Education and the Three Books

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by Dr. Joe Renfro

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Three books stand out in contemporary education with each proposing different philosophies of education, and they are the Bible, the Koran, and The Origin of the Species. The problem develops as to how and whether these can become strange bedfellows. There have been violent conflicts over the years between the parties supporting each view and world-views suggested by each. Education, religion, science, and politics entwine together in this maze, a maze, which I believe can only be traveled through by the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.

The first book I wish to observe in respect to American public education is The Origin of the Species, which is enshrined by Secular humanism very highly. “Secular Humanism” is a term, which has come into use in the last thirty years to describe a world-view that among many other tenants rejects dogmas, ideologies, and religious faith with the belief that only in objective truth can positive direction be found in the evolution of the species. Richard Dawkins in an article “The Power of Darwin “ in The Secular Humanist Bulletin, September 17, 2012 wrote that: ”Charles Darwin had a big idea, arguably the most powerful idea ever. A powerful idea assumes little to explain much”—namely the concept of the survival of the fittest. And I would say that this world-view has increasingly influenced education in America—BASICALLY TO THE BELIEF THAT DARWIN SHOWED THERE WAS NO GOD.—Darwinism!

However, in none of Darwin’s writings does he declare that there is no God, and in fact he concluded The Origin of the Species by saying, “There is a grandeur in this view of life with its several powers, having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved.” (Charles Darwin, Great Books of the Western World, Vol. 49, p.243)

Back years ago when I taught animal science in the seventh grade and science in the sixth grade my students were taught briefly the theories of Darwinian evolution, creationism, re-creationism, and what I called “evolutionary creationism,” which basically is what is known today as intelligent design; and I let them believe what they wished. I didn’t set Darwinian evolution down on them, but I encouraged them to think beyond it. However, if I had had The Decent of the Species on my desk or read it in class, and publicly affirmed my faith in this (which wassn’t the case), it would not have been condemned by the establishment at all.

The second book I wish to observe is the Koran. In an article entitled the, “Islamic Indoctrination in American Schools” on the internet brings out that, “The American public school system is notorious for spending lots of  money on each student, failing to produce well-educated kids, and along the way, coming up with lots of really bad ideas about education.  One of the worst ideas is inviting Muslim indoctrination into the schools in the interest of multicultural ‘tolerance’ and ‘awareness’.”

The ACLU stands up against religious studies, however, except for the study of Islam. They feel that by using Islam that proclaims itself to be a true religion of peace students will gain a broader understanding of life and ultimately make it so all will accept moral and religious pluralism. The educational establishment disregards the word “Islam” means “submission” and that all Muslims are commended to wage war against the unbelievers until they submit to Islam and the entire world becomes Islamic.

The internet article brought out that: “ You can’t have a moment of silence in public school anymore because someone is offended.  People are pushing to have the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance stopped because it has ’God’ in it.  Christmas trees are removed, Christmas pageants renamed ‘holiday pageants’, and every shred of Christianity is being removed, bit by bit, by those who scream ‘separation of church and state!’  Yet in Minneapolis at Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy, a K-8 charter school, children are taught Islam and the Koran on the public taxpayers dime, and no one questions it or says a word.”

About 100 articles were suggested in the article listed for further study (much like the Observer material about Islam being a religion of peace), and one of these concerns was with the University of North Carolina from which in graduated in philosophy back in 1965, as it required students to immerse themselves in the study of Islam. It has been required for the summer reading that all incoming freshmen read portions of the Koran and a commentary by a religious scholar. A lawsuit has been filed from a group of students and alumni, charging violations of the First Amendment.

The article as well observed that at UNC: “This university exercise in compulsory religious study is strange enough. But no less so than the acquiescent response of those civil liberties watchdogs usually ever alert to the danger that somebody, somewhere, might be sneaking a prayer into some school program or graduation ceremony. The American Civil Liberties Union, normally busy saving the nation’s schools from the smallest whiff of religious influence, has leapt to university’s defense. Finally, it seems, the ACLU has found a religion it can tolerate.”

Back when I taught college psychology, I seriously doubt there would have been any condemnation, if I had chosen to read my personal Koran from Naba 78:31-34 which in regards to heaven says: “Verily, for the Muttaqun (righteous), there will be a success (paradise); gardens and grapeyards; and young full-breasted (mature) maidens of equal age; and a full cup (of wine).” If I had gone on to have a discussion about the sexual implications of it, there would have been no condemnation at all. And certainly, if I had a copy of my personal Koran setting on my desk or the students were told I greatly revered it (which I don’t), there would have been no educational condemnation at all.

But now let me take a case regarding a teacher who had the third book, the Bible, on his desk and who let the students know of his deep faith in the Bible and the Christ revealed in the Bible. The Ohio Department of Education has rescinded a “letter of admonishment” issued to a Christian fired for encouraging students to think critically about the origin of life. The teacher, John Freshwater, had taught school for twenty-four years. But he was suspended in 2008 and formally dismissed in 2011. The school board accused Freshwater of improperly injecting religion into the classroom by giving students “reason to doubt the accuracy and/or veracity of scientists, science textbooks and/or science in general.” One of his students had an “x” burned on his arm, which his family said looked like a cross and blamed it on the teacher.

The school board ordered Freshwater to remove all “religious items” from his desk, including his Bible. He met with all the demands, but he refused to remove his Bible. It was found that Freshwater has taught adequately, but by encouraging students to analyze the theories of evolution and creation, he was injecting “his personal religious beliefs” into the instruction. His actions, supposedly, violated board policies requiring “unbiased instruction.” Therefore, he was suspended and finally terminated.

The case is before the courts, and the Rutherford Foundation is representing Freshwater, but this situation reveals a certain fact, namely that the so-called politically correct establishment will go to all ends to reject the Christian testimony or the Biblical message in education. This is but one instance, as they are many, many more showing how the Bible and its message are under attack in the contemporary public education! But the founders of our nation stressed firmly the foundations established in the Biblical message and seen in Christianity.

George Washington, our first President said: “”While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” –The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.

John Adams, our second President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence said: “Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God.” —Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.

Thomas Jefferson, our third President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence said: “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God?” —Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237. “I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.” —The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.

Benjamin Franklin, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Unites States Constitution said: “Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.” –Benjamin Franklin wrote this in a letter to Ezra Stiles, President of Yale University on March 9, 1790.

Three books stand out in contemporary education with each proposing different philosophies of education and they are the Bible, the Koran, and The Origin of the Species, but it is sad that the current trend is to move away from the Bible and not to see the dangers often present in the other two.

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by Joe Renfro, Ed.D., Educational Columnist, Radio Evangelist, Retired Teacher and Pastor, 5931 West Avenue, Lavonia, Georgia 30553,  706-356-4173, joerenfro@windstream.net