Pursuing Truth at RMCA
By Brett King, Headmaster

"Education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty." This quote from Andrew Kern (www.circeinstitute.org) is perhaps the best definition of Christian and classical education I have discovered. It captures well what we here at RMCA strive for each and every day.

Nourishing the soul on truth was the emphasis of my recent talk at parent orientation night. And judging by the comments I received afterward, the topic resonated with many of you. In a society that often views truth as elusive and relative, it should be refreshing to know that you have enrolled your children in a school that believes that truth can be known, and can therefore shape how we think and act.

But how do we help students pursue truth at RMCA? This was a question I pondered for much of the summer. My reflections are ongoing, but the pursuit of that question led me to three “I” words: intentional truth, integrated truth, and incarnational truth.

Intentional Truth (as it is)
Although it is not a new idea, the late Francis A. Schaeffer made popular the phrase that all truth is God’s truth. That is, truth is not just found in the pages of Holy Scripture. Truth can also be observed and discovered in God’s created order. He is the source and author of it all. As a Christian school we have the opportunity to directly teach students about God and his creation. We do that intentionally and systematically. And based on the results of the ACSI Bible Assessment, it is evident that our students know the stories and principles of scripture. But our students also score well in what are often referred to as the content areas. The study of mathematics, science, the arts, language, and other academic subjects also shape students’ view of truth. They are instructed to see the reality of the world around them—as it is.

Integrated Truth (as you go)
At RMCA, we encourage teachers to take advantage of teachable moments, those times when a serendipitous circumstance or a topic arises that piques a student’s interest to listen and to learn. This is often the most natural and most powerful time to teach a memorable lesson. I believe this is the principle behind the instruction given to parents in Deuteronomy 6:7-8:

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

As we go throughout the normal activities of daily life, we can talk to our children about the truths of God. This is what RMCA teachers do throughout the day. As they teach about the various subjects, they are able to spontaneously and deliberately integrate biblical truths as they go. As a parent, you can be confident that our teachers are continuing and reinforcing the truth lessons you are teaching your children at home.

Incarnational Truth (as you are)
Jesus taught truth to his disciples directly and intentionally. He integrated the truths of Old Testament scripture in his teachings. And he was the very incarnation of truth. His disciples watched him live and experienced life with him every day. This type of modeling is perhaps the most significant way in which we as parents and teachers can help our students to pursue truth, living the Christian life before our kids. Jesus put it directly when he said, “…but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). At RMCA we hire Christian teachers who are committed to living authentic—but not perfect—lives before their students. As is age appropriate, they share their struggles, their hopes, their joys, and their love for the Lord with their students. They share who they are. And in so doing, I believe the truth will not just be taught but caught as well.

 

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