Current economic trends are fueling a socialist drive for greater regulation. Thanks to Despair, Inc. for capturing (at left) my sentiments about how well things will turn out as government is unleashed to "do more for us."
There is one domain where government has been in the center of things for some time, education. We are afraid of socialized health care and nationalized financial institutions. But we already have socialized education, and nine out of ten children are committed to the state for their "indoctrination."
Joel Belz has written an editorial titled Children of the State that you MUST read. Mr. Belz believes we have already yielded the high ground. By allowing education to be ordered by the state, we grant it a platform from which to shape the hearts and minds of our children. Just look at what government has done at school to get an idea of how well other socialist initiatives will play out. Government's track record in education gives us every reason to be concerned about socialist trends in other domains.
An analysis of what the Bible says about how children are to be educated will emphasize the centrality of mothers and fathers. Here is one of many passages that lays the responsibility for the education of children squarely at the feet of parents: Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Government is missing in such mandates. But government is only too happy to expand its power by stepping into the vacuum created by parental passivity. So do your part to fill the void and join the fight against Big Government. Ask yourself this simple question: "What does Jesus think my children most need to learn and understand?" Then take the necessary steps to make sure they get it. The state isn't going to do THAT. But you can!
Great insight from Joel Belz’s father…"If I fail to feed my children, the government will step in. If I don't house them, the government has programs to help. Of course, I don't intend to turn those duties over to the government. But I would much rather have the government feed and house my children than to have the government shape their minds."
No matter what educational tract once chooses, there are plenty of simple things parents can do to help shape the minds of their children. For what it’s worth, here are a few things we’ve discovered as parents (1) Spend 90% of your effort during the first three years of life on cognitive and emotional development. Many child development experts believe this is the best time for shaping a child’s future potential, at least compared to the equivalent amount of effort required later. Include lots of reading, play, interaction with others, and of course, love, and age appropriate discipline. (2) As they grow older introduce bible memory verses, prayer, more imaginative play, more discussion of values, and plenty of opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. (3) By the time they are 10 - 12 you can introduce higher-level critical thinking, development of a Christian worldview, and begin helping them discover their strengths. (4) Age 13-14 and older, not as easy, especially as they begin to shape their own minds, but if you’ve done your homework on 1 – 3, it’s very manageable and fun to watch them develop into the unique person(s) God has allowed them to become.
Posted by: Randy | November 20, 2008 at 09:14 PM
If I ran the world, I would completely privatize education. Since I'm not yet "His Excellency, Generalisimo Augustin," though, I guess the world will have to wait on that one--with bated breath I'm sure.
I do think it's worth noting that public school (though woefully inadequate in many ways) can provide a child with both a good skills education, and great insight into "how the world" thinks and operates. Assuming the right combination of planning and preparation precedes that introduction, it offers the near-adult an unparalleled opportunity to practice a "challenged fidelity" to his or her beliefs. It also sends a message I endorse: isolation is unacceptable. I'm reminded of Daniel's Babylonian re-education. He seemed to think there was value in learning how his pagan brothers and sisters viewed their world.
Sometimes the school of hard knocks is the best one.
Posted by: Austin | November 23, 2008 at 11:56 PM