“I’m not here to tell you what to believe”
I often begin the school year by telling my classes that, “I’m not here to tell you what to believe”. This shocks some students, because they assume that as School Pastor that is my job! I go on to clarify my statement by saying, “I am here to help you to think about what you believe, or don’t believe, and why that is so. I’m also here to talk with you about what I believe and why it is important to me.” I find the following Bible verses especially helpful guidance in this matter,
“ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.”(1 Peter 3:13-16 NLT)
These words were addressed to early Christians who were suffering for their faith. They were encouraged to continue to be open and honest about what they believed while respecting others who did not share their faith.
Within our school curriculum we attempt to teach students about other religions from a position of "committed neutrality". That is to say, we make no secret about our personal and school convictions that Jesus Christ is God's Son and the One who died for the sins of the world. We declare this to parents on enrolment as a matter of integrity. In this regard parents and students can see where we are "coming from". It is not hidden or subversive.
At the same time, we believe that the varied beliefs and non-beliefs of our parent and student population should be treated with respect and presented fairly and accurately. Students are not "rewarded" for believing or "penalised" for not believing. Our encouragement is for them to evaluate and be informed about the teachings of the major religions of the world and secular belief systems. Within this context we make it clear that we believe the person and message of Jesus Christ has something unique and special to offer. As a school parent, as a well as a teacher, I appreciate the trust placed in our staff by parents and their desire to have their family values treated with respect. Where the teachings of the school are different from those taught at home students are encouraged to honour their parents. They are also encouraged to discuss the values and beliefs they are being taught at school with their family.
We also believe that it is unhelpful and indeed counter-productive to pressure students in any way, or misinform them about other beliefs. Faith is both a gift from God and a response to God. It is an expression of trust based on knowledge and love not deception or manipulation. What about you? Do you know what you believe and why?
Recommended Reading:A Spectator’s Guide to World Religions: an introduction to the big five – John Dickson
“ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.”(1 Peter 3:13-16 NLT)
These words were addressed to early Christians who were suffering for their faith. They were encouraged to continue to be open and honest about what they believed while respecting others who did not share their faith.
Within our school curriculum we attempt to teach students about other religions from a position of "committed neutrality". That is to say, we make no secret about our personal and school convictions that Jesus Christ is God's Son and the One who died for the sins of the world. We declare this to parents on enrolment as a matter of integrity. In this regard parents and students can see where we are "coming from". It is not hidden or subversive.
At the same time, we believe that the varied beliefs and non-beliefs of our parent and student population should be treated with respect and presented fairly and accurately. Students are not "rewarded" for believing or "penalised" for not believing. Our encouragement is for them to evaluate and be informed about the teachings of the major religions of the world and secular belief systems. Within this context we make it clear that we believe the person and message of Jesus Christ has something unique and special to offer. As a school parent, as a well as a teacher, I appreciate the trust placed in our staff by parents and their desire to have their family values treated with respect. Where the teachings of the school are different from those taught at home students are encouraged to honour their parents. They are also encouraged to discuss the values and beliefs they are being taught at school with their family.
We also believe that it is unhelpful and indeed counter-productive to pressure students in any way, or misinform them about other beliefs. Faith is both a gift from God and a response to God. It is an expression of trust based on knowledge and love not deception or manipulation. What about you? Do you know what you believe and why?
Recommended Reading:A Spectator’s Guide to World Religions: an introduction to the big five – John Dickson
posted by Peter Wilson at 3:23 PM
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