Let's Talk

Here’s a place to share your point of view on topics that impact Adventist young people around the world. Watch this space – topics change regularly.

Q: Do you think Adventist Education is important? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thandi, 25, Pretoria South Africa: I believe that Adventist education is important, because you are able to participate in all the school activities unlike my own experience of a non Adventist school was that because of certain activities taking place on Sabbath I could not attend that was discouraging and limiting in many ways.

Diana, 25, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I: I believe it is an essential element of the church since it creates a forum whereby we can reach individuals who may not be receptive to the church and other evangelistic projects. It also provides the Adventist with an opportunity to experience their faith through a different perspective.

Matthew, 19, Wisconsin, United States: At Wisconsin Camp meeting this year Elder Jose Rojas was one of the main speakers. We had an Adventist Education Teacher Commission Service. And Elder Rojas told us that because of an Adventist School teacher that did not give up on him he is the person he is today. I too have A LOT of respect for the Adventist School teacher in primary & secondary education systems. They train us not only educationally, but they are in our lives and in our faces 180 days or more. They are a significant part of our lives and they also provide training where the parents cannot.
There are people in our churches that have children and they want to put them into Adventist Education but cannot because of the price. Adventist Education is not cheap but it is PRICELESS. And I think it is time that the older generations of Adventists realize that even though finances are tight, that if they believe in the youth of tomorrow like they say they do... and are as supportive as they say they are... they can help to put a kid through school.
Our church needs to realize that our kids are more than important to the future growth of the Church!!! They are Priceless. They are God's Children just like the rest of us. And since we are God's children... Don't you think that we should give our future Children the Christ Centered Life they deserve... and to be taught by an Adventist School Teacher? God Bless our Teachers and the positive things they represent as they continue to teach our young about Christ's Love for Them!

Sophia, 19, United States: I think Adventist Education is important, for the experience. It does not matter whether or not you go to a private or public school. What matters is the people. There are sinners in both. I went to public school then private and then public school. The only true and the best of education is from the Bible.

Sasha, 16: Yes it is because it is excellent for children to grow up among people with their own standards and values but then, some parents are more interested in the education itself and prefer to send their children to schools based on academics rather than religion.

Xavier, 14, Florida, United States: Adventist education is always a great thing to have in my opinion and I'm hoping a lot of other people's too. The Adventist education I receive is at church and from my parents because I go to a public school. Someone mentioned that the world teaches something different from Adventists and that is very true; but maybe if you're at a public school, you're there for a reason to spread our faith to others and teach them the right things beyond the ordinary. To sum it up, yes, an Adventist education is very important because it teaches us how we should live, think, and be; but if you're at a public school or some other circumstance, look at it as an opportunity to spread God's Word.

Emily, 17, Singapore: Yes! I went to government schools (but good ones) for my whole life and it's had some negative impact on me. I'm one of the two Adventists in my school and it's a hard struggle for my friend and me. However, the advantage is that we can share God's love with our classmates.

May, 16, Malaysia: I think it's important. A word to those of you who go to Adventist schools, DO NOT take it for granted! In Peninsular Malaysia Mission (where I live), there aren't any Adventist elementary or high schools. (There are only kindergartens.) Some of the younger guys in my church AY group have started to swear. I can understand how hard it is for them to not give to peer pressure. It would be nice if there's an Adventist school here so that we don't have to worry about these kinds of problems.

Brittany, 17, Michigan, United States: Adventist Education is important. Why? It provides a safe haven for Adventist or non-Adventist children to learn about their God. It helps shield them from the many wrong influences in public schools, which is very important in the Elementary levels. It is also important for high school/college. It still provides that safe haven while providing an atmosphere of Christian behavior.

Chrislande, 17, United States: In the US they treat us public school Adventists with an upturned nose....the public school system has made me grow up with a sense of reality about issues in life certain things such as sex, drugs, and human nature it also helped me diversify so that I can get along with people of other faiths. In public school I learned that not everyone wants to accept Christ and it’s their personal choice but I can still build a friendly relationship with that person. At some point in our lives our parents won’t be able to make such an attempt to shield us from worldly sins using public/private education; we will be the ones making decisions about them. I went to public school so nothing fazes me any more and that has helped learn not to be so surprised by human nature. People of this world are mean but their are some people who do not believe in what I do that I have come to make close relationships with and I hope that someday they can see Christ through me by the way I loved them.
Going to public school has opened my eyes to certain things like why we have separation of church and state, why the school doesn’t lead us in prayer and I have learned to accept the opinions of others and how they see the world.
I’m not saying that an Adventist education is bad; I’m just trying to say that public education is not the worst thing for an Adventist young person. To me it has been great. I know that some think that public school exposes us to things that we shouldn’t know and sooner or later someone will tell us about whatever it is and if you’re raised right then you will know the right way to deal.
I now go to a public university and I am roommates with a non-denominational and a Jehovah’s Witness. My best friend is a practicing Buddhist. I have gone to church with both my Christian friends and it has helped me understand that no one wants to really change what they believe in and the simplest thing we should do is to get along.
I’m not saying that SDA education is bad I’m just saying for people to stop dogging us public school kids. We are just as educated and Christ-like as some private school kids.

Tricia, 15, Puerto Rico: Yes I do think Adventist Education is important because with out it we wouldn't be learning about Jesus and learning many things about life.

Michael, 22, South Africa: Because of its uniqueness, I think Adventist Education is very crucial to both believers and non believers. Think about the health message, who on earth does not need good health? Therefore, young men and women are required to rise up and teach the perishing world these kinds of lessons before the time of probation closes.

Joy, 20, Legos, Nigeria: Adventist education is definitely important because that is what makes us stand out from the world. That is what we give them that they don’t have.

Naftal, 25, Nairobi, Kenya: The main objective of any ideal learning institution is to gain/increase one's level of knowledge with respect to the WHOLE PERSON(Spiritually, physically, mentally, socially etc).Adventist learning institution embraces these objective despites inherent challenges with respect to the real practicability of the same.

Fopa, 24, Cameroon: Adventist education is important for some reasons. First in Adventist school there is fear of good—we know by reading Bible that that the true wisdom is the fear of god. Secondly, there is no problems with Sabbath observation. Most of the Adventist students in public school are fighting with Sabbath freedom. And finally scholarship programs in Adventist school are better

Kelita, 22, Matoury: Yes it is...I have never been to an Adventist school since we don't have any in the country that I am living in. But I would have lot to attend one…

Alida, 22, Pennsylvania: Two of my high school years were spent at an Adventist school ( Zimbabwe), and I do appreciate my experience there. I believe that my faith was strengthened and this formed a strong foundation for me to build on as I go along. However, I have always wondered how effective, in terms of getting as many youths as possible, our Adventist schools have been, as they tend to be ridiculously expensive. Is there anything that can be done?

Jose Luis, 20, Baja California, Mexico: Hi, and happy Sabbath to everyone! I think... yes, Adventist Education is important. I've studied in two public schools in Mexico (kindergarten and grades 1-6 which in Mexico we call "escuela primaria"). Then I began to study in Adventist schools and it makes difference. First of all, the philosophy: in public schools they'll teach you the evolution theory (the funny thing to me is that, though evolutionism is just a theory, the "world" --let's say-- teach it as though it was a fact). I remember a teacher telling us how the Bible contradicts itself. Being the only Adventist Christian in the group as far as I know (there was a Jehovah Witness too), I made an attempt to defend the Bible.
When I got in my first Adventist school, I surely noted that I knew many people there already... at least I'd seen them in my church. From students to faculty staff, I recognized familiar faces, and some of them knew me too. I made new friends. Some of them were Adventists; some attended my church, and some attended other Adventist churches at the city. I knew that whether I went to my church or visit other churches, I would surely find a classmate in some of those churches.
Well, besides partnership, one of the most important reasons to study in an Adventist school is that you know you'll be taught about the Bible; that includes God, Creationism, a prayer week, devotional before starting the day of labor, songs (specially in 1-6 grades; I heard them), Bible class, etc. I think that specially during the teenage years, Christian education is very important. Peer pressure is higher; you get along with people who don't share your faith. This could be good or bad. An Adventist teenager has two options: to be an influence or being influenced. Unfortunately, many times the second option is easier, especially for a teenager. My dad used to tell me something like my best friends should be the ones from the church. He was right! There are a lot of chances I'll be where my friends are: if my best friends are in church, I'll be there; but if they're out of church, I could get attracted to other kind of activities which could drive me out of church (I think this is what he meant, the idea he wanted to share with me).
On the other hand, I've seen good Adventist young people who study in public universities and are being a good testimony. As I said, we got no option: either we are a positive influence for them or we let them influence us.
Adventist Education will teach you about God, the Bible, you'll meet Christian friends as well as non-Christians, peer pressure is lesser than in public schools, because you don't feel like the only Seventh-day Adventist; and specially for us teenagers, when sometimes doubts arise about why we believe what we believe, it's very important that we're driven towards God to have our faith strengthened, and not toward other philosophies which probably will only turn our faith weak.

Randelle, 20, Montserrat/ St. Kitts/ Jamaica: I believe that Christian Education, specifically Adventist Education, is vital for young Adventists. As Christians living in this world, we are bound to face many challenges. Within the boundaries of Christian Education, we as Christian youth reduce the chances of being led astray, and also gain valuable Christian influence. That said, it is important to realize that Christian Education does not certify that life will be easy. We still will face challenges. Most important of all is that we keep Christ as our focus. He is the Master Educator.

Iva , 24, Bulgaria: Well, first of all I think it's very important to make difference between Adventist education as a whole (teaching/studying the Bible, moral law, etc) and being in Adventist School/Uni. if we talk about Adventist Education as a whole, YES it is important. Knowing the God's Word and what He wants to tell/teach us is of course vital no matter what age you are. While we talk about studying in Advent Schools/Uni I don't think it's important. I, myself wanted to be a student at Advent Uni however it was extremely expensive & to be honest the only reason I wanted to be part of such university was that I won't have exams on Saturdays...I agree it the statements of some guys on this topic, home/private school is ok however you become stronger in faith if you have "access" to the through beliefs of people who are not Christians. They can teach you a lot of things and you can teach them too... We must spread God's word not keeping it for us at home!!

Amanda, 16: It is very important... if the school is founded on the Word of God and on the writings of Ellen White. Sadly, many of our schools have slipped in this matter and they need to be resolved

Titus, 20, Kerala, India: As Adventists only say truth, Adventist Education not only Important but it’s a must as blood in human body.

Bethanee, 11, Pennsylvania, United States: I think Adventist school is important because there are a lot of public schools and in those public school a lot is going on every day. For instance, there is cursing, swearing, fights etc. and if you were raised to be a Christian and you are going to a public school you are around people who fight, and curse than you are not being around the type of people you should be. If there were no Christian schools adventure there would be no Christians because the public schools would not have a good impact on Christian people.

Santu, 28, Nepal: Yes Adventist Education is required to educate more broadly about the WORD of GOD. But with education employment opportunities should be created as well so that the education received could be used back in to the ministry.

Nuwyy, 17, Sydney, Australia: Adventist education is truly an important aspect. Our church is so blessed to have an education system. I have attended Seventh-day Adventist schools from kindly till year 10 before moving to my local school and the difference is immense in every aspect. Moving schools, however, tried my faith as being exposed to a non Christ environment does.

Stephen, 19, Nairobi, Kenya: Yes it helps many to know what Adventists really are. It may help dispel some misunderstandings.

Bethanee, 11, Pennsylvania: I think Adventist school is important because there are a lot of public schools lately and in those public schools a lot is going on every day. For instance, there is cursing, swearing, fights etc. And if you were raised to be a Christian and you are going to a public school you are around people who fight, and curse than you are not being around the type of people you should be. If there were no Christian schools eventually there would be no Christians because the public schools would not have a good impact on Christian people.

Samuel, 17, London, United Kingdom: Having always been attending public school since I was a baby, I’ve never really experienced Adventist Education, until I visit Andrews University this year. And I found that it is far better than public schools. The atmosphere is different and it’s very spiritual and I felt I was not only developing mentally by learning more but also spiritually. I've never ever had to pray before the start of a lesson before until I visit Andrews. I can't wait to start my Adventist Education career next fall!

Miriam, 15, WA, United States: Yes, I do think it’s important since you can get special attention from your teachers that your parents might not always have time to give you. You also get to learn something about God and the Bible every day so if on the rest of the day you don't do anything that involves God, you would have at least done something during school. You can also meet more kids that share the same belief you do

Elisabeth, 20, Rwanda: Yes the Adventist Education is very important because it makes us to know what God wishes to us and it makes many people to know how we may eat, lives with others in peace.

Richard, 22, Ghana: Yes, the reason being that we have been gifted the truth so we if we are not educated we may falsely preach the truth from God.

Kjersti, 20, Norway: Adventist education is big words, words we sometimes put less ore more in then we mean. If anybody doubts their knowledge of what this word really mean, read the book Education. And let me challenge you; just not quit. It's interesting.

Alexis, 12, MO United States: I think its important cause you have a better chance of actually getting to know God than going to a public school. Because all you do is learn about God 6 days a week and that’s helps you in a bad situation. You would know what to do rather than the other kids who go to a public school, because there you only get told about God once and that doesn't help you when you really need it because you’re used to pressure any way and you can't deal with the people in your life that are making it hard for you.

Patricka, 20, Jamaica: On a serious note while an Adventist education seems to be the best route to go, it’s not always the best. For one it’s expensive. What makes it different from any other institution, I don’t feel that great impact that it is said to give. Someone said that there is an opportunity to share God's word with others. I believe if we all attended Adventist schools we would be selfish with the knowledge that we have. I believe we are placed in different places for different reasons. So what is going to happen after we leave these Adventist institutions are we ALL going to work for the conference? We are going to meet struggles just like a non-Adventist student and while we promote Adventist education, it is that the bible and doctrine that is preached and practiced to the dot! In these institutions I am almost sure the same problems that the ones on the outside face are the same challenges and sometimes worst on the inside.

Mirija, 24, Madagascar: We must have the conviction that the Adventist Education is the best way to fight against peer pressure

Vicki, 18, United States: Yes because you learn at a young age what is important in life which is God and not the outside world you learn to value what God has done for you and you learn to respect him and other I did not get a chance to go to an Adventist school but I would have loved too

Danielle, 16, Jamaica: I think it is! EXTREMELY important - especially for Adventist young people. I have never been to a non-Adventist school (yes, from kindergarten straight up - I'm graduating from high school in a couple of months) and I wouldn't replace that experience for the world. Seriously. It's just ... nice. Putting aside the 'good atmosphere' and all those other OBVIOUS things (which really do exist) the EDUCATION itself is really better- at least from my knowledge. Apart from that it is important because it is the ideal for education, not only form the Bible, but from Mrs. White, others, and good sense. Don't ever put down Adventist education - it isn't half bad!!

Andwele, 23, Barbados: While Adventist Education is definitely important to the growth of the church, as it becomes more expensive I believe it will put many well meaning Adventist families at risk financially. Further, most Adventist schools have a tendency to foster the creation of Adventist ghettos, where Adventist young people can meet other Seventh-day Adventist youth and learn our traditions with out gaining a real understanding of our core values, or without engaging the outside world in meaningful way.

Maurice, 19, North Carolina United States: Yes absolutely, In order to understand your spiritual objectives as an Adventist; you first have to receive the educational in insight of the Adventist movement.

Geshom, 21, Mat South , Zimbabwe: Yes. Our spiritual life is boosted as this education nurtures us in the plan of salvation. Of course there are people who remain unchanged after attending Adventist School, the reason being their tendency to resist the scriptural teachings. Adventist education ensures a good spiritual link with the Heavenly Sanctuary.

Koben, 29, Saraburi, Thailand: I think Adventist education is important because it teaches all aspects of development for a person.

Teka-Ann, 25, CA, United States: As a product, Id say yes - For holistic development.

Ezinwa, 23, Abuja, Nigeria: Adventist Education is very important to every Adventist family. I think it remains the best training ground to inculcate moral values, principles and Bible tenets in the life of young people, adults as the case may be. So avail yourself the opportunity because it's worth-venturing and you won't regret you did.

Charles, 25, Nairobi Kenya: Yes because one is able to run in all dimensions i.e mental, physical, spiritual etc.

Christie, 21, Seychelles: Yes it is important. What we teach is not the same as what the world is teaching. The world doesn't know God as we do and so doesn't have the same principles and moral values that we have. There are certain things that we find important that they don't.

Jacquelyn, 23, Virginia, United States: No. What is truly important is a love for Christ, a thirst for learning His Word, and a hunger to share this knowledge with those around you. As long as you have that, it does not matter if you are home schooled, private schooled, or public schooled.
In all honesty, showing a child the love of God begins in the home right after they are born. As Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." In some cases, I have noticed that Adventist parents use church and school as a way to avoid having to teach their children about God themselves -- perhaps because they themselves are unsure about what they truly believe so they think: "The church/school will teach my child about God for me." But a Christ-centered education is more than just attending a Christian school with a religion class and mandatory church attendance. As Deuteronomy 6:7 clearly says: "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Teaching our children about God needs to permeate every aspect of our lives daily.

Just because someone attends public school does not mean their understanding and knowledge of God are inferior to those who attend private schools. To be honest, at least in the US, I am appalled at how our churches treat public school students... as if they are less holy than those who are home schooled or attend Adventist academies. To be honest, from years of moderating an Adventist teen forum and discussing this issue with teens from all over the United States and the world, the teens who attend public schools often have a stronger faith in Christ as well as a greater understanding of Bible truths, because they share their beliefs every singe day with those around them. While many of the private schooled teens are unable to even point someone in the direction of the correct verses to support Sabbath keeping or the state of the dead or anything that an Adventist may be "attacked" on by non-Adventists.

Now there are places in the world where an Adventist school is the only place for children to receive a decent education. And being an Adventist institution, they also are taught about Christ and the Bible. This situation is radically different, and it is wonderful that our world church has so many schools.

However, I think in North America the church on a whole tries to force parents to place their children in Adventist schools when it is not necessary. I, myself, attended public schools for most of my education and, if anything, it my faith and knowledge of God has only increased because of it. It is not whether or not a student attends an "Adventist" school that is important, what is important is whether or not the student loves God with all his/her heart and wants to share that love with those around them. Philippians 4:13 says: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Stephanie, 18, NY/United States: Adventist education is important because you need to know what to do as a Seventh-day Adventist®. It’s like me I wouldn’t know what to do. I was born in the religion but I don’t know so much that I just wish I did. So yes it is important to instruct on being a Seventh-day Adventist.

Willie, 23, Solomon Islands: I think Adventist Education is very important because it helps us to be prepared for heaven and not just for this life on earth. The problem with Adventist Education now is that teachers do not show a Christian example to students.

Emmanuel, 23, Nairobi, Kenya: Very important. We need an education that offers more than just information. True education draws us closer to God, that's what Adventist Education does

Gavaskar, 20, NY, United States: Many Seventh-Day Adventists fail to realize that an Adventist Education refers to studying and living according to what the Word of God teaches. It is not merely attending a school which has "Seventh-Day Adventist" in the name.
The majority of the people with whom I have been acquainted who grew up in Adventist schools and who attended Adventist colleges cannot even explain Daniel 2, 7, and 8. They do not know anything about the sanctuary message. They do not know how to explain Revelation 13. They do not even know the fundamental teachings which we hold as a church.
By Adventist Education, I am referring to a personal study of the Word of God. Adventism is Christianity. It is about searching the Scriptures (John 5:39; I Timothy 2:15; II Timothy 3:15-17) and teaching others what you have learned as Jesus taught (Mark 12:35; John 7:14). This type of education needs to be instilled in all those who profess the name of Christ. Amen.

Valeria, 18, Virginia, United States: I would love to communicate with other youth who are on fire for God.

Ingrid, 16, Nairobi, Kenya: Yes, I think that Adventist Education is very important. It not only gives people a foundation for their education but at the same time drills into their brains things that are right and wrong. Often, what we are raised to believe is what sticks with us for quite awhile. I have compared my life to other teens who haven't gone to an Adventist school and I can honestly say, I am very glad that my parents made the sacrifice to send me to an Adventist school my whole life.

Jose, 26, United States: I think is good, but for me is expensive.

Ben, 18, New Zealand: Yes. I believe that our education system has and can have even more of a positive impact on the world in general and on the young people in the world in particular. It is a known fact that Adventist education is the second largest religious education system in the world (the Catholic Church system being the largest). Our schools must be utilized more to train our young people for God's service in the various capacities of ministry.

LAMECK, 25 Nairobi, Kenya: Yes, because it’s based on the Bible

Tasha, 18, Montana, United States: Yes! A solid Christian education is essential to developing a symmetrical character. The influences you receive during your school years mold your character. An Adventist education provides you with positive influences that will draw you closer to God!

Salomon, 23, Kigali/RWANDA: I think that Adventist education is very important because not only it contribute to our everyday’ improvement but also others appreciate it.

Patrick, 24, Western Cape & South Africa: Yes, number one it teaches one to understand, love and trust god, while at the same time it gives meaning of life in general. It seeks to integrate all aspects of life and brings the relationship with our creator into the equation. It makes us better than non Christian scientist because we are not only curious to find out where is the sun coming from, but we go deeper than that by finding out who created it ?

Alex, 20, Barbados: Adventist Education is important even for those who don't go there. I attended a non-Adventist college while living around an Adventist college. The impact of the Adventist College was enormous in molding me into the Christian I am today.

Michelle, 19, Wisconsin, United States: Adventist Education is definitely important. I have been in Adventist schools for all but 2 years and I am now a freshman at an Adventist University. Being among fellow students and teachers that upheld the same belief system as me was crucial for my well-being. It developed and molded me into the person I am today as someone who has high morals and standards and has a positive view of this church and the mission we are to accomplish.

Jessie, 15, Texas, United States: While Seventh-day Adventist education is important, it is not always the best option. We have to remember that there is a great field ministry just waiting for a willing Christian student to work in it. God allows us to be in certain environments so he can be glorified. While a Seventh-day Adventists school has values, morals, and Christ as number one, that should be thought at home... a young student with faith and will can be any where and give testimony. Final question; Is it suggested that in a privet school there is no temptation? Less possibility of sin?

Evelyn, 22, WA, United States: I do think the Adventist education is important because it provides a good foundation base for our youth, and also presents a well rounded interaction with the spiritual and the non-spiritual side of education.

Marlon, 19, Panama City, Panama: I can write a whole lot why it is very important. You feel the difference being in an Adventist institution. The fact how the teachers treat you, how they love to help in any kind of way. Most important they teach the truth, the love of Christ, and in some way or another, it touches lives, even for those who aren't Adventist, God makes a way for them to want to learn more. Of course you will find persons who will resist, but that’s when we need faithful youth, and faithful teachers to make the difference. Just by there way of being, they are ministering were they got their education. It is important; it’s a way to preach the gospel!

Julia. 23, Russia: To my mind, Adventist school education is very important not only because of its content but also because teachers set an example of behavior.

John, 23, India: Yes, but our schools have gone very far from the blueprint given by EG. White...

Peace, 19, Melbourne Australia: YES. Because with the world we are living in today, moral values & faith in God seem to be fading so Adventist education is redirecting the youth to those vital life principles hence it is vary important

Theresa, 16, Austria: Adventist education is of a very great importance, especially in elementary education. Though I never attended an Adventist school, I can see that the pupils are more protected from bad influences which are out in the world. I was home schooled for several years and I am soooo thankful because I didn't get overloaded with so many things God doesn't want me to have in my brain and life. The elementary education is the most important education, because there you get your foundation in your life, and this foundation must be firm and with the best principles!

Marie, 17, Florida, United States: Yes, I think Adventist education is very important, because Adventist education help you learn more about god. And by doing that you learn to love the lord more and more.

April, 15, United States: I think Adventist Education is important so that children will be able to read the Bible in schools and pray.

DelMario, 20, Mississippi, United States: Yes. I do...I think that Adventist Education is very important...Christian education makes a difference for eternity.

Sarra, 22, Brussels, Belgium: Adventist education is really important because it helps children & youth to know and love God. It helps them to have strong roots for not to be shaken by the world's wind. It makes the difference in their lives.

Gilbert, 20, Zimbabwe: It’s extremely important, I learnt at a non-Adventist school and that had a negative impact in my character and habits. The opposite is true for my brother and sister who attended an Adventist boarding school. Please promote our schools more!

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