Philosophy of Christian Education
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)
A Christian Philosophy of Education must begin, have as its continual frame of reference, and end with the eternal God. Based upon the assertions listed in the Trinity Oaks Christian Academy STATEMENT OF FAITH, CORE VALUES, AND DISTINCTIVES, it is possible to establish certain definitive statements in regard to the education process.
Christian education will recognize that:
- A differentiation must be made between human knowledge and godly wisdom and truth (1 Corinthians 1-2, James 3:13,17), acknowledging that the source of all true wisdom and understanding is God Himself (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, 15:33).
- The purpose of Christian education is to guide the student to the awareness of his/her need of a personal, saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and to nurture, admonish, and encourage the student to live in community with the revealed will of God through a life of service, wholly dedicated to and dependent upon God (Romans 12).
- The process of Christian education requires the natural integration and consistent application of God’s Word into every area of the child’s life so that the child may achieve his/her maximum individual learning potential (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- While Scriptures permit Christian parents to delegate the authority to teach their children, God’s Word holds parents responsible for the godly education of their children (Deuteronomy 4:10, 6:6-7, 20:17-18, Psalm 106:34-37, Jeremiah 10:2, Matthew 12:30, 2 Corinthians 6:17, Ezekiel 44:5, Proverbs 22:6).