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Here I quote to you an extract from the Student-Parent handbook of the Christian Village School .
INTRODUCTION
The Village Christian Middle and High School Student-Parent Handbook is your guide to a successful
school year. The handbook details our spiritual goals and many aspects of campus life that affect the lives
of our students and the operation of VCS.
The handbook is expected to be read carefully by both parents and students. This information will help you
understand what VCS has to offer you, and in addition, what is expected of students and parents in order to
have a successful year, which will glorify our Lord Jesus Christ!
II Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works." Therefore, this is the foundation for the teaching of faith and for giving
direction to one's life.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.[1]
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious
and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of
the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.[1]
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely
essential.[1]
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live
a godly life; and by whose infilling the believer is equipped for service.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of
life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.[1]
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers of Christ.
To amplify our Statement of Faith, we also believe:
That the principle emphasis of the school is to encourage and to lead students to accept Jesus Christ as their
Savior and to commit themselves to Christ as Lord of their lives.[1]
That the Bible is relevant to current social, political, and moral events; therefore, we seek to teach
scriptural principles, apply them to daily living, and integrate them into the academic fields.
That in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) we desire to effect the spiritual maturity of the
Christian students, to equip the student to lead others to Jesus Christ, and to train students to be sensitive to
God's leading toward service for Him at home or abroad.
That evil and sin are to know and understand by precept, not by experience or by the concentrated study
thereof.
That every soul is of equal importance to God; therefore, we do not accept any form of discrimination.
That the home, church, and school should compliment each other to develop the student's spiritual,
academic, social and physical growth.
That Village Christian Schools offer the best educational opportunities possible while utilizing the best
facilities and equipment available.
That the guiding principles for the school are found in God's Word, such as excellent instructions in daily
living found in Colossians 3:1-17 and the importance of our responsibility found in Hebrews 13:17.
Therefore, any behavior which is not pleasing to God is subject to corrective counseling and, if necessary,
appropriate discipline.[2]
That students are to respect spiritual things, governments and flag, teachers and other school employees,
school property, fellow students, and the rights of others.
That the administration reserves the right to withdraw any student who is undermining, by his/her attitude
or actions, the principles of Christian education which Village stands for, whether or not he/she conforms
to specific regulations.[2]
JUST HOW NONDENOMINATIONAL ARE WE?
Village Christian Schools, while a nondenominational school by affiliation, statement of faith, which
clearly presents the Bible to be "the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God." While we are
not a church, we do and will teach truth, which is God's Word. Any dogma, doctrine, or other concepts that
contradict, add to, or subtract from the completed Word of God as presented in the sixty-six books of the
Bible will be held up and judged against the Bible for trustworthiness. Anything, which contradicts by
omission and commission, God's completed Word will be presented as such in class discussions, lectures,
chapels, or whenever questions on these issues are dealt with.[1]
While it is not the school's desire to antagonize, attack or single out different denominations and religious
groups, those that deny or add to the Bible as the only authoritative Word of God must be exposed as
counterfeits. By definition a counterfeit is a close facsimile of the real thing made with the intention to
deceive. Satan would have us deceived. Thus, Village Christian Schools' position on such groups or beliefs,
which perverts the truth of God’s Word, is to acknowledge it as a counterfeit. Teachers have the freedom to
answer questions that come up in class discussions or to make presentations as a part of their curriculum
that would judge such groups in light of God's Word.
The flip side to the above questions come in terms of making dogmatic interpretations of subjective
passages of Scripture (i.e. The timing of the second coming of Christ, eternal security, gifts of the Holy
Spirit, etc.). In these questions, where we are not questioning the "inspired, only infallible, authoritative
Word of God" but rather looking at various interpretations of the Scriptures themselves the school takes a
nondenominational position. In this regard Village Christian Schools would present what the Scriptures say
and whenever appropriate present the various passages of Scripture concerning the same topic. Then we
would ask the student to talk to his/her parents and pastor to come to the interpretation that they would
hold. If a teacher were asked what he believed he would have the freedom to non-dogmatically present his
belief based on specific Scriptures. In no instance would the school wish to make an issue over matters of various interpretations of a subjective passage of Scripture.
Finally, Village Christian Schools' Articles of faith cover those areas in which the school holds to a
dogmatic doctrinal position and are published in our literature and application material. We will never
compromise these cardinal truths.[1][2]
Bible Class: As per School Board Policy, Bible class is required for all students, for every semester,
and is a requirement for Senior Graduation. Although students are not required to profess
Christianity, antagonism to the Gospel of Jesus Christ may result in removal from Village Christian
Schools.[1][2]
[1] There goes religious tolerance and respect for other religions out the window .
[2] So now you have to confirm or get thrown out ? WTF ? What about the students who have been put there by orthodox Christian parents ? Imagine what they will have to suffer through - having to suppress your beliefs all the time in school , not daring to voice your opinion for fear that you will be expelled and thus catch it from their parents . What sort of sick intellectual climate is this ?
How prevalent is this type of education in the USA ?
This school alone caters to 1800 students . I wonder - what effect does this indoctrination and intimidation ( there is no other word for it ) have on their long-term development ?
I myself studied in a Hindu liberal fundamentalists school ( yes , they do exist ) . Their stance was that of the typical Hindu liberal fundemantalist - all religions are equal , all provide a path to moksha/salvation/enlightenment/nirvana , and if you dare to differ and say that some religion is worse or better than any other , then you are a bigot/fascist/hate-monger/usual-PC-crap . There was one exception - you could criticise Hinduism and get away with it . Maybe I should call them liberal Hindu mashochist fundamenatlists - because they were all devout Hindus , were all liberals , and all hated any criticism of any religion except their own , and were deeply pained by criticism of their own religion , but still it was the only criticism they would tolerate .
The end result was that almost everyone in my school became an atheist or something similar - there was absolutely no other way to rebel against a doctrine whose only message was the equality of all religions and sanctity of all religions . You couldn't rebel by converting to some other religion - because these people embraced all religions . You couldn't rebel by becoming more orthodox - because then only you would look silly . So the only option left was to cut links with religion altogether . That's what most people did . Then , after leaving school , they mostly realised that their religion consisted of much more than what was taught to them as school - because usually nothing was taught at school except the vaguest of praises of all religions , so as not to compromise the secular and liberal character of the school .
One of the students of this same Christian school has gone on to make a documentary called "The God Who Wasn't There" , about the problems posed by resurgent orthodox Christainity in America . This is where I got wind of this Christian school's doings .
What I dislike about such places - both the liberal fundie ones , and the orthodox fundie ones - is that they create people with sekwed perspectives . The freethinking people who attend a liberal fundamentalist stronghold will be more likely to miss out on what religion really means , whereas if the same people attend an orthodox fundemanetlist school , their perception of religion will be coloured with the regressive tendencies these places promote . Both of them lead to people missing out on the beauty of the religious experience , whether personal or communal ( depending on the person and the religion , of course ) . Both places curb free inquiry and a proper study of religion , thus crippling their wards' religious growth - the fundie hates inquiry for obvious reasons , whereas the liberal hates inquiry because it might go against taboo of not criticising religion and not judging it .
In India , we have the reverse problem . The "secular" governemnt will never tolerate a Hindu religious school like the Christian one I mentioned here . If a school tried to teach that the Vedas were the infallible word of God , and that society and the individual should be moulded around their doctrine ( an incredibly diffucult task - the Vedas contain almost nothing specific about how society should be , they're mostly praises of Gods , chants for sacrificial performances , or descriptions of classical music ) , the "liberals" would be howling like rabid dogs in about 3.74 seconds about "Hindu fundamentalists" trying to "rip apart the secular fabric of our society" , even if these Hindu teachers advocated tolerance towards all ( though they will , of course , give a free pass to a number of Muslim madarsas which openly preach hate and terrorism ) . Hell , there are questions being raised about perfectly secular schools which follow the national syllabus and are affiliated with the government educational body just because the organisation which happens to run them is a Hindu one .
Should such schools be allowed to operate ? If so , then should their syllabus be regulated by the state ? My personal answer to these questions is Yes and No , respectively . What's your opinion on this ?
INTRODUCTION
The Village Christian Middle and High School Student-Parent Handbook is your guide to a successful
school year. The handbook details our spiritual goals and many aspects of campus life that affect the lives
of our students and the operation of VCS.
The handbook is expected to be read carefully by both parents and students. This information will help you
understand what VCS has to offer you, and in addition, what is expected of students and parents in order to
have a successful year, which will glorify our Lord Jesus Christ!
II Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works." Therefore, this is the foundation for the teaching of faith and for giving
direction to one's life.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.[1]
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious
and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of
the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.[1]
4. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely
essential.[1]
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live
a godly life; and by whose infilling the believer is equipped for service.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of
life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.[1]
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers of Christ.
To amplify our Statement of Faith, we also believe:
That the principle emphasis of the school is to encourage and to lead students to accept Jesus Christ as their
Savior and to commit themselves to Christ as Lord of their lives.[1]
That the Bible is relevant to current social, political, and moral events; therefore, we seek to teach
scriptural principles, apply them to daily living, and integrate them into the academic fields.
That in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) we desire to effect the spiritual maturity of the
Christian students, to equip the student to lead others to Jesus Christ, and to train students to be sensitive to
God's leading toward service for Him at home or abroad.
That evil and sin are to know and understand by precept, not by experience or by the concentrated study
thereof.
That every soul is of equal importance to God; therefore, we do not accept any form of discrimination.
That the home, church, and school should compliment each other to develop the student's spiritual,
academic, social and physical growth.
That Village Christian Schools offer the best educational opportunities possible while utilizing the best
facilities and equipment available.
That the guiding principles for the school are found in God's Word, such as excellent instructions in daily
living found in Colossians 3:1-17 and the importance of our responsibility found in Hebrews 13:17.
Therefore, any behavior which is not pleasing to God is subject to corrective counseling and, if necessary,
appropriate discipline.[2]
That students are to respect spiritual things, governments and flag, teachers and other school employees,
school property, fellow students, and the rights of others.
That the administration reserves the right to withdraw any student who is undermining, by his/her attitude
or actions, the principles of Christian education which Village stands for, whether or not he/she conforms
to specific regulations.[2]
JUST HOW NONDENOMINATIONAL ARE WE?
Village Christian Schools, while a nondenominational school by affiliation, statement of faith, which
clearly presents the Bible to be "the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God." While we are
not a church, we do and will teach truth, which is God's Word. Any dogma, doctrine, or other concepts that
contradict, add to, or subtract from the completed Word of God as presented in the sixty-six books of the
Bible will be held up and judged against the Bible for trustworthiness. Anything, which contradicts by
omission and commission, God's completed Word will be presented as such in class discussions, lectures,
chapels, or whenever questions on these issues are dealt with.[1]
While it is not the school's desire to antagonize, attack or single out different denominations and religious
groups, those that deny or add to the Bible as the only authoritative Word of God must be exposed as
counterfeits. By definition a counterfeit is a close facsimile of the real thing made with the intention to
deceive. Satan would have us deceived. Thus, Village Christian Schools' position on such groups or beliefs,
which perverts the truth of God’s Word, is to acknowledge it as a counterfeit. Teachers have the freedom to
answer questions that come up in class discussions or to make presentations as a part of their curriculum
that would judge such groups in light of God's Word.
The flip side to the above questions come in terms of making dogmatic interpretations of subjective
passages of Scripture (i.e. The timing of the second coming of Christ, eternal security, gifts of the Holy
Spirit, etc.). In these questions, where we are not questioning the "inspired, only infallible, authoritative
Word of God" but rather looking at various interpretations of the Scriptures themselves the school takes a
nondenominational position. In this regard Village Christian Schools would present what the Scriptures say
and whenever appropriate present the various passages of Scripture concerning the same topic. Then we
would ask the student to talk to his/her parents and pastor to come to the interpretation that they would
hold. If a teacher were asked what he believed he would have the freedom to non-dogmatically present his
belief based on specific Scriptures. In no instance would the school wish to make an issue over matters of various interpretations of a subjective passage of Scripture.
Finally, Village Christian Schools' Articles of faith cover those areas in which the school holds to a
dogmatic doctrinal position and are published in our literature and application material. We will never
compromise these cardinal truths.[1][2]
Bible Class: As per School Board Policy, Bible class is required for all students, for every semester,
and is a requirement for Senior Graduation. Although students are not required to profess
Christianity, antagonism to the Gospel of Jesus Christ may result in removal from Village Christian
Schools.[1][2]
[2] So now you have to confirm or get thrown out ? WTF ? What about the students who have been put there by orthodox Christian parents ? Imagine what they will have to suffer through - having to suppress your beliefs all the time in school , not daring to voice your opinion for fear that you will be expelled and thus catch it from their parents . What sort of sick intellectual climate is this ?
How prevalent is this type of education in the USA ?
This school alone caters to 1800 students . I wonder - what effect does this indoctrination and intimidation ( there is no other word for it ) have on their long-term development ?
I myself studied in a Hindu liberal fundamentalists school ( yes , they do exist ) . Their stance was that of the typical Hindu liberal fundemantalist - all religions are equal , all provide a path to moksha/salvation/enlightenment/nirvana , and if you dare to differ and say that some religion is worse or better than any other , then you are a bigot/fascist/hate-monger/usual-PC-crap . There was one exception - you could criticise Hinduism and get away with it . Maybe I should call them liberal Hindu mashochist fundamenatlists - because they were all devout Hindus , were all liberals , and all hated any criticism of any religion except their own , and were deeply pained by criticism of their own religion , but still it was the only criticism they would tolerate .
The end result was that almost everyone in my school became an atheist or something similar - there was absolutely no other way to rebel against a doctrine whose only message was the equality of all religions and sanctity of all religions . You couldn't rebel by converting to some other religion - because these people embraced all religions . You couldn't rebel by becoming more orthodox - because then only you would look silly . So the only option left was to cut links with religion altogether . That's what most people did . Then , after leaving school , they mostly realised that their religion consisted of much more than what was taught to them as school - because usually nothing was taught at school except the vaguest of praises of all religions , so as not to compromise the secular and liberal character of the school .
One of the students of this same Christian school has gone on to make a documentary called "The God Who Wasn't There" , about the problems posed by resurgent orthodox Christainity in America . This is where I got wind of this Christian school's doings .
What I dislike about such places - both the liberal fundie ones , and the orthodox fundie ones - is that they create people with sekwed perspectives . The freethinking people who attend a liberal fundamentalist stronghold will be more likely to miss out on what religion really means , whereas if the same people attend an orthodox fundemanetlist school , their perception of religion will be coloured with the regressive tendencies these places promote . Both of them lead to people missing out on the beauty of the religious experience , whether personal or communal ( depending on the person and the religion , of course ) . Both places curb free inquiry and a proper study of religion , thus crippling their wards' religious growth - the fundie hates inquiry for obvious reasons , whereas the liberal hates inquiry because it might go against taboo of not criticising religion and not judging it .
In India , we have the reverse problem . The "secular" governemnt will never tolerate a Hindu religious school like the Christian one I mentioned here . If a school tried to teach that the Vedas were the infallible word of God , and that society and the individual should be moulded around their doctrine ( an incredibly diffucult task - the Vedas contain almost nothing specific about how society should be , they're mostly praises of Gods , chants for sacrificial performances , or descriptions of classical music ) , the "liberals" would be howling like rabid dogs in about 3.74 seconds about "Hindu fundamentalists" trying to "rip apart the secular fabric of our society" , even if these Hindu teachers advocated tolerance towards all ( though they will , of course , give a free pass to a number of Muslim madarsas which openly preach hate and terrorism ) . Hell , there are questions being raised about perfectly secular schools which follow the national syllabus and are affiliated with the government educational body just because the organisation which happens to run them is a Hindu one .
Should such schools be allowed to operate ? If so , then should their syllabus be regulated by the state ? My personal answer to these questions is Yes and No , respectively . What's your opinion on this ?
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