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Why is it imperative that Christian educators have a Christian philosophy of education?
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Christian Educators must have a Christian Philosophy of Education. If they do not, the question is where does the basis for the truth and knowledge that they are teaching come from? Are they relying on their own opinion or the world’s standards?
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We must view all of life through the lens of Scripture. The purpose of education is to know God and to honor him. Knowledge for knowledge’s sake will only puff up and lead to arrogance.
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Having a Christian philosophy of education is important because Christian educator are responsible for biblical truth mixed with spiritual transformation. On one hand, we deliver truth God’s truth which can be found in what we define as “secular” and what is sacred. Gravity is God’s truth; it is a force He created. On the other hand, the truth found in scriptures are true as well, because it is the very breath of God. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3: 16-17, ESV). Jesus himself is the embodiment of truth and the co-creator of the natural laws. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6) And, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3, ESV).
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It is important to have a Christian Philosophy of education so God is center in teaching. Christian education should build up a student’s understanding of God and should partner with families to raise strong followers of Christ. Without a plan and a philosophy Christian education becomes private school with Bible stories mixed in.
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The Christian educator is obligated by their relationship to God to know God first, and make Him known. Logically then, the emphasis of ones philosophy should be front and center to their activity as a believer/teacher. Truth (God’s Word) is standard of all matters concerning faith and conduct in the life of the Believer.