Re: NZ 4 cents worth = US 2 cents worth617February 12 2005, 11:47:25 UTC
There are Christian schools around, often with long waiting lists. The Anglican and Presbyterian schools that were started many years ago are now prestigious, expensive and often the reserve of educational elite and rich families. There is an Intergration Act which allows government funding to school of 'special character' and a lot of Catholic schools for example operate under that. However this government has attempted to bring these more and more under the control of the state, it also tried to limit homeschooling opportunities as well.
It's not all bad news, Christian high school students are a lot more savvy and smart about creating a Christian influence within their schools now. In the era of 'tolerance' many have successfully forced schools to allow Christian groups on campus and to give them greater freedom to meet together as well as organise 'activities' with an evangelistic focus. Suggesting the school is discriminating against their 'spiritual beliefs' can be very persuasive in allowing Christian groups to operate. As I understand it though our laws are probably not as restrictive as America when it comes to atheism and religion in schools.
There are a lot more good things in place (like a national support network for Christian student groups) now but I think where the Church is failing the most is with University (College) aged students, 18-22yrs. I think this is where the mental and intellectual assault catches a lot of young people out, plus the lifestyle change.
I've certainly noticed the decline in family life here. My family would be considered 'unrealistic' because it is too functional. I'm increasingly having to help people with things in their life that can be traced back to their family situation, especially separations and divorces. I met some single mothers in January at a family camp. One of them had her husband suddenly walk out on them and on God. She was telling me how she has tried to surround her son with functional families and good role models at her Church, especially fathers.
I am so grateful for the example my parents set me, it will mean I won't have to start from scratch so there are so few people out there now who have had such a similar experience.
It's not all bad news, Christian high school students are a lot more savvy and smart about creating a Christian influence within their schools now. In the era of 'tolerance' many have successfully forced schools to allow Christian groups on campus and to give them greater freedom to meet together as well as organise 'activities' with an evangelistic focus. Suggesting the school is discriminating against their 'spiritual beliefs' can be very persuasive in allowing Christian groups to operate. As I understand it though our laws are probably not as restrictive as America when it comes to atheism and religion in schools.
There are a lot more good things in place (like a national support network for Christian student groups) now but I think where the Church is failing the most is with University (College) aged students, 18-22yrs. I think this is where the mental and intellectual assault catches a lot of young people out, plus the lifestyle change.
I've certainly noticed the decline in family life here. My family would be considered 'unrealistic' because it is too functional. I'm increasingly having to help people with things in their life that can be traced back to their family situation, especially separations and divorces. I met some single mothers in January at a family camp. One of them had her husband suddenly walk out on them and on God. She was telling me how she has tried to surround her son with functional families and good role models at her Church, especially fathers.
I am so grateful for the example my parents set me, it will mean I won't have to start from scratch so there are so few people out there now who have had such a similar experience.
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