Idealistically having an hour everyday to read the Bible and study Gods Word sounds great. What better way for your child to spend one of his or her classes learning about Christianity and developing their faith, sounds great right! Sandwiched in between a secular biology class and say art history, your child could have an oasis in their day learning about Jesus Christ and what he means to them. Right? I say wrong.
As a practicing, professing, Christian this statement sounds downright insane – I do not want the Bible taught to my children at school.
And here’s why…
1. If you grew up in the same church you now attend, you will not understand the horror of relocating and finding a true, biblically sound, doctrinally strong church. Moving here I first attended an Apostolic Church. I loved the praise and worship, the Pastor was outstanding, the church stage was always open for those to be prayed for and I loved how openly they moved in the Spirit. Yet, I could not commit myself to the long dresses and hair ordinance. Not that I think it’s wrong at all, if I did it though I feel I would be doing it to fit in with them, not in obedience to the Lord. I do not believe God cares about your hairstyle or if you occasionally wear pants. Next I went to a Church of Christ with a family member, I went a total of 4 times, 2 of which the Pastor never got to preach because he and I got into heated debates about the doctrine he was preaching. I never went back. Not to say all Churches of Christ believe in the same things as he, which only serves to illustrate point number 1. On what doctrine, or even from what Bible would this class be taught?
2. When your child comes home an insists that today they learned that there wasn’t anything called a Trinity, or they tell you Jesus was actually Archangel Michael (Jehovahs Witness) or that we will become angels or that God the Father used to live on earth as a man named Joseph Smith (Mormonism), what could you do? Spend your evening unindoctrinating your child from false teachings? To me personally this seems to be a nightmare more-so than a great idea. I am picky about what goes into my children’s minds especially when it comes to their spiritual teachings. What if they are heavy on works and light on faith? What if they have no biblical foundation at all in Christianity? Which leads to point three.
3. Who would teach this class? A Pastor? Again of what denomination in the 28,000 different ideas of what leads to salvation in America. There are literally that many denominational beliefs, and you only get a new denomination one way, to have a split over what we call an “issue of salvation”. What if it’s not a Pastor, what if it’s just a liberal, politically correct teacher, who omits certain truths because they do not align with theirs? Or maybe it would be the worst case scenario, what if it’s an Athiest or and Agnostic which are just non-practicing satanists according to the Bible. Imagine the terrible situation that would give birth too, an entire hour for a spiritual skeptic to bash, pick apart and demean the very book we base our faith upon. Imagine undoing that every single night.
I would rather the teaching and training up in the Word of God happen right here in my house at my kitchen table. Where I know I can speak truth, answer questions honestly, and do what the Bible says IS my responsibility anyways to train up a child in the way he should go. Plugging your kids into a good church and leading them in the Lord is a parents responsibility not the public schools. It’s one of those things that sounds great on the surface, but I don’t have trust in anyone with such a delicate and important issue as my children’s faith. In fact, seeing the wickedness that seems to be inseparable from our government at times, it scares me to think of them controlling anything about who Jesus Christ is or why he came.
That’s just my personal opinion on the matter. I have seen a couple articles as of late saying certain states will begin teaching the Bible in public schools. I guess we may only pray that Gods Will be done and that if it comes to pass that God will anoint teachers for it that preach truth and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Healthy Mind Ministry 
I believe it’s my job to teach my children not just about God, but how to live a Christ-like life. My kids go to public schools, and I wouldn’t expect them to teach the Bible. That’s not general education, it’s a religious choice. In my opinion. Unless you go to a private Christian school, in which you would research their doctrines first. Lots of interesting points here! Thanks for sharing.
I know so many people that are for it and I am like the oddball because I just know there are too many variables to that situation that could lead to some real problems for Christians. I’m like you – I believe it is our responsibility not the public schools. Private Christian schools are completely different because you know beforehand what beliefs the school holds – in a public school setting this does not apply. Honestly, in a way it scares me a little bit.
I’m with you on that…Unless it’s purely being studied as a historical resource. But still, it seems like opening a can of very unwanted worms.
Yessss! It’s just a lot to think about before they crack open that can or better yet just put it back on the shelf and teach them a foreign language or calculus or maybe more English – I’ve read their posts of Facebook…they need more grammar!
Hahahahahahaha!! Right!!!!!
Great post. Although a college student myself, I still see signs of schools today manipulating the truth of who Jesus Christ is and making Him out to be just a prophet.
Thank you and agreed! Idealistically the thought of Jesus Christ being taught to anyone is great, but as they say the devil is in the details, I think it could pose countless problems and maybe even lead people away from Christ. Great comment – thanks for sharing your insight.
As always, you have a way of writing that makes the reader read from start to finish. I was looking for a blasphemy alert (lol). I grew up attending a Christian school from K-12. The doctrine was sound. In this region in South Carolina, there is a ministry where students can go off-campus during school hours to attend a Bible class. Several of my pastor friends teach these classes. Your post provoked this thought: many inside and outside of churches legislate the teaching of Scripture and morality to pastors or someone else and never rightly divide the Word for themselves. This is risky. Calvinism is on the rise in the denomination with which I was once affiliated. It is scary to think that my child would be taught that he or she has absolutely no choice in salvation but should hope to be one of the elect. I totally see your point. Thanks for another thought-provoking post!
As a Pastor you KNOW that to preach the Word of God is such a privilege and a divine calling. I cringe at the thought of some liberal Athiest sitting behind a desk, sneering in delight as he gets paid to destroy my child’s faith. This would be so tricky to pull off. You know even there you raise a great point- Calvinism- which would they teach 4 point or 5 😂😂😂😂 (that’s a sarcastic joke by the way) to many ifs in this situation.
There are so many variations of Calvinism (as they prefer to call Reformed Theology). I met a young lady who proudly told me she was going to one of the top 6 denominational seminaries to major in missions after she told me she believe God handpicked those who will be saved. I thought 2 things: How did she know she was elect? AND…Why waste the money to get the education to share the gospel with those who may not be elect? I grew up in a separate denomination that trained many who did not believe in the inspiration and authority of Scripture, so every one of these concerns are valid. I better stop because I’m on a roll.
I understand where Calvinists get their Theology from. When we affirm that God is Sovereign meaning that he is master and creator of all things and as such he knows all things, of course he knows who will be saved. Because he is omnipotent and omniscient- he is God! The Bible says though in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” So somewhere in between I think we find the truth. The gift of salvation is given to all – yet God because he is God – knows ultimately who will or will not accept it.
Similarly I grew up in TN right smack in the middle of the Bible belt. Even though the Bible was not taught in public school, pretty much everyone is a Christian where I am from so Christian values and beliefs were apart in pretty much ever facet of life out here. We had bible study after school was finished and pretty much all my church friends were at school. But I can see where you are coming from. Especially if you are not from the dominant church in the area. But there are many people in my area that wanted the bible taught at schools and I agree to an extent but you also brought up my valid points…
This comment refers to the moving to a new church experience. But I agree with you. We must test the spirits, and we wouldn’t be able to test the spirits as easily if the Bible was taught in public schools.
Until I moved with my husband to AR, now four years ago, I hadn’t experienced the horror, the isolation, the wanting to be part of a new church. I always had my home church, which I refer to still as my home church/church family. I was in my mid 20s a few years older than the younger 19-20 year olds. BUT they all were still attending teen’s Sunday school.
I wasn’t happy with that, one because my peers were in a class, I felt, they were probably too old for. Paul says when I became a man I put away childish things. Not that being a teen is a child of course, but as a grown adults we should be ready, and desire, stronger material. (I struggled with this when I was a teen because I wanted the adult material.)
Second, with all my peers gone, the young adult’s class consisted of late 30s (if that) 40s-late 50s. I wrote about this experience already, but it was really hard. I loved what the pastor taught, but had strong opposition to the congregation. God taught me, just because the broken and weak are (and should be) in church, just like myself, that doesn’t mean I have to feel forced into a new flock I don’t get along with, or struggle to be understood. And He did answer me, literally. I told Him, “God, I need YOU to find my new church.”
Lo and behold, while He rebuked me and humbled me showing me the experience I had left me bitter, while I worked on giving Him my bitterness, He provided a new church. A girl, just a little younger than me, knocked on my door one day and said she and her husband just moved down the hall in my apartment complex. They were there because God sent them to start a church. While they worked on looking for places for a building, they would have bible study every Friday, and would I like to join? I joined them, learned about where they came from, what they believed.
Their church is more so non- denominational but their founder did have a Pentecost background. Which believing in healing through prayer, and speaking in tongues, I believe is Biblical through scriptures, so I was okay with that. They spoke holiness, and I come from a Nazarene church where our pastor pushes his flock with the truth, there are convicting sermons, and there should be. So I became not only their first church goer, but good friends with the couple, and especially Andrea, the pastor’s wife. God really gave me the Christian friends I desired, and when my husband spent a year in Korea, He provided this church family to be there for me. I never felt alone because I had friends I could openly speak to, and praise God with.
Moving to Florida, I miss that fellowship, and the emphasis they put on community of the body of believers. I wasn’t able to find anything, and every time I thought I found a church God immediately shut that door. Praise His name. I hope and pray He has a place for me while I live in the new area for the next few years that we moved to. Though, I’m happy He’s provided a blogging community of the body of believers, and He continues to guide me in scripture. I’m not forsaking the assembly and I’m continuing to grow while I wait, all thanks to Him.
Side note: their church is called The Door. I personally don’t speak in tongues myself. I don’t believe it is one of my gifts. I don’t believe everyone is able to speak in tongues, as again, I believe it is a gift.
I know we are called to gather and fellowship, and it is important because it feeds us on several levels that we just can’t seem to do on our own…HOWEVER I also know that God wouldn’t want us listening too or partaking in anything that subtracted from our relationship with him rather than adds to it. I truly understand, it is hard, and it almost gets old.
Your article today touched on that a bit. When you walk into a new church and they smell you out. I heard a guy say this so perfectly In such a funny way….he said going to a new church is like when dogs meet each other…the church greeters and members coming running over to you and sniffing on you. Saying “what is that I smell? Is that baptist, sniff, sniff, sniff maybe Methodist? Sniff sniff sniff Calvinist maybe? 4 point or 5? They always assume you are unsaved and so much else…I pray you find a good church family, till then stay plugged into the Word and pray as I know you are already doing both!
Definitely, I’m thankful He pricks my spirit when I’m in a situation or with someone, and He’s like, “This isn’t what I taught.” In fact, at the church I spoke that was toxic, I kept hearing a wolf in sheep’s clothing as one member continually made me feel uncomfortable.
I love that illustration!! It’s so true! And what bugs me too (hmm, maybe I need to do a part 2) is the question, “How long,” or, “When were you saved?” The only reason I enjoy sharing my beginning walk with Christ is because I was young, and it was just me and Him. It’s a very tender moment I hold dear. But I don’t like the question because it’s as if the longer we have been a Christian is a statement alone.
No.
It’s the mountains that have fallen that are our testimonies (#2 to this new list) I believe in multiple testimonies, not just when He saved us through salvation. I was reading your piece on sanctification and I’m so glad you said that. Pastor Jim, my home church pastor, taught us about sanctification. He always said, “Salvation is when you get Christ, and sanctification is when Christ gets you.” HOW TRUE IS THAT! Throwing off old garments of this world, and drawing closer to Him that’s sanctification. Salvation is forgiveness, and the opportunity to, “Follow,” Christ as you wrote about in your other post. Sanctification is the continued journey. (Okay, I’m inspired to do a post on sanctification now as well :))
I ❤ our chats!! I always get inspired from talking to you, and I feel the Holy Spirit with us. Praise God!
“Salvation is when you get Christ, and sanctification is when Christ gets you.” Can I love this quote anymore – no 😁 that’s a great quote! I love our friendship as well. I think, even those its virtual, it’s still a very valid sisterhood through Christ ❤️
Me too! It’s like instant click sister! My friend, Andrea, I spoke of, has told me before, “It’s amazing the people God can bring together, all because the love of Christ is shared.” And it’s true! Part of me feels if the opportunity ever allowed to meet in person it would be a very emotional meeting, at least for me haha 🙂 . I’m extremely thankful for God pressing on my heart to open up to you. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement in Christ.
Ditto. We truly are sisters, I love that about God, the great big beautiful family we get through him ❤️
The current public school situation is not one of quibbling over whose doctrine is correct. The way it is now, public schools and universities are openly hostile to Jesus. Some other god? Probably OK to be “inclusive” of your belief. Just don’t expect that to extend to the followers of that exclusionary Christ. “No one comes to the Father, but through Me”, can’t have that “hateful” speech allowed. The scripture is pretty clear that teaching children about the Lord is the parent’s responsibility. (Deuteronomy 6:7, for example.) It is hard for me to see how one can obey that direction faithfully and send one’s precious God-entrusted offspring to public school for half their waking hours and before they have come to the ability to defend their faith, where they will eventually be taught just the opposite of the truth about God – they will be taught that He does not even exist, and only fools would believe. Come now, you don’t want to be a fool, do you? Don’t you want to fit in? Give up the shameful backward ideas of your parents. Look at your text, it clearly disproves what you have been taught at home… ”
I know that there are believing teachers in a few classrooms, doing their best to model their heart for Jesus before their young charges. Those driving the system are doing their level best to squash them too. I say those believing teachers are heroic missionaries on the font lines. It it easier to counter some doctrinal error than utter disbelief? I don’t know, in general terms. Error is error. I think those passages in Deuteronomy indicate that parents ought not to abdicate to the government.
Absolutely agree. I saw an article that in Kentucky. The Bible will be taught in some schools, hence my thoughts started to bubble up….I am with you, in the current hostile environment towards Jesus (very true words you spoke) – it would be more about disproving the Bible than glorifying God.
I like people who are the oddball to be honest. It’s good to have and share a different perspective on a topic as long as it is well founded in the right doctrine (also its so hard to figure out people and their “right doctrine” in today’s time). I feel difference of opinion can be a healthy thing if both parties are courteous towards each other’s views. I pains me to see such a vast variety of differences in the simple truth of the Gospel. Since this is not an issue in my country, I don’t have very strong opinions about it. Although I do agree with you that it is a good concern as to who will be teaching these kids. I think it’s a bold move and if it is continued, we should pray that only the right people and right teachings are disseminated about the Gospel. Thank you for sharing your views. 🙂
Thank you for commenting and I agree whole heartedly – prayer for all concerned is fundamental 🙏🏻 not my will but your will Father – ALWAYS!
When I went to public school they more or less taught the bible. Naturally, as with any government body, they messed it up and yes, it should be taught at home. The responsibility to raises children is with the parents, not the schools. And this alone means or at least implies there are two parents, the way it was intended. Instead, we have one parent and that parent turns over all to the state. This is a mistake and a major reason why our country is so twisted and confused with values today.
Agreed. Agreed. And Agreed. My mom said that they had a Bible Class when she went to school and hers was ok. I think as another commenter suggested this is a “hostile environment for Jesus Christ” making today maybe not a great time to rehash those classes. Biblically it is THE FATHERS responsibility to train up his children, so you are hitting the nail on the head.
Hmmmmm if the devil really wanted to overthrow our civilization how could he do it? Weaken the family unit, remove the “strongman” from the house and then slip so false doctrine into the little ones by their “new fathers” – the state?
You hit all on the head. This is the core reason with almost ALL of our problems today. People forget that marriage is a sacred institution. Oh, look how our society has screwed this all up. And this is without me going into same sex unions. At any rate, you caught on and real fast. Thank you for your post and replies.
You do know why we can see this and others can’t…because the Word tells us what we are to do and what the consequences will be if we disobey. Natural man is not as fortunate as us, he is clueless. Thanks for your comments. Have a blessed day. Stay vigilant! God bless 🙏🏻❤️✝️
When I went to school, they didn’t teach the Bible but they didn’t ban it either. Every morning after the teacher did roll call, we said a prayer, sometimes the principal would do it over the intercom. Then we all stood and said the pledge of allegiance. When they would teach about evolution, and students like me said, well God created us, we were allowed to put that into our “work” without fear of failing, or being chastised. We also had to answer the questions, or do the papers based on the evolution materials but we were not penalized for believing the Almighty created us and everything else.
I’m 41 and I remember morning prayer and I also remember the teacher leading us in prayer over our lunch…..awwweee sweet memories ❤️
Yes, had to say grace before lunch 🙂
Amen!
You are right on target. I wouldn’t trust public schools to teach how to tell time, let alone how to relate to Our Lord Jesus Christ. “Well, he’s sort of the same as Mohammed!” Or “He was a great teacher who taught that everything you do in the name of love is right.” But you can think of as many examples as I can. I’ve encountered several professing Christians who send their kids to public school every day and then, they say, spend every evening deprogramming them. Sooner or later the child is going to be old enough to wonder, “Gee, Dad! If everything they teach me is so wrong… why the devil do you send me there?” No one seems to anticipate ever being called on to explain that.
It’s a can of worms that should remain closed.
I suppose the quickest way to say how I feel would be, “for the same reason that I think the Church of Scientology is a bad idea, then teaching faith in public school is equally so”. Church and public school have different purposes and both are useful if kept in their separate places.
We moved around a lot growing up and as a kid, it was upsetting to be tossed from place to place. For me, the three R’s were just as comforting as most things you could read for entertainment. Education allowed me to leave a small rural town to live in some of the biggest cities we have. When I have conversations with those who didn’t learn and those who didn’t leave, I’m sometimes shocked by some of the things I hear them say about the world. I think education can allow us to be better people in the same way that reading the New Testament could, just for different reasons. (Grow your mind, grow your heart/spirit, in other words.)
Amen! Great points, moving around is hard on kids but I see you have a healthy perspective in trying to see the silver lining. That’s great!
I agree with you. I also do not want the teachings of any other religion taught in the schools as that would require me to have to teach my child that the other religions do not have a way of salvation and are idol worshipers.
Absolutely agree.