Some ideologues keep public schools firmly in their cross hairs for severe
criticism. According to the more severe critics, nothing good rests in the schools
or can be said about them. Some critics apparently have broader agendas at work
behind these criticisms, and others are sincerely concerned about legitimate
problems of public education. Either way, their harsh negativism slams this
basic institution of community life.
Some ideologues keep public schools firmly in their cross hairs for severe
criticism. According to the more severe critics, nothing good rests in the schools
or can be said about them. Some critics apparently have broader agendas at work
behind these criticisms, and others are sincerely concerned about legitimate
problems of public education. Either way, their harsh negativism slams this
basic institution of community life.
Acknowledging the shortcomings of public education should not, however, keep
the general population, including Christians, from appreciating the significant
work done in public schools by multitudes of people.
Thousands of people who work in the Louisiana public education system do so
as what they believe is their major place of ministry. It is part of working
out their call as servants of God in Gods will.
We can be thankful for and supportive of these people who dedicate their lives
to helping young people during one of the most vulnerable, pliable, pivotal
times in their lives. If these Christian servants were not at work in our public
schools, people of less character and lower ethical standards would have total
sway in our schools.
This editor cannot remember visiting a Baptist church in Louisiana that does
not have members who are conscientious teachers in public schools impacting
lives positively.
Frequently, they teach young people and children in the public schools and
then work with them in the activities of the church, such as Bible study and
youth activities. While there are reasonable restraints on what a teacher can
say while working in their capacities of public officials, the natural magnetism
of their Christian lives draws young people to them and eventually to their
Christ.
In addition, Christian teachers are able to minister to children and young
people in multitudes of ways. While they are not able to be direct in their
verbal Christian witness, they are helping those whom Christ called, “my
little ones.”
Public schools have long been a mainspring of the United States. Public education
is the significant enabler of equality and equal opportunity. Without government-provided
education, only those who could afford it would enjoy the benefit of education.
Fortunately, our states appreciation for public education and the benefits
it provides every area of life is growing. Public education in our state still
comes up short in many areas, but we do have multitudes of Christian schoolteachers
doing their best to provide young people the best of educational opportunities.
Blanket criticisms of public schools discourage many fine people who are giving
themselves to helping individuals and society in a crucial area. Even while
acknowledging problems in public education, let us affirm those who are serving
as Christian ministers in public education. They deserve our appreciation and
support.