Spring Arbor University - Echo Yearbook (Spring Arbor, MI)

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“WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?” Psalm 11:3. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? There arc numerous systems of idealism which often assume the role of religion. They attempt to lay a foundation for good conduct or good citizenship by a scientific process of education. One of the methods which is now taking the attention of many educators is the introduction of Religious Education” into the curriculum of the schools both public and private. Their procedure is a candid admission that education and religion cannot be divorced and the results be satisfactory, and that education as the prerogative of the church” is a sound educational policy. The attempt to bring religion into the school system should be given the careful attention of every earnest Christian. The question arises, What kind of religion will be brought in? If the system is used whereby the children from homes of different faiths can be taught by men or women of their own denomination, advantage should be taken of this opportunity. Some consecrated teacher may find a place of service of immense value in this work. The plan of Religious Education” in the curriculum is fraught with grave danger. There will be the inevitable conflict between an emaciated, sentimental, bloodless type of religious instruction and the foundations” of the Christian faith. Every sound educational principle should be summoned to the support of religion. But if the religion which is meant is in conflict with God’s Word then the foundations” of true character are being destroyed by the process and the structure is being erected without a sure foundation. The wrecks of such engineering practice are filling our penal institutions, corrupting the policies of corporations and governments, and spreading everywhere lack of confidence and suspicion. A sadder thought is that this method reaches into the homes of the righteous” (the designation of the righteous as distinct from the unrighteous is a scripture term and therefore not a term denoting an arrogant spiritual pride) and often destroys the foundation which years of patient parental care have laid. When this foundation is destroyed years pass, the rubbish of wasted efforts accumulate and the task of relaying the foundation is most difficult if not impossible. What can the righteous do?” No better plan can be devised than to utilize those means that arc available in Christian schools to strengthen the foundations” of Christian faith that you as parents have begun. No investment made will bring greater returns of joy and satisfaction to you or greater blessings to your child. I'auc Twcnlu-eiuhl MERLIN G. SMITH.

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