all rationality. Anything opposing God sets itself up as false knowledge and is a perversion of what is right and true. As the church has confessed throughout her history, there is no “secular” truth. Instead, “All truth is God’s truth.”
Since the Lord is essential for proper knowledge, the Bible as God’s revelation must serve as the foundation of every curriculum and should be integrated into every field of learning. This book becomes the lenses through which one reads the rest of God’s revelation published in creation.
The Goal of Education
Just as all things are from God and through God, all things are also to Him. In the beginning man was created for the purpose of worship and all his tasks were to be ordered in such a way as to bring glory to the Lord.
When God created man he fashioned him after His own image and endowed him with a reasonable soul. He set him in the garden to tend and keep it and to have dominion over it as a vice regent. Man’s first task then was that of scientific exploration: to examine the animals and give them names corresponding to their essence. This service not only provides a foundational underpinning for education, but serves to show that the acquisition of knowledge is a service to the Lord.
The second aim of education closely facilitates the first. A study of Scripture reveals that the education of a person is never solely for the acquisition of knowledge alone. Essential to the educational process is formation of the student’s character. As one grows in knowledge one is to grow in the ability to discern right and wrong and live a life which is pleasing to God. When this application of knowledge is achieved one brings forth glory to God.
The Objects of Education
God’s main command is that man should have no other gods before him. This command implies that one must know and acknowledge the only true God. So the Bible makes clear that educational process is to begin as early as possible. Paul even commended his young apprentice Timothy for having been learned the Scriptures since his birth.
As one created in the image of God, the student has an inherent value as an individual and a vast capability of mind. Thus he has the potential to learn and contribute to the welfare of the overall society.
Yet the challenge to the learning process is the effects of Adam’s first sin. When sin entered the world man’s hearts became darkened and their thinking became futile. Sin distorts (yet not destroys) the image of God and impairs the student’s ability to learn. Various names are attributed to man to reveal this (e.g. simpleton, ignorant, fool). Nevertheless, God’s restraining hand and common grace allow for even the worst of sinners to gain knowledge and comprehend a diverse range of subjects.
The Conduit and Means of Education
God has ordained that learning come through a variety of means. But the primary way truth is transmitted is through the teacher. The student is charged with the task of self discovery, memorization and comprehension. Yet teachers are to be involved in the process to impart knowledge, motivate the student (be it discipline or encouragement), provide guidance on how to convert knowledge to wisdom (applied knowledge), and, above all, set an example for those under their authority.
Scripture expresses that parents are one’s primary teachers. Parents may enlist others and delegate some of the teaching responsibilities to them. However, parents must never abdicate their role and simply put it upon another. Neither should the parents trust their child to just anyone. The teacher’s character must be above reproach and the content must always be reviewed to ensure the child is being properly guided in piety.
But no matter the level of skill of the instructor, the teacher is limited in his power. His objective may only be accomplished through the supernatural work of God, who alone is the fountain of understanding.
The Basis of Education
In developing one’s understanding of the educational process one must first begin with the Scriptures and the Triune God who created us. God himself declares that wisdom begins with, commences through, and culminates in the fear of God (Prov. 1:7; 15:33 2:5).
The Bible says that before all things were created God existed and that He is the self existing, self sufficient “I Am.” All of creation flows from Him and is sustained by Him. Therefore He is the source and fountain of all knowledge. Also, since He the creator of the mind and “in Him all things hold together” God also gives coherence to all rationality. Anything opposing God sets itself up as false knowledge and is a perversion of what is right and true. As the church has confessed throughout her history, there is no “secular” truth. Instead, “All truth is God’s truth.”
Since the Lord is essential for proper knowledge, the Bible as God’s revelation must serve as the foundation of every curriculum and should be integrated into every field of learning. This book becomes the lenses through which one reads the rest of God’s revelation published in creation.
The Goal of Education
Just as all things are from God and through God, all things are also to Him. In the beginning man was created for the purpose of worship and all his tasks were to be ordered in such a way as to bring glory to the Lord.
When God created man he fashioned him after His own image and endowed him with a reasonable soul. He set him in the garden to tend and keep it and to have dominion over it as a vice regent. Man’s first task then was that of scientific exploration: to examine the animals and give them names corresponding to their essence. This service not only provides a foundational underpinning for education, but serves to show that the acquisition of knowledge is a service to the Lord.
The second aim of education closely facilitates the first. A study of Scripture reveals that the education of a person is never solely for the acquisition of knowledge alone. Essential to the educational process is formation of the student’s character. As one grows in knowledge one is to grow in the ability to discern right and wrong and live a life which is pleasing to God. When this application of knowledge is achieved one brings forth glory to God.
The Objects of Education
God’s main command is that man should have no other gods before him. This command implies that one must know and acknowledge the only true God. So the Bible makes clear that educational process is to begin as early as possible. Paul even commended his young apprentice Timothy for having been learned the Scriptures since his birth.
As one created in the image of God, the student has an inherent value as an individual and a vast capability of mind. Thus he has the potential to learn and contribute to the welfare of the overall society.
Yet the challenge to the learning process is the effects of Adam’s first sin. When sin entered the world man’s hearts became darkened and their thinking became futile. Sin distorts (yet not destroys) the image of God and impairs the student’s ability to learn. Various names are attributed to man to reveal this (e.g. simpleton, ignorant, fool). Nevertheless, God’s restraining hand and common grace allow for even the worst of sinners to gain knowledge and comprehend a diverse range of subjects.
The Conduit and Means of Education
God has ordained that learning come through a variety of means. But the primary way truth is transmitted is through the teacher. The student is charged with the task of self discovery, memorization and comprehension. Yet teachers are to be involved in the process to impart knowledge, motivate the student (be it discipline or encouragement), provide guidance on how to convert knowledge to wisdom (applied knowledge), and, above all, set an example for those under their authority.
Scripture expresses that parents are one’s primary teachers. Parents may enlist others and delegate some of the teaching responsibilities to them. However, parents must never abdicate their role and simply put it upon another. Neither should the parents trust their child to just anyone. The teacher’s character must be above reproach and the content must always be reviewed to ensure the child is being properly guided in piety.
But no matter the level of skill of the instructor, the teacher is limited in his power. His objective may only be accomplished through the supernatural work of God, who alone is the fountain of understanding.