Whether religion and education should connect is a question that has been going back and forth for decades. And yet, Jesus might possibly be the most famous teacher the world has seen.
Jesus taught groups at various gatherings whether they were religious-based or not. He taught his beliefs to crowds, and even tried to educate sinners. And of course, he taught his disciples.
Through the centuries, churches have attempted and sought to follow God’s word, and pass His beliefs on to their flocks. Today, Christian churches still teach members lessons based on the Bible every time they hold mass.
So, does this mean that education and religion can be interconnected, and how can this affect family life?
How does religion play a part in education?
Churches teach morals and try to guide their members down the right path in life. By delivering examples of Godliness, and teachings from the Bible, they are educating people in how to live a more productive life.
But, some churches go further. Many houses of God such as Generations Church are linked to schools or colleges. Academies based around faith aim to teach their students the standard school curriculum so that they are well-educated, but with Christianity interwoven.
Indeed, many private schools in the US today are affiliated and interconnected directly with one religion. The most common religious school affiliation in the US is Roman Catholic followed by non-denominational Christian academies.
Does faith-based education help children?
Christian churches very often have a classroom nearby or attached for Sunday School. It is perhaps these classes that first introduce a faith-based education to children.
Families visiting church will often involve young children who are perhaps not ready to sit through sermons and prayer. Sunday school offers parents some respite and also lets children enjoy arts and crafts, while still being within the protection of the church.
However, as these children grow older they will attend church and through sermons learn what compassion and empathy mean. The church always plays a part in the community which provides comfort and spirituality helps with mental health, and religious education aims to carry this on.
What do Christian schools offer?
Any Christian or other faith-based school will likely offer the standard curriculum and aim to educate children in a number of subjects. Yet, a Christian school will not skim over religion but instead try to interconnect the words of the Bible into lessons.
Religious schools can help to pass on family values too. Parents may take a role in education at home, but once their children head to school they have no control over what is being taught. A Christian school will keep teaching faith and the same beliefs that are held in a student’s home.
Many non-religious students attend faith-based schools also, and they can learn valuable life skills about community and helping one another.
The positive benefits of faith-based education on a child
Churches help to bring together communities, add stability, and offer sanctuary. They are a place where faith can be restored, and friendships built. When religion and education meet, there are several positive gains to be made.
Morals and ethics
Ethics are also known as moral philosophy. The church has always sought to teach right from wrong, and Christian schools do the same. Principles and morals are vital to being a good person, and all religions teach people to be virtuous. Christian schools keep their students on the right path throughout their education, and into adult life.
Family religious beliefs
As mentioned above, a Christian school can help take the teachings that are gained at church into educational life and beyond. For any parent wishing their children to be taught more about faith, a Christian school might be the answer.
Allows the child to explore their faith in more depth
Children are inquisitive, and it is common at times to question parts of any religion. The church and Christian schools are safe places to explore faith further and learn how it will help anyone live a positive life.
Why do parents choose private faith schools?
The US law dictates that public schools cannot promote religion, but they must let students practice their faith. So, while public schools cannot teach religion, they can lecture about different faiths.
It is important for many parents that their children learn more about their religion. Homeschooling isn’t always an option, so a Christian school can offer something that a public school cannot, and in many ways is an extension of the church.
Summary
Parents, the Bible, and the church are how most people are first introduced to Christianity. But, when it is time to start school, faith can be left off the curriculum in many cases.
Education and religion can work together to teach a sense of community from the church and through a Christian school. Morals, ethics, principles, and family values are taught in church. And they can be interwoven with subjects such as social studies and science in a faith-based school.