Viewing the School as a Community of Faith

Abstract

The paper takes the position that Christian schools function in a world that is essentially antagonistic to the principles and values of the Kingdom of God. Further, it sees that "world" as dynamically decadent and alienating. Even humanists acknowledge the dis-integrative, anticommunitarian spirit that pervades society. Many Christian teachers appear to be oblivious to these forces, and many schools unwittingly subscribe to popular policies and practices that are essentially contradictory to the spirit of Christian faith. It is argued further that many attempts to integrate faith, learning and practice induce dualism instead. The paper asserts that it is the role and responsibility of the Christian school to confront these forces and provide a learning environment that, as part of the mission of the Church, is essentially redemptive and restorative, upbuilding both individuals and the community of faith they comprise. The paper attempts first to describe the contemporary climate, then, second, to identify the link with disintegrative practices in the educational context, and, finally, to explore what might represent true integration and Christian distinctiveness in the face of such challenges.