For parents and students, participation in public schooling presents not only challenges, but also tremendous opportunities.

We asked a few of our Faith families involved in teaching or parenting in this environment, and they gave us direction on how to navigate some key challenges.

Because they are publicly funded, public schools have state-mandated curricula which may conflict with biblical values.  Some examples include atheistic evolution, focus on individual autonomy, and blurred lines on human sexuality.

What is a student to do in the face of opposing (even antagonistic) teaching? 

1. Pray
   We must remember that all such matters are primarily spiritual. Before we focus on intellectual arguments or effective word choice, we need to call ourselves into alignment with the Lord and His purposes – “for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV)
   
   
2. Know God’s Word
   It’s important that we don’t approach any discussion armed only with opinions.  At best we’ll end up comparing “what I think” vs. “what you think,” and at worst we’ll mis-represent what God has to say about these issues.

   Do we know what God has to say about the creation of the world, and why it matters?  Why individual autonomy (“MY will be done”) can be dangerous for others and for ourselves?  How God’s guidelines for human sexuality are designed to fulfill our hearts in a way that’s far superior to aimless experimentation?   

   For resources on these questions, please see below.

   These are big conversations (even within the Christian community).  But we can’t be expected to present God’s teaching to those outside the church until we’ve spent significant time learning to hear it and follow it ourselves. 

3. Approach with Humility
   Even after we’ve sought God’s teaching on an issue, we must be careful how we present it to others.  As 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) says, we should “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

   There are positive (and destructive!) ways to enter into any discussion.  In general, you can approach these matters humbly when you:

• • Consider the best path forward.
    Some of us in school were “ready for a fight.”  That can lead to combative situations, like standing up on the first day of class to confront a teacher who’s been an expert on a subject for decades.

    Even if we raise legitimate points, they are easily lost in an arrogant or disrespectful approach.

    Rather than blurting out in the moment, it’s usually better to carefully consider how to approach a tricky situation.  Would a personal conversation be better than public confrontation?  Should you gather more information before engaging?  Is a discussion even necessary in this case?

    For example: If the curriculum is based on evolutionary thought that is commonly accepted among the scientific community, that is good information to learn – even if you don’t agree with it.  We don’t expect every worldly teaching to match the Bible, and don’t need to pick a fight every time that happens.

  • Ask clarifying questions.
    Those of us who jump into arguments sometimes realize – too late – that there wasn’t much of a disagreement in the first place.

    Some words carry more than one meaning.  Some facts are true, even if we don’t like talking about them.  Sometimes we communicate poorly what we’re trying to say.  But in each case, a good question can help get to the heart of what’s really going on.     

    Another benefit of a good question is helping others think through their beliefs – without direct confrontation.  For example: If someone states that abortion isn’t a moral issue because a fetus isn’t yet a human being, you can simply ask, “When do you think life actually begins?”  They may have an answer… but they’ll need to think through the consequences of their own beliefs. 

  • Affirm areas of agreement.
    Discussion can feel like a competition. It’s helpful to remember that most conversations are between people with more in common than it may appear.

    For example: In an argument between a Pro-Choice and Pro-Life, there’s a good chance that both parties agree we should protect and care for women, especially those who have been abused.  At the same time, both would look at a newborn baby as beautiful and worthy of protection as well.  This agreement can reshape a heated discussion into a partnership to protect those in most need, whatever “side” they happen to land on.

  • Present another viewpoint.
    When it’s time to present your viewpoint, there are other ways to approach than leading with “You are wrong!”

    In our world that values tolerance and acceptance, most people will agree it’s good to see where someone else is coming from.  So when you present a different viewpoint by asking, “Have you considered..?”, you’re handing the other person a new way to approach the subject.

    And even if they don’t change their stance on the issue, they may admit there’s more than one way to look at it – which draws us one step closer together.

    In many cases, “agreeing to disagree” is great place to land for now.

    In the end, we remember that our goal is not to WIN an argument or prove anyone wrong (like most arguments today).  Rather, out of love for others, we want to pursue truth that will edify everyone involved, and make sure to thank others for sharing what they have to contribute.

4. Be Willing to Have the Conversations
   Considering the previous steps, we must admit it’s possible to pray, search scripture, and adopt humility… then say nothing.  It takes courage to speak up in an environment like public school.

   We remember that we are called to be lights in the world: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)  That means we must be willing to stand apart and share what makes us different in this dark world.

   For example: We heard of a student making a “Creation vs. Evolution” entry for the school science fair.  The administrators pulled it from the fair, saying it was a “religious” presentation that didn’t belong in a science fair.  But the student and parents approached the parties involved (all the way up to the school board) to point out that the entry was actually approaching the matter scientifically, presenting data and reasonable observations and applications.  In the end, through gentle and respectful dialogue, the school board agreed that it qualified and allowed it to be presented – even if it was in a room by itself since the fair was already over.

   Another example: A local student felt they were a different gender than they were born, and wanted to use the bathroom of their choice.  Parents of a child in that class were concerned, not wanting their child in a private space with a person of the opposite sex.  They shared how important it was to openly, but respectfully, broach the subject with the administrators to make their voices heard.  In the end, the child agreed to use the “family” restrooms (which are gender-neutral), finding a peaceful resolution even for parties with differing viewpoints.