What is Your View of Knowledge?

In response to the moral deficiency, academic weakness and spiritually hostile atmosphere of the modern educational system, thousands of Christians have removed their children from public schools and, at great sacrifice of time and money, have pursued their children’s education under the banner of Christ.

Is it working? Is the homeschool movement fulfilling its goal? Homeschoolers are avoiding the public school agenda, but are they replacing it with the truly biblical way of learning? We know what to reject; do we know what to pursue in its place?

Education (and all human activity) must be defined in God’s terms. There is a danger revealed in Romans 1 for those seeking knowledge without God “. . . because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (21). They let their imaginations run wild and began worshiping things apart from what God had revealed of Himself. Their imaginings, Paul says, led them straight into idolatry.

We are challenged to search out God’s purpose and standards for education. It is not enough to simply borrow a curriculum of the western tradition and sprinkle it with Christian words. God, in this world, has appointed wisdom to be the structure, method and goal of our learning.

Wisdom is far above all of these. All other educational goals, even a good-paying job or socialization are casting a shadow of vanity. We must return to the biblical standards for education if there is ever to be a holy generation, set afire by truth, and inspired in our daily lives.

What makes Christian education Christian?

What is the real purpose of education? Why do Christian schools insist on using Greek and Roman standards for education? Does the Bible give a pattern of learning? What is wisdom, and what is the Christian community?

It may be difficult, at first, but it is essential that we compare our educational goals to God’s Word. Education affects every area of human experience. The way we see our world, the values we hold important, the skills we feel are necessary, our opinions of the past, present, and future—all are clearly affected by our education and our educational philosophies. Education is a process that forms one for life.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1–2).

Wisdom First

Man should begin his journey to obtain knowledge by first acquiring wisdom. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3–4).

Wisdom comes from God’s word. Consistently Christian education (and this means consistently throughout education) must be built up, line upon line, from a foundation of Scripture. The tools of categorization, logical demonstration, and communication skills are to be used to identify systematically and put to proper use all things according to the interpretation given in the Word. All human skills and educational abilities are to be subjected to the authoritative revelation of Scripture. These must have but one foundation. We cannot stand with one foot on the Bible and the other on human mystic tradition or we will be torn asunder. We must build foursquare on Scripture alone.

Suggested Memory Verses

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 24:14).

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom; though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. ( James 1:5)

My child, don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. Proverbs 3:21–24

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

Adapted from portions of The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach and Far Above Rubies: Wisdom in the Christian Community by David Mulligan

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8. The Primary Purpose of Education
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