Sheep Posts 2

“Sheep Posts” is a series of short blogs about education from a European perspective, from our colleagues in EurECA (European Educators Christian Association, www.eureca-online.org).

Why call these blogs “Sheep Posts”? —because Jesus calls us “His sheep” (Matthew 10:16).

 Intelligent sheep

The image (or metaphor) of sheep, which Jesus uses for his followers, has been malevolently interpreted to suggest that Christians are dumb and mindless animals who blindly run with the crowd.

Every image can be misinterpreted, and every metaphor has its limitations. I’m convinced that Jesus used the metaphor here in order to depict the contrast between the peaceful animal of sacrifice and the aggressive and hungry animal of territorial conquest, and the symbolism mustn’t be taken further.

We are not dumb sheep. Jesus even advises/encourages us in Matthew 10:16 to be “wise as serpents” (again, the animal metaphor is not the point here!) – as said last week: I would translate this as “use your intelligence!”

When we feel intimidated by the dominance of the secular worldview, it is not because of the laws, but because of social norms.

We must learn to differentiate between the law and the social norms of secular society – and be prepared to challenge the norms intelligently, “with gentleness and respect” as Peter admonishes us in 1 Peter 3:15.

Wise as serpents

So, as Christian teachers in a secular school, we must use our intelligence “be wise as serpents” Matthew 10:16) to claim our rights to freedom of faith and to overcome intimidation by secular dominance.

But freedom of faith means our own as well as that of others. As we live out our faith, we must respect the faiths of our students and colleagues. As Thomas Schirrmacher (Director of the Institute for Religious Freedom of the World Evangelical Alliance) once said at a EurECA conference:

“As evangelical Christians, we believe radically in the truth of the Bible – AND we believe radically in religious freedom.” This is not easy. It requires wisdom.

It means that when we talk of our faith, we must say – and not only say it, but mean it – “This is what I believe as a Christian – but you don’t have to believe the same.”

We must not use coercion or manipulation or a position of power. God doesn’t want to be loved because of manipulation, either. True love is a free choice. To use any kind of manipulation is called “indoctrination”. When we talk about faith and are implying that this is the only way to believe, we are indoctrinating.

Freedom of religion allows us to speak authentically of our faith, but it does not allow indoctrination.

EurECA provides networking and support for Christian teachers (and their national organisations) right across Europe. Their aim is to “encourage Christians, mostly in secularised schools, to live out their faith and bring the light of Christ to their workplace – courageously, gently and wisely.” We are most grateful to Matt Kaegi and Liviu Căprar, M.Ed. (EurECA Executive Officer) for permission to publish these blogs.