By JOHN CRABTREE
Guest Columnist
Do you remember the cartoon series The Jetsons? “Meet George Jetson” was the introduction to the catchy theme song capturing the viewers and carrying them off to Orbit City where George, Jane, Judy, and Elroy lived. And don’t forget about Astro the pet talking dog that started every word with the “R” sound.
The Jetsons first aired in September 1962 and then debuted in 1963 as the first program broadcast in color on ABC. This groundbreaking show unveiled several technological devices like the flat screen television that had not been invented yet but are now common use in our everyday lives. Little did the viewers of this program realize they were living at a time during which seismic changes were reshaping the world.
The 20th century was the century that split the atom, spliced genes, and cloned sheep. New inventions shaped a new world that included plastic, silicon chips, airplanes, spaceships, televisions, computers, and atom bombs. Behind all these insights, inventions, and discoveries were people with minds open to new possibilities and unafraid to look beyond the status quo to a world that did not yet exist.
Sir John Templeton said, “Faith does not imply a closed, but an open mind. Quite the opposite of blindness, faith appreciates the vast spiritual realities that materialists overlook by getting trapped in the purely physical.”
The point is that faith and science are not mutually exclusive. The Christian faith has been a major catalyst for the many scientific breakthroughs in our world. Many of the great scientists have been and are adherents of the Christian faith.
It was Thomas Edison who said, “When you see everything that happens in the world of science and in the working of the universe, you cannot deny that there is a ‘Captain on the bridge.’” Louis Pasteur said, “The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator. Science brings men nearer to God.”
Pasteur’s statement became living truth for many people who saw the earth in a different way for the very first time in 1972. For a long time, people looked at the earth and thought it was flat. Then in December of 1972 the photograph that was broadcast from Apollo 17 of the blue-marble earth hanging against the dark backdrop of space ushered the world into a new global age. It changed their perspective of the world for everyone who saw this picture.
Similarly, people are finding a new perspective of education at Legacy Christian School. When it comes to the education of the next generation of students, we are not satisfied with the status quo. The following values help frame this picture of the only five-day state accredited Christian school in Hamilton County:
- Faithful: Christ-centered, biblically directed, and God glorifying in everything we do.
- Caring: A deep relational conviction to see, know, love, and care for every student and one another.
- Partners: Coming alongside families as members of their team, with them as members of ours, striving side by side for the success of every student at Legacy.
Many people like the picture of this school they see that includes a biblical worldview integration in all classes, subjects, and curriculum, and weekly chapels; college preparatory academics including higher education dual credit partnerships, career and technical education through partnerships with Ivy Tech and ABC Prep; athletics and extracurricular activities; and, scholarships that are available to make this education accessible to a wide range of families.
In sum, our unwavering focus is on orienting students toward eternal life in Christ while training them for a life of worship and obedience in service to him. We do that alongside an education that goes far beyond content, rich in developing critical skills for thriving, navigating, problem solving, and leading in the complex, continually changing world around them.
John Crabtree is a pastor, educator, and leadership coach. He has a doctoral degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemical engineering. Dr. Crabtree has worked extensively in both ministry and education to help advance strategic initiatives through numerous organizations around the world. Currently, he and his wife reside in Noblesville.
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About Legacy Christian School
For 30 years, Legacy Christian School has provided Christ-centered education in the heart of Hamilton County. We believe that it is only through the transforming power of Christ working in and through us that we can become living examples to a world in need of hope. Through our competitive academic programs and faithfulness to Biblical teaching, our students are building a foundation for a lifetime. Learn more at LegacyChristianSchools.org.