Two Teachers Together

     It should come as no surprise that in a conversation pertaining to educational philosophy, conservative fundamental Christians tend to lean toward the traditional. The traditional philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Thomas Aquinas resonate more with Christian sensibilities. While an individual with a biblical worldview will find more in common with traditional philosophies, he would do well to analyze the more modern philosophies of pragmatism and existentialism through the lens of Scripture, accept those ideas which align, and reject those that do not. John Dewey, pragmatist      Pragmatism holds to the view that flexibility due to an ever-changing society is the key to education. John Dewey’s man-centered humanistic thought serves as the foundation of pragmatism. A pragmatist holds that right and wrong constantly change based on what works to solve a particular problem. In the classroom, this view is evidenced through a very child-centered approach, a lack of a strong au

     Plato (428-347 B.C.) and his student Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) are two of Greek’s greatest thinkers. Plato’s thoughts have given society the philosophical framework referred to as idealism which teaches that truth and reality are found in an external and eternal ideal. His student Aristotle rejected many of the tenets formulated by his teacher and built the philosophical system called realism which teaches that reality and truth are found in the physical matter of nature. Although a discerning Christian will not embrace either philosophy wholeheartedly, he can benefit from evaluating them both on a scriptural basis. Both idealism and realism have aspects that are consistent with biblical principles and aspects that stand in opposition to them. The value of both philosophies is found in their alignment with what is revealed in God’s Word.      Plato taught that the physical matter of the world was not reality but rather a reflection or shadow of the concept of perfect idealism.

     In his book Christian Education for the Real World , Henry Morris describes the philosophical and practical underpinnings of the Christian school in today’s society. He states that he draws insight from his years as an educator, administrator, and student of the Bible. Two of the major ideas he discusses in the book are the strong influence of evolutionary humanism on American education and the importance of guidelines for teachers at Christian schools.      Morris asserts that evolutionary humanism has infiltrated most academic disciplines in modern public schools. He claims that the four areas most profoundly affected by this thinking are the natural sciences, humanities, ethics, and educational theory itself. These academic areas, he states, present man as the ultimate end of evolution, the master of his future evolution, an individual free of responsibility to others, and a follower of a humanistic religion. He argues this assertion using quotations from evolutionary scie

  A.A. Baker constructs his work The Successful Christian School on four major ideas: foundational purpose, curricular program, prioritization of personnel, and management of finances. Grounded in the biblical philosophy that when God wants something to be done and it is done in the way He demonstrates, it will be a success, Baker’s suggestions lead Christian school stakeholders to consider carefully the proven methods used by Pensacola Christian Academy since its founding in 1954.      Baker leads readers to an understanding of his major concepts with simplicity and abundant anecdotal evidence. The foundational purpose for a Christian school is obedience to and glorification of God Almighty. Baker reminds readers in chapter 1, “The only reason that you should start a Christian school is because [sic] it is God’s will that you do so” (16). Using Colossians 3:23 as support, he urges readers to work “heartily as unto the Lord” (14). In chapters 3, 4, and 13, Baker uses stories from

      The American Heritage Dictionary defines curriculum as “All the courses of study offered by an educational institution.” Although textbooks play a significant role in those courses, the total course of study at an educational institution includes all the materials, methods, and activities that contribute to the learning process. For Christian schools, the foundational principles of all curricular choices are found in God’s Word. For believers, the Bible serves as the basis for practice in all of life; naturally, the Bible guides and informs believers’ choices in the Christian school as well. Scripture should serve as the basis for curricular choices in the areas of course offerings, textbooks, and teaching methods.      The administrative leadership at Christian schools must be certain that they are offering courses that meet the pattern for child development given in the Bible. Luke 2:52 shows that the only perfect Child to walk the earth, Jesus Christ, matured in a four-fol