Why pay for education?
Education for every child is a modern concept. We now think of it as a right. Yet the provision and funding of education is debated around the world. The models of funding have changed many times over the last 150 years. Historically, education for most was provided by parents. At times it has depended more on churches. More recently it has been considered a government responsibility.
However God has given to parents the primary responsibility for the nurture and care of their children. This responsibility has not changed over time. It has also not been delegated to government, the church or even teachers.
If we do believe parents have responsibilities for raising children then parents also need to have choices. They should have options of where and what their children will be taught. Christian schools give parents a choice. Some Christians question paying school fees when they are paying taxes to fund government schools. Christian schools may even be accused of undermining the government education system and duplicating facilities.
The Bible takes a different view: Where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34).
What school environment do I believe will be beneficial to my child in the long term?
Jesus saw it as a natural response to give to what we believe is important. What we are willing to allocate treasure, or finances, towards demonstrates where our hearts are. If providing an education which reflects a parent’s beliefs and supports their role is considered important then they will work out ways to make it a priority.
When questioned about taxes Jesus’ reply was simple… Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21).
He taught that paying taxes did not stop an individual from doing what God wanted them to do. They were not to be considered mutually exclusive.
Parents do need to carefully consider the financial cost of education if they choose a Christian school. It will come down to setting priorities. The apostle Paul taught…
Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Paul faced choices. He felt some decisions were better than others. As a parent you face the choice of ‘which school should I send my child to?’ In our society children will learn the basics of education whichever school they attend. However not all they learn may be beneficial or constructive.
We can be thankful we do have a choice. Like all choices we make, it is one for which we will be accountable to God. Our choices can have short-term, long-term and eternal consequences. Whatever you decide, we hope and pray that this booklet has been helpful in your choosing a school for your child.