The School of Caesar: Introduction

The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master.

Luke 6:40

He that controls the school controls the world.  I heard Voddie Baucham, Jr mention this in his DVD series titled The Children of Caesar.  What a refreshing look at education in America, and what the Bible says about educating our children in light of His word.  Here are some of my take-aways that I need to share with you.  There are many nuggets worth noting.

Training of the Mind

The Bible has spoken on the issue of education.  However, as Christians, we treat the subject as something that we have to meditate on.  Or we fall into this ridiculous mysticism, if you will, and tell others, “you do what you’re lead to do, and I’ll do what I’m lead to do.”

Correction!  We need to do what the Bible commands us to do as it is absolute truth.  With that said, let’s look at some scripture that speaks about the training of the mind:

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”  Deut 6: 6-7

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”  Psalm 1

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  Romans 12:2

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”  Colossians 2:8

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.”  1 Timothy 6:20-21

These biblical principles, sadly, are only obeyed and submitted to by many Christian families during non-school hours (referring to secular school).

The School of Caesar

Baucham provided some alarming statistics and facts regarding the American school system.  Ninety percent of Christians allow the government to educate their children.  Seventy – 88 percent of churched youth leave the church by the end of their first year in college.

It is no surprise, then, that children return home as Romans after they are sent to be schooled and educated by Caesar.  They are inundated with the secular humanism of Caesar.  Did you know that:

• Government education was established around 1870?
• Government education was modeled after the Prussian format?
• Government education was rooted in secular humanism?
• Government education was opposed by Christians for decades?
• By the year 1900, two-thirds of children were educated at home or in church?

As believers, we must beware.  Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5 verse 19:  “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”  We must not, nor must we let others, teach our children to go astray from the law of God, lest we be called the least in the kingdom. The least!  The least in the kingdom!

In the next post, I will note more take-aways from the DVD series of The Children of Caesar, including alarming facts about the Christian worldview and it’s opposing humanist thought.

Question: How have you encouraged children to go astray from the law of God?  Does Matthew 5 verse 19 convict you enough?