A common misconception of Christian schools is that they are shelters from the evil influences of the outside world and therefore will be unprepared for life outside of the “bubble.” The truth is, there is no escape from evil influences because we bring the sin in with us. There is plenty of sin to encounter in even the best of Christian schools! A Christian school operating as it should functions as a bootcamp, that is, a place to learn and drill combative measures to fight the temptations and lies they will encounter in battle.
The great war on humanity began in a garden over the deadly idea that knowledge can be obtained without God’s blessing. Instead, man knows certain things, not because he is homo sapiens (knowing man), but because he is homo adorans (worshiping man). God’s plan for the world has always been to fill it with worshippers of Himself as the children’s catechism teaches, “Why did God make you and all things? For His own glory!” Man’s first responsibility with knowledge is to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength in every area of life. His second responsibility is to use his knowledge to love his neighbor. These commandments are the biblical reason for rigorous academics. The classroom can, and should be, a place to praise God for the wonders He has done. We give students stories and ideas that will nourish their souls and we also expose them to the best of the devil’s lies to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). In this way they take part in the cosmic battle between darkness and light.
As Christians, we believe that light has overcome darkness at the resurrection of Christ. Although we do not yet see everything in submission to Him, the glory of Christ does not stop when an individual receives faith and repents, but it is to be extended out to the very corners of the earth, eventually engulfing the world (Isaiah 11:9, Hebrews 8:11, Psalm 72:19, Psalm 86:9). The impact of the gospel is not bound to Christian homes and churches, but will transform the public spheres of government, entertainment, commerce, medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. The advancement of the kingdom of God, then, is a cultural war. Jesus said the gates of hell will not stand against the onslaught of the church and so we have a great hope of victory. Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but everyone can take part in fighting culture with culture. Over the ages, Christians have been responsible for many of the blessings we enjoy today and it is no coincidence that following the movement of the gospel through history is the same pattern for the development of western civilization. We strive to instill in students a strong work-ethic and appreciation for excellence to cause even unbelievers to remark at their works, desire to imitate them, and ultimately to praise our God (Matthew 5:16).
Out of love for others, then, it is imperative that Christian students learn to make every thought obedient to Christ, so they will not be captured by false philosophies and fail to produce good fruit. In doing so, they are truly loving their neighbors and are a light to the world. This mission, should they choose to accept it, will be the framework for every decision our graduates make in this life.