Doctrinal Statement
The purpose of Plymouth Christian High School is to strive to “train up a child in the way he should go,” for the Lord has promised that “when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The home, the church, and the school each have a God-given responsibility to bring up our children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). While none is able to properly do this of himself, we must pray and strive to place God and His infallible Word at the center of all subjects studied, instruction given, and policies developed. Behavior and guidance must be directed according to Biblical principles. We aim to base religious instruction on the Bible and to present it from a truly Reformed perspective in accordance with our Doctrinal Standards: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dordt. On this foundation, instruction must be given in all subjects needed for daily life. In conjunction with our supreme purposes – the glory of God and the eternal welfare of our students – not only Biblical studies are taught, but also a wide range of academic subjects. Each course attempts to draw its basis and theme from the Scripture, which “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).
Philosophy of Education
The word philosophy can be defined as “the beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group; a system of philosophical concepts; a theory underlying a sphere of thoughts; a search for truth through logical reasoning; or as a pursuit of wisdom.” Our philosophy of Christian education comprises our beliefs and our attitudes, as well as our search for, and pursuit of the truth in, education.
A. Basis of Truth and Education
We believe that the basis of truth and education must be found in the Triune God and His infallible Word. All core beliefs, all purposes of education, and all general objectives of education must be based upon principles established in the infallible sixty-six books of sacred Scripture.
B. Core Beliefs
Our philosophy of Christian education is based on certain core beliefs, which we hold to be true. These core beliefs are explained in our doctrinal standards: the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of Dordt. The following paragraphs contain a short summary of these beliefs.
We believe that there is one true God, and that He is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, omnipresent, independent, omniscient, indivisible, almighty, perfectly wise, just, gracious and the overflowing Fountain of all good.
We believe that this God, though One in essence, has revealed Himself in three distinct and coequal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that God has revealed Himself to man by two means: first, by general revelation (God is clearly seen so as to leave men without excuse – Rom. 1) through His creation, His providence, and man’s conscience; secondly, He makes Himself far more clearly and fully known by special revelation through His Word, the Holy Bible.
We believe that the Bible is not the reflection of the will of man, but that holy men of God spake as they were inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the complete and only infallible Word of God delivered to mankind, essential to know unto salvation. In the English language, we believe that this Word is most accurately and soundly conveyed to us by the King James Version.
We believe that this Word of God not only teaches the truth about God but also about man. We believe that God created man perfect and upright, and after His own image in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness.
We believe that man willingly subjected himself to sin and fell from his holy state. In this sense, man has lost the image of God. Consequently all are born in sin and will die in sin, unless regenerated by the Spirit of God to find complete salvation in the one Mediator, Jesus Christ.
We believe according to the scriptures that our children are part of the covenant and church of God and therefore ought to be baptized; yet, they also need the personal regenerating work of the Holy Spirit to bring them into a saving relationship with God.
We believe in the One and Only Mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who in one Person is both God and Man.
We believe in the Five Points of Calvinism:
- In man’s total depravity.
- In unconditional election.
- In limited atonement.
- In irresistible grace.
- In the perseverance of the saints.
We believe that the Word of God provides clear instruction not only for the way of salvation, but also for man’s everyday life in the world. We believe that all spheres and domains of life, education inclusive, must be subject to the ordinances and glory of God.
C. Purposes of Education
Upon this Biblical and theological base our purposes of Christian education are founded. These purposes are as follows:
- We must provide education for our children based upon God and His Word because it is God’s command.
- We must provide Christian education because it is our parental responsibility. We have the same covenantal responsibility as Israel in the Old Testament to instruct our baptized (circumcised) children.
- Education must teach the truth and strive to observe the interrelationship of the truths of God’s Word. Based on God’s Word, education must provide absolute answers, rather than wavering speculations.