The Tragedy Of Sunday School
- I realize that I am treading on
sacred ground with muddy shoes. The title of this article alone
may get me tarred and feathered by devout Christians in almost
any American city. Be that as it may, let me forge
ahead.
First, let me say that although I will be focusing on the perennial institution of Sunday School, my desire is to use it as an illustration of a broader principle.
Sunday School has its origins in Gloucester England in the year 1780. Robert Raikes became convinced by his work among prison inmates, that an early religious for children would help keep them from a life of crime. By default, the schools were conducted on the one day of the week that children didn't work: Sunday. By the year 1791, the Sunday School movement had spread to the U. S. At the time of Raikes' death, there were some 500,000 children enrolled in Sunday School. Since then it has been engraved on the public consciousness. The average churchgoer would find the thought of life without Sunday School unimaginable. Even non-religious Americans often send their children to Sunday School.
So why should I question this hallowed institution? For the simple reason that it is damaging Christian families. Millions of families are neglecting instructing their children in the ways of the Lord because of Sunday School. It has subverted and supplanted the scriptural admonitions to train our children. It has become the morphine which soothes the uneasy consciences of those who have shirked their responsibilities. It enables parents to continue comfortably on the path of neglect. We can pack our kiddies of to their respective classes, and rest secure, knowing that they have received their weekly dose of spiritual vitamins.
One of the worst things about Sunday School (besides the sterile, dull curricula), is the fact that it compartmentalizes Christianity, severing it from any connection to real life. In reality, many children are receiving an inoculation against a true and meaningful faith. Is it any wonder that in later years they view the Christian life as irrelevant, and wander down another path? Deuteronomy 6:6-9 makes it clear that spiritual truths are meant to be woven into the fabric of daily life. The foundation of a true faith is to be laid in the time spent between children and parents. It is vital that our children see our faith as an indispensable part of our lives. Teachable moments must be captured in the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Why have so many chosen to turn the responsibility of spiritual training into the hands of others? Do we place so little value upon our children?
What started out with the best of intentions has taken on a life of its own, and is actually undermining God's intention for families. In a way, it is similar to certain medications which, if taken long enough,begin producing the very symptoms which they were first used to eliminate. If we are ever to recapture God's purpose for families, and for His Church, we must begin by taking up our responsibilities as parents. We must seize the moment before it is gone!
In the bigger picture, we must ruthlessly examine our methods and practices as Christians. Whatever is not in keeping with God's stated intentions, and whatever is not producing the desired outcome must be tossed in the trash can. Programs and procedures grow and reproduce. They implant themselves into our spiritual DNA, and sink their roots deep. But stop. Consider... Is the dog wagging the tail, or is the tail wagging the dog?
Reproduction of this article for free distribution is permitted. John Green, azgreens@hotmail.com.John Green's new site is at http://members.tripod.com/~Aslan_777/articles.html.
John Green, azgreens@hotmail.com John's new site is at http://members.tripod.com/~Aslan_777/articles.html.
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