In America, school is mandatory. In almost every state in the Union a child between the ages of 7 and 16 must go to school. It's called "Compulsory Education". Now, how that education is received can vary. You can go to free public school or you can pay for a private school or you might even be able to homeschool, but, in this country, monitored and documented education is mandatory.
Given that it is law, it begs the question. What does the Bible say about school? The answer to that question is easy and comprehensive: nothing. There is no reference in the Bible to the need to send your kids to school, let alone their college education or the necessity of the State to provide it. Not one word.
What is in the Bible about education? The word "school" appears one time (Acts 19:9). (Interestingly, but not too telling, the Greek word is "schole" and means most literally "loitering". Hmmm, now doesn't that describe a lot of public schools?) I can't get too excited about that one because the ESV translates it "hall". Not at all the definition of "school". On the other hand, teachers are referenced more often (see, for instance, John 3:2). But there isn't much of a sense of formal education at all. Indeed, there really isn't anything at all in the Bible about formal education.
The Bible, on the other hand, does indeed favor education in general. For instance, Solomon writes, "Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life" (Prov 4:13). Clearly Jesus, a simple carpenter, was taught to read because He began His ministry reading Isaiah in the synagogue (Luke 4:17-18). Paul was an educated man (Acts 22:3). Indeed, knowing the truth is important (John 8:32). And we are told to "study" (2 Tim 2:15). On the other hand, knowledge alone can be dangerous (1 Cor 8:1) and some people can be "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of truth" (2 Tim 3:7).
What else is the Bible clear on when it comes to education? Well, above all else, it has to be properly directed. The aim, as in everything, must first be to seek the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33). Second, education is not the responsibility of the State or even the church. It is the responsibility of parents in general and fathers in particular (Eph 6:4, etc.). And it is important to remember that education should be focused on what's important (Deut 4:9-10; 6:6-7; Prov 1:7). It is also interesting that, while some sort of "classroom education" existed in biblical times, the primary method of education was "making disciples". It was "walk alongside" education. You see it with Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and His disciples, etc.
If we want to have a biblical worldview, what do we make of formal education? I suspect that we who wish to be followers of God's Word might need to rethink that, because I'm not at all sure that today's perspective is a biblical one. Now, why am I not surprised at that?
3 comments:
The key word I think is discipleship. That would be an interesting word to examine. Is it correct to think of discipleship as only learning about the Bible and how to apply it practically to our lives? I think it is much much more, not to exclude vocation. In fact, in the context of this post, that word "vocation" might be another word to examine.
Discipleship is much more than the Bible. And "vocation" is a lot more than "a job". ("Vocation" actually refers to "calling".) Yes, discipleship would be in view. But how many parents -- fathers in particular -- are aware of the need to disciple their children ... in life?
Very few... sadly.
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