Critical Race Theory is one of those hot button issues that many people try to avoid. As a former high school teacher, I try to keep up with trends in education. As I looked for an article explaining CRT so I could grasp its premise, the majority of online posts are politically one-sided. After several search requests, I discovered that CRT is built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism.
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
Critical Race Theory has evolved over the past hundred years as educators have adapted and progressed with changing societal trends. One aspect of CRT claims that discipline is racist. Perhaps, this is the motive behind the recent political move to close prisons, eliminate cash bail, and for district attorneys to stop prosecuting criminals. If CRT continues to spread in America, CRT and discipline can’t co-exist.
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God], Hebrews 12:11.
As a former educator, I struggled with classroom discipline in my early years. When disruptions are allowed to occur daily, chaos reigns and education is stunted or ceases completely. While I don’t claim to be an expert on CRT, I do know the importance of discipline inside a classroom and in the real world. According to the passage above, discipline is used by God to shape and mold individuals into the people the Lord wants us to become. Without discipline, prodigals will continue down their wayward journeys.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 