Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 86:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: Van Til’s Theology Of Education: Perfecting Old Amsterdam And Old Princeton
Author: J. Brandon Burks

WTJ 86:2 (Fall 2024) p. 175

Van Til’s Theology Of Education: Perfecting Old Amsterdam And Old Princeton

J. Brandon Burks

J. Brandon Burks is pastor of Christ Reformed Church (URC) in northern Kentucky. He is also completing a PhD at Southwestern Seminary, writing on the storytelling pedagogy of Cornelius Van Til.

Cornelius Van Til rightly believed that the Christian story is the only true story of reality. Therefore, in order to understand rightly or interpret anything within the created universe, the Christian story must be presupposed. While a true fact or proposition within God’s creation will remain true, casting it in a false context or story will nevertheless skew and distort the truth, which can create opportunities for an incorrect or less complete interpretation. Van Til referred to a truth posited within a false, unbelieving context as “false knowledge” (cf. 1 Tim 6:20). The apologetic implications of false knowledge are evident, but what about in the arena of education? One of Van Til’s lesser-known passions was indeed for the education of covenant children. Van Til knew that the battle between Christ and Satan extends everywhere, including the classroom. Teachers are, therefore, “frontline apologists,” interpreting all things according to God and slaying the serpent’s false ideas. As in all things, Van Til built upon the insights of Old Amsterdam and Old Princeton, but, standing on their shoulders, he was able to see a little farther. Van Til, while not forgetting common grace, applied the antithesis with a consistency not seen in his Reformed forebears. The Christian story is the only true story; hence the necessity for Christian education.

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) is remembered for his presuppositional or covenantal defense of the Christian faith, and he is widely remembered for his apologetic endeavors against both idealism and modernism.1

WTJ 86:2 (Fall 2024) p. 176

However, another passion for Van Til was Christian education.2 As the minister of a Christian Reformed church from 1927 to 1928, Van Til would have promoted Christian schooling within his congregation.3 In 1942, Van Til helped to establish the Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy, which still maintains Van Til’s vision for Christian education.4 But even beyond his practical support, Van Til engaged in defending Christian schooling throughout the educational developments in America in the twentieth century.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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