It is no exaggeration to state that this is one of the most important moments in history. We are facing some significant challenges, but none more important than what is happening in our schools, classrooms, and culture. Every single one of us is being affected, and none more so than our children. No family is immune, and how we choose to respond (or our lack of response) will have a profound ripple effect that will be felt for generations to come. We are facing some unprecedented challenges, but none more critical than the current war on Truth. It is the greatest existential threat we’ve ever faced, and the battlefield is nothing less than inside the minds of our children. So far, the results have been disastrous, and our response is not optional.
What is happening?
What is happening is an intentional and insidious war for the mind of our culture, and especially the minds of our children. They are the primary casualties in this war, and results are disastrous for them and for society. The primary tactic in this war is undermining Truth and convincing young, impressionable minds that Truth is subjective and personal. There is an emphasis on “your truth” as opposed to Truth being something that is objective. The problem is that Truth isn’t subjective, it simply “is”. Truth is concrete and it exists outside of what we think, what we believe, or what we feel. Anyone who is observing culture understands the tremendous impact this war is having on young people.
When did this happen…is this new?
A common, but incorrect belief is that this is new, or emerged during covid. Nothing could be further from the truth. This has been a systematic assault which has been slowly but steadily progressing for a very long time. Postmodernism has been working in academia for years to slowly introduce and infiltrate culture, and it has been extremely effective and largely unnoticed until now. The myth that this suddenly appeared during covid would suggest that it was a rapid onset, and thus could have a rapid solution.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. This has been happening for decades, and the solution is something that won’t be accomplished overnight. If we don’t recognize and understand the root of the problem, we aren’t able to solve it. It’s not a system that can be changed, it is something that needs to be upended completely. Ironically, some of the same tactics that were utilized to produce this mess, are what we must now do to help fix the problem. Failure is not optional.
If I raise my kids right, is that enough?
This battle has little to do with our personal values as families. In fact, many (most) Christian kids are abandoning their faith at a record rate. If something doesn’t change, the probability of a child rejecting their values and/or faith through college is well over 70%. This shows the scope of the assault, and it shows the importance and necessity of our response. Students are like all of us, they are searching for truth and for answers, and giving them facts and telling them the Truth is not enough in a culture where truth is increasingly obscured in favor of emotional manipulation. The most important thing we can do is teach them how to find Truth, discern it, and filter false ideas. Once they KNOW Truth, then they have an anchor to weather this storm and help those around them who are currently casualties in this war.
The failure of many Christian and private schools
Unfortunately, many Christian and private schools are failing to address the problem (or are missing it entirely) because they do not understand the nature of the problem. While they are providing a much-needed alternative for parents and their students, the results are far from encouraging. To varying degrees, they may be telling kids what they should think (some are better than others), but the overwhelming majority are not teaching kids HOW to think. If we miss this point, we’re not helping our kids and we’re not helping our culture. We’re merely delaying its effects.
What is Crook County Christian Doing, How Is Your Approach Different?
Crook County Christian School exists to be far more than just an alternative. From our inception in 1994, our founding principal, Sue Uptain, had a defining and God-given mission and vision:
“If you teach them to read…then they can read the Word and hide it in their heart to sustain them for the times ahead.”
Sue Uptain-Gillham (Founding Principal, CCCS)
In late Spring of 2022, I had several conversations with Sue as it became abundantly clear God was calling us to replant the school based on its original mission. At that time, she emphasized that in accomplishing this task of teaching them to read, and to hide God’s Word in their heart, that we are giving them something that no one can take away from them regardless of what happens. Those conversations have been essential to providing Crook County with a renewed resource to equip our kids for this incredibly important time.
The Veritas Initiative
One of our core responses, something a majority of Christian schools are struggling to do, is something we call the Veritas Initiative or “Truth” Initiative. It isn’t enough to be an alternative option for public schools, and it isn’t enough just to teach our kids from a Christian curriculum or perspective. While those are foundational to everything we do, what is even more foundational is teaching them what is Truth. Then, we teach them how to recognize it, discern it, and communicate it. We’re teaching them (and our teachers), how to do this at every grade and in every subject in an age appropriate manner.
At the center of it all is a biblical worldview. After all, Jesus says “I am Truth”, and the Bible tells us plainly that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. This philosophy is central to all we’re doing for our students. We’re helping them establish a firm and unshakeable foundation that reinforces the concept of Truth and teaches them how do learn to decipher it for themselves in any situation. What is a huge bonus of all this? They also become incredibly competent, lifelong learners that gives them an advantage in all areas of life and service.
The importance of this moment
Whether you are deeply concerned about what is happening, or simply looking for a better education option for your kids, I want to personally encourage you not to underestimate the importance of this moment. Whether you choose to homeschool your kids, or you’re searching for the right private school choice, getting this component right is going to be the most important decision you may ever make for your student(s). The stakes are too high, and we’re in this together. Reach out to us today to find out how we can partner with you to help give your student their best opportunity for success and to prepare them for the times ahead.
Sola Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone)
More Info about CCCS
Are you a parent wanting to know how your child can thrive at Crook County Christian School? At CCCS, we aim to help students pursue God through excellence in Discipleship, Academics, and Leadership!
Reach out today and make a change that will benefit your student for a lifetime!
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