Now, here's a "hot-button" issue for you. But it is this forum's contention that there is NO subject too big, or too difficult for God, as He works (in this world) through His church.
What is the church's role, when it comes to the education of children: those in the parish, particularly?
The answer is neither easy, nor simple. Each case must be handled on an individual basis.
The one glaring error, that must not be made, is to "universalize" the church's position on the subject.
In some cases, the public system is the best way to go. In other cases, "covenant education," viz. church families working together in a school context, is the preferred method. At other times, homeschooling is to be opted for.
Sessions (church elder boards--for you "non-Presbyterians") should be aware, generally, of what is available educationally, and of what the parishioners are choosing to employ.
They should also be acutely aware of the typical advantages, and pitfalls that accompany any and all educational alternatives.
Elders have the "right," if they should so choose, to start "church schools"; but even here it is best not to dictate absolute and complete universal compliance on the parish's participation in them.
Likely, I will be teaching more about this issue, on this forum, in the future. . . .
The Forum for Ecclesiocentricity is designed to educate Christians and non-Christians alike to understand the Biblical teaching concerning the Church (the "Puritan" church in particular), with regard to its principal role on the earth. When this is achieved, it is hoped that the Church would then be in a better position to convey Christ's redemptive virtues to the civil government (state), and the family. (You may email me at: markjhenninger@gmail.com)
