Legalism Versus Wisdom
It's Easier to say NO than to Ask Why

Legalism can ruin a Christian school.

That's no secret, yet unfortunately, the schools who are unbearably rule-base are blind to the downsides of their approach. In fact, the administration and boards often perceive their "standards" as being the most important component of the school.

Students are sent the not-so-subtle message that compliance is more important than just about anything else. Dress codes, language and even haircuts become the measuring stick of spirituality.

It's not just students that feel the brunt of the rule-driven school, but often the teachers are equally inflicted with the effects of legalism overthrowing wisdom

The danger isn't really in the rules themselves, nor even in the strict implementation of them. The disastrous result comes when students are taught that the RULE determines the spiritual standing of the individual.

Students generally fall into two distinct groups in a school that is filled with an over abundance of rules and expectations. First, there are those who comply outwardly, but are filled with an inner anger or an out-of-school life unlike the public perception. Second, some students are pushed to the point of overt rebellion, which eventually results in some action that causes the student to be expelled.

In overly restrictive schools, discipline has replaced discipleship and wisdom has taken a backseat to a black and white application of arbitrary, often capricious, rules.

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