Faith In and Of Jesus

True education means more than taking a certain course of study. It is broad. It includes the harmonious development of all the physical powers and the mental faculties. It teaches the love and fear of God, and is a preparation of the faithful discharge of life’s duties. CT p. 64.1

Integration of faith and learning is in other words the direct fulfillment of the commission laid by Jesus Christ to the disciples. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

In India, Adventist Education has been for over hundred years at the forefront in imparting Christ-centered education, where Moral Instruction is a subject in every grade starting from primary to high school, and at college too. Faith-based learning is integral in its curriculum. Moral Instruction takes its content directly from the Bible, which is a series of guided instruction books focused for every level, with progressive learning of the biblical principles published by the Adventist Publishing House. The Southern Asia Division Education Department takes the initiative to conduct an exam to test students at the grades 10 and 12 both in Bible knowledge and practice, and in allied areas of science, commerce, and art.

A noteworthy incident I would like to bring to your attention: we have student assembly every day, where students of various grades take up a short devotion. The devotion includes song service, opening prayer, a Bible reference, a story, and a closing prayer. All these items have a participation of a mixed group of students that come from various faith-based backgrounds. Oftentimes the prayer is offered by Christian students. On one particular occasion, as I was listening to the presentation, it was time for the closing prayer. A young primary school girl child, well-dressed and wearing her auspicious Hindu emblem (strips of saffron and sandalwood after their morning ritual) on her forehead, offered a sincere, touching prayer and concluded it in the name of Jesus Christ. The sincerity in her devotion touched my very soul; it brought joy and satisfaction to realize that our pursuit to fulfill the Lords commission is well on track. Many such incidences are part of the educational life cycle at Lowry Memorial High School. 

A question we can ask ourselves: Is there room to improve integration of faith at our school? Can there be activities to help students make Christianity their lifestyle?

As disciples, it is our duty to do His will!

Author

Alwyn Abraham Chacko

Chacko, MSc MBA, is a Lecturer at Lowry Memorial College and Group of Institutions. Has worked as a Lecturer at Asia Pacific International University, Thailand from 2010 – 2019.