“Feed My lambs” vs. “Free the lambs!
2008-04-02

By Doreen Claggett

As an older woman, I have often reminisced with other "seniors" about the "good ole days." For me, one of my favorite memories is the period between the summer of 1958 and the spring of 1959. In those nine months I graduated, obtained my first real job, and planned the wedding I'd dreamed of for four years. Ah, life seemed so simple then . . . But, as it turned out, those days weren't so simple; nor were they as "good" as they seemed. According to Professor Allan Bloom, the late 1950s marked an end to an era; from that time forward, there was a "gradual stilling of the old political and religious echoes in the souls of the young."1 Christ's command to "Feed My lambs" (John 21:15) was to finally succumb to "Free the lambs" of America's educational "pastures."

Prior to the twentieth century, " 'If Jesus Christ is not Lord of all, he is not lord at all' could have been the banner under which the faithful soldiered."2 In contrast, "modern faith, however large it is in numbers (as in America), almost never has this total view. It is secularization which has made the difference." Even though beliefs about the Bible "have rarely been stricter; behavior under it has rarely been looser."3 As a result, Christianity has deserted the public sphere. This paved the way for the intensification of the spiritual warfare for children's souls---beginning in their formative years. For Satan knows that whoever captures the hearts and minds of children captures the future. And the battle lines in the educational arena are especially clear.


The biblical world view says: "All your children shall be taught of the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children" (Is. 54:13). Educationally, these principles should hold true:

• God is on the throne; He is Savior and Lord.


• Educate in the mind of Christ. Spiritual and moral truths are taught through academics.


• Children's natures are sinful; restraint is in order.


• Early education, to include reading, is wise.


• Educate through a succession of studies combined with practical application. Learning and doing applies.


• Memorization, verbalization, and reading lay an important foundation.


• The teacher is an imparter of knowledge, according to each child's needs.


• Work-play priority is important.


• Educate for Christian maturity.

• Man is on the throne; he is his own savior.


• A child's knowledge, skill, mind, and character is developed in terms which leave God out.


• Children's natures are innocent; they should be "free" to explore.


• Books and school can wait. Early learning is harmful.


• Curriculum revolves around the child and his experience. Learning by doing is emphasized.


• Educate the senses. Field trips and demonstrations are best.


• The teacher is a facilitator, according to a child's desires.


• Play-work is predominant.


• Let children be "kids."

• -- What is God-Centered Education?



• What is Child-Centered Education?



• The Solution