Separate, Sanitized or Something Else Entirely

A recent topic of discussion at a Bible study I attend was how we, as Christians, can influence culture. One approach is that Christians must separate themselves from secular culture so as to remain pure and distinct (an Amish community might be the starkest example of this). Another approach emphasizes embracing cultural trends but then insisting on a sanitized Christian version (the Christian music industry comes to mind).

The case was made effectively in our discussion, however, that as Christians we should do away with the distinction between Christian and non-Christian culture and instead simply make or be culture, part of it in all of its messiness. This, of course, does not mean that we in any way diminish our Christianity. Rather we unleash it into the free market of ideas where it can be seen for what it is: powerful, even unto salvation! Christ likened it to a lamp that, once lit, no one hides under a bowl. Think then of our contribution to culture being like the illumination from that torch. Though in the darkness, it is quite distinct. It not only reveals; it also transforms! (see also John 1:5b)

When I think of Pinnacle Classical Academy, my hope is not a walled off commune. Nor is it a premier academic institution with only a thin layer of Christian veneer painted over. No, my hope is a place where truth like a fire will be kindled in the hearts and minds of all the students. We must get back to the essence of education that our children might be fully equipped with facts, able to discern, and winsome, persuasive communicators. This is not indoctrination. It is training fit for free men and women made in the image of God with a mandate to be light wherever they are in whatever they are called. (Phil. 2:15)

Teaching Christ-centered subjects...what does that mean?

As we begin to write the mission statement for our school, it has definitely opened my mind to think through what being "Christ-centered" actually means. St. Augustine stated that we should seek to lead the citizens of earth toward citizenship in heaven, while instilling in them the desire to introduce the values of the heavenly kingdom into the kingdom they presently inhabit. So, does that mean we need to have a bible study within each subject taught? No, but we believe students should understand how Christ is the foundation of everything in our world. Recently, I was browsing another classical school's website and came across the following statement:

Students are taught how history displays God’s providence, how math manifests the order and symmetry of God’s creation, how language arts can provide them the tools necessary to extend Christ’s kingdom, how science testifies of God’s actions and methods, and how through the creative arts God has entrusted them with a finite ability to create. This integrated approach, in concert with scriptural training and regular worship, combines faith and reason to encourage students to develop a thorough and thoughtful Christian worldview.

In Romans 1:20, Paul states that since the creation of the world, God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power, and His divine nature have been clearly seen and can be understood through what He has made. Through the teaching of subjects at our school, my prayer is that the children will see a clearer image of God’s magnificence, as opposed to what they would otherwise see through an education where He is not presented as the center of all things.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soli Deo Gloria is the Latin phrase that means "Glory to God alone," and as we commence with efforts to found a Christ centered classical school in Little Rock, Arkansas, that is the chief guiding vision. Educating our children is noble and to be desired, but all must be for the glory of God. He is worthy of our praise, and the training up (Prov. 22:6) of children is meant as an offering acceptable and pleasing to Him, though we know that only the finished work of Christ can ultimately satisfy God the Father.

Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
Prov. 23:10-11

Whenever this chronicle might be read, if it so pleases God to make anything of this notion of a school, let it be remembered and unaltered that it was and is done "Soli Deo Gloria!"