"School In The Budget" In Georgia
We were saddened when the mail brought to us this past week a form letter from William J. Long, president of Georgia Christian School. GCS is an accredited private school in Valdosta, Georgia. It holds classes for Grades 1-12, teaching all the standard subjects required by the state for accredited schools. In addition to these courses, classes in Bible are taught daily. In the past, as we understand, the school has been supported by tuition and fees, plus contributions from any individual that might be interested in the welfare of the school. But not any more!
The letter that came across my desk is pleading for the church to take a hand in furthering the aims of the school that it might develop into a junior college. We now quote from the letter: "We are asking each elder and preacher to donate $10.00 and each other wage earlier to donate $5.00. Of course we would want you to use whatever method you see fit to use, but one suggestion would be to use small envelopes in the pews, which we will send to you. When the basket is passed, a special announcement could be read about the pressing needs of GCS and every member urged to participate."
And there we have it! The church is placed in the position of being a fund-raiser for a man-made project. Quite understandably, no scripture was cited in the letter giving authority for such action, for verily, there is none! Someone objects, "But they teach the Bible there." Does that make the school a divine and spiritual institution? Then could the church make contributions to offset the heavy expenses of the Georgia State Legislature if it would have a daily devotional period conducted by a gospel preacher? Could the church subsidize an ailing industry if the industry would conduct Bible classes during the coffee breaks allowed the employees? Could the Studebaker Corporation send a letter to the churches stating: "We are in deep financial straits, and since we conduct Bible devotionals in addition to our secular activities, we are sure the churches would like to take up a special collection to meet our needs?" Are members of the church so blind they cannot see this?
Equally shocking was another statement contained in brother Long's letter: "A Christian College in the Georgia-Florida area would mean more to the church in the years ahead than any other one thing that might be done." (Emp. mine, JDT) Before God, brethren! Did Christ die for the school or for the church? If brother Long had to make a choice between having the school in Valdosta, or a good strong church, his language indicates he would choose the school! That is the very spirit which is leading the church in exactly the same direction as the digression of the last century. Human wisdom above God's wisdom. Human ways above God's ways. Human institutions above God's church.
Do not misunderstand. We are not opposed to the Bible being taught in secular schools or in industry, or even in the legislature, but please let these secular institutions leave the church alone, that it may carry out its God-given task. No doubt many long time friends of GCS, formerly known as Dasher Bible School, will be grieved, and rightly so. The problem is becoming acute in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama, and it looks like Georgia will not escape, either. The church is being asked to finance instruction in math, science, English, physical education, and other secular subjects, as well as the Bible.
— 2622 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, Ga.