Understanding Education's Impact on Culture

As I moved about in society, I have noticed a few things in my forty plus years. I have traveled to the Middle East, the Ukraine, Europe, Mexico and Canada. I have lived in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and now Alabama. And the one thing that keeps coming back to me is this question: do we Christians really understand the impact education has on culture? I am not sure we do.


I am sure that the enemy understands the impact that education has on culture; why else would there be such an intense battle for the nation's colleges and universities? And, the battle is now being waged on the k-12 battlefield. Why does the enemy want our schools? Simple, he wants our children.

Outside of a changed heart through salvation from the Lord, nothing changes a person, a people or a culture like education. By its very nature, it engages culture and shapes culture. Any doubt will disappear with a study of our educational system's last 50 years. Slowly our colleges and universities were over run with those who were liberal, secular and pragmatic in their orientation towards life. As this worldview becomes entrenched in our educational system's fabric, it will soon become the norm of our culture. And, soon, it will be the Christian worldview that is abnormal.

There are many reasons why the Christian worldview is viewed with increasing disdain these days, and I believe that has much to do with an educational system that was lost years earlier. There is a book entitled, The Dying of the Light, which tracks the origins of our colleges and universities. Over 95% 0f our colleges and universities were founded by Christians and their churches. Harvard was founded by the Congregationalists, Penn by the Quakers, Davidson by the Presbyterians, Duke/Trinity by the Baptists and the list goes on and on. These churches donated time, energy and the financial support to ensure that these institutions for higher learning where the very best. They understood that a Holy God commanded them to do "even school" well because education was that important.


Is it that important to us today? Do we understand the impact that education has on culture?
Is it that important to us that there be a Christian school for our children to attend? Is it important enough to give of our time, energy and finances? Or, do we really believe deep down in our soul that there really is no difference, after all school is school. Is it? Click HERE to read one couple's response to this question as they make their case for Christian education. Blessings to all!