Tydgees en opvoeding

Abstract

1. The Problem Man finds himself living in a time in which peoples and nations are no longer conquered by physical or military strength, but by a systematic undermining of their culture and their spiritual life, which again precipitates moral and physical decline. It is a battle waged against the mind and the spirit of man. Alien ideologies and conceptions tend to destroy completely the religious, cultural and moral make-up of man. This new world is depicted as a Utopia. The educationalist therefore has to contend with the spirit of the times. 2. The Ideologies Which Endeavour To Change Mankind and the World Communism, Liberalism, Secularism and New Leftism have been singled out in this treatise as mental conceptions which are an imminent threat to Western Civilization. Communism employs a variety of methods to conquer the Western World. Wordplay, front organisations and infiltration are most commonly used as stepping stones. Communism is a definite threat to Christianity. Although Liberalism differs from Communism in many respects, it paves the way for Communism and contributes to its success. Liberalism, which professes that all people are absolutely free, is also completely indifferent to religion. Secularism is a trend of modern times. Today dechristianization and secularization are found in all walks of life. This mental attitude, in which there is no place for God, is an ideal breed ground for Communism which naturally exploits it. New Leftism is out to destroy all existing norms and status quo. Even in South Africa this mental attitude is gaining ground among the young. Rock music, drugs, sensitivity training, etc. are employed to propagate this mental attitude. 3. The Answer Educational authorities are very much aware of the subtle onslaught of the above mentioned ideologies and for this very reason Youth Preparedness has been incorporated in the educational system. However, although this program is well thought out and well planned, there are certain restrictions. A Christian outlook on life offers the only possible resistance to the ideological onslaught of modern times. It is therefore imperative that, in the education of the youth the school, the parent and the church should lay the foundation for a Christian philosophy.