Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/71

Contributor - Hugh Appel

Title - About Christian Education: The Crucifixion And The Easter Egg

Topic - Education

In the week prior to Easter, our nine year old son came home with a surprise. It turned out to be a picture he had drawn in school about Easter. It was "Scotch taped" on our bedroom wall, and it was rather interesting. It had the shape of a large egg. In the centre it showed Christ, nailed on the cross, complete with the sign above His head. It was done very dramatically. On the bottom was the open grave, with the stone rolled aside. There was a greeting as well, it read: Happy Easter, from the Easter Bunny. After I studied it for a while, I noticed that blood was dripping down from the cross, and the whole picture seemed effective.

After a few days I asked my son to explain the picture to us, which he did. He told us that Christ died but also rose again, that is why the grave was open.

But what about the Easter Bunny? Well, you are not supposed to know I made the picture, was his answer, so I put on there, "from the Easter Bunny", although I know he doesn't exist. His explanation was a good one.

In fact, most of us parents can appreciate these kind of answers from our children, when we talk about Christian education. We can even get carried away with it, giving ourselves the credit of doing a good job in bringing up our children in the Christian faith. (This of course is debatable.) However since we have arrived at the subject of Christian Education there are a few things I would like to discuss, since we have had some articles in the Pioneer about it.

Being brought up in the Chr. Ref. Church, I dare say I have observed the situation of Chr. Schools from both sides of the fence. And since a number of people have asked my opinion about it, I might as well get into it a little deeper. Going back to the outline Mr. Drenth gives in the March edition, I noticed that his explanation is the very same all Chr. School supporters will give you. From their point of view, Public Schools are neutral (openbaar), and therefore the Word of God is kept out of the Education system. I would have to agree that the Bible is not the basis of the Public-School system as it is in the Chr. School movement. Our children attend a public school where very little is done about Christian education.

For example, the school day begins and closes with a prayer. Our daughter in grade one gets a Bible story, but not even every day. However, to say that the message of His Word is kept out of the Public School is not true. I have talked to many parents who told me that in the school their children attend they receive much more religious education that what I just stated. It depends on the Principal, Teachers, and don't forget parents.

A former Pastor of us gave this advice: When your children will begin to attend school, make sure you talk to the teacher. You will get to know the teachers' point of view (and vice versa), and it is also another opportunity to witness for Christ, something we never do enough.

We took this good advice, and have kept it up. I found it indeed very interesting, and helpful both ways. On the other hand, I don't expect a teacher to educate my children about religion. What, if the teacher doesn't believe it him self? Is that not forcing the issues Well, you say, that is the sole purpose for .a separate school. With the Public School you are taking a chance,

I strongly believe that education is not limited to school hours only. That is not even 30 hours a week, only part of the year. How about the other 140 hours a week when they are not in school? That is five times more. Is it not a fact that education goes on all the time? Not only are we to tea--'a child but, should our life not also be an example? Is that not our largest obligation? Parents have the biggest responsibility, and they better be aware of it. When we pray with our children, when we study God's Word together, when we sing of the greatness of our Heavenly Father, when we seek His Face in our daily devotions, when we share with our children the real meaning of Easter, etc. I am convinced we are not keeping His Word out of it, but are making use of it every day. Why do we go to Church? What does it mean to our children? Is it not to worship God, to listen to His Holy Word, to share the sacraments together, to praise Him, to thank Him? Is this not what our children receive in the Sunday School? Is it not marvellous that we have dedicated people teaching our children, in His House on His day of rest? Is it not regretful that many Chr. Ref. Churches have closed their Sunday Schools because of the Chr. Schools? Leaving the children out of reach that don't go to the Chr. School? We realize as parents we have a tremendous task to perform. But we also know that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He will never fail us. In as much as God has entrusted children to us, He will also help us, no matter how difficult it may be at times.

Whenever I talk to people about the Christian School (I have a sister who is a Chr. High School teacher, and a brother-in-law who is chairman of the Chr. School Board) it amazes me how little they know about the Public School. They seem to know, a lot of bad things, but have never talked to a Public School teacher, let alone they have ever seen a Public School inside. Although they dare tell me that my children are thrown before the wolves, etc. When we first arrived here from Holland (1952) some of the Missionary Ministers that came across from the U.S. border, used to tell us how bad the Public Schools in the States were. And that it was going to be the same in Canada. Back- in those days we were already told to build our own schools.

I can appreciate the fact that Mr. Drenth writes an article about Chr. education which was printed in a Reformed magazine. Perhaps this could be considered a foot in the door. But I can tell you that after the school was organized in St. Catharines the Ref. Church received an invitation to join, after making sure that all board members where Chr. Reformed. A rather safe position. I can also tell you that a lot of Chr. School supporters are finding the burden too heavy to carry, and it becomes difficult to remain a joyful Christian. One cannot deny that, there is a lot of unrest. I still think, that rather than separating our children in our own built schools, we can with the help of dedicated teachers be a witness in the world around us.

Christians are given a tremendous task. We must proclaim Christ who rose from the dead, who paid it all, in order to set us free. Who has also promised: "I am with you always" No, I am not worried about a picture of the Easter egg, because the message it carried was good. It was another opportunity to share the good news with a child about the most important event that ever happened. Let us indeed therefore continue to work for our Lord, while it is yet day, for the night cometh when man shall work no more. Let us continue to go and tell it on the mountain.

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