One PCA Alum’s View

A Prestonwood Christian Academy graduate attending Yale University recently published a series of articles in the Yale Daily News, which also happens to be one of the oldest newspapers in the country.  In these articles, which must be read in order, the PCA alum is having a public debate with another Yale student over a very important topic to all Christians.  In these articles, you will see the PCA alum being persuasive in the marketplace; contending for his worldview; representing other Christians in one of the toughest environments-”the battlefield of ideas.”  I think it is important to note that the PCA graduate attended Christian schools his entire primary educational career.  I mention this fact only to counter the common, yet erroneous, claims that Christian schools are “bubbles” that do not produce “culture changing ambassadors for Christ.”

Christian schools do want to produce Christ-like doctors, lawyers, businessmen and women, teachers, pastors and every other field of work.  We need ambassadors who are confident to reason and persuade in the marketplace and not just consumers on the weekend at church.  My prayer as a father and Christian school administrator is to mentor and disciple tomorrow’s Daniel and Paul.

Article 1 – An article written by a Yale senior and Yale Daily News columnist, questioning the founding of Yale in 1701 as a Christian university.
Article 2 – A response article written by Bryce Taylor, a PCA 2007 graduate and current Yale sophomore.
Article 3 – An article by the Yale columnist to Bryce Taylor’s comments.
Article 4 – A letter to the Yale Daily News by PCA graduate Bryce Taylor.

I hope each of you enjoy reading these articles and see what is on the mind of a PCA graduate.

God bless,
Larry

The Elephant in the Room

My article published on September 17, 2008 is in response to Dr. Richard Land’s recent “State of the Culture” address in the Faith & Family Values magazine (2008, Issue Two).  The response explains what I consider the greatest opportunity of the 21^st century for the Southern Baptist denomination and the evangelical community.  How we deal with what I call our “Elephant” will not only determine whether or not we take advantage of this opportunity, it will ultimately determine if our children and grandchildren will have the faith of their parents and grandparents. 

My thoughts represent over twenty plus years as a public and Christian school educator, and father of four sons.  I pray that my thoughts do not come across as negative or divisive.  I sincerely pray that each person reads the article with an open mind, and that you will consider joining with me to move forward with solutions.  If you agree with my points-great.  If you disagree with my points-that is great too.  I simply want to create on-going dialogue sessions that are solution-oriented.  As you see from the statement from Dr. Jay Strack, President/Founder of Student Leadership University, he, along with many other prominent leaders in the youth culture of the day, also struggles with this issue of “training our kids.”

“I believe that as spiritual leaders we urgently need a real discussion about some of the pressing issues about social and educational issues that we as an Evangelical community face. There is great tension to be salt and light in public schools and at the same time, the reality is that most of us prefer our children to go to an outstanding Christian school. Larry Taylor, whom I’ve known for over 15 years, is one of the most effective Christian educators I’ve known. He is a deep thinker and someone I respect very highly. Since this is an issue we need to discuss, in fact it still conflicts me, please read the enclosed article as I believe it will add light and not merely heat to this timely matter. Thank you for all you do.”  Dr. Jay Strack

Deuteronomy chapter 6 describes God’s plan of passing on a spiritual legacy from one generation to the next; “so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life”.  In this passage, God was preparing His chosen children to enter a land flowing with milk and honey but also filled with opposition, competing gods, and challenges to their faith.

Jesus knew what opposition his disciples and followers would face.  From the beginning of Scripture to the end, the call to teach, train, equip and prepare God’s people is resoundingly clear.  Within that context, please read my article and prayerfully consider joining the “think-tank” or attend a symposium so that we can take steps together in the 21^st century.

God bless,
Larry

Memories of a Lifetime

 

For some reason, it has become politically incorrect to talk about the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  I understand the importance of being sensitive, especially when describing the events to younger children, or discussing it with people who were directly affected by these heinous acts.  However, like millions of other people around our great country, today I pause, reflect, pray, think, still in the busy-ness of life, and ultimately pay tribute to those who innocently lost their lives, and for their families, friends and co-workers.

 

I will never forget that particular morning, receiving the phone call from my wife, asking me if I was watching the television.  I quickly turned on my office television, and immediately did not want to believe what was happening.  It will be forever etched in my memory.  There are other memories of that day embedded in my heart.  Memories of bringing our entire Prestonwood Christian Academy student body into the Worship Center; comforting our students; praying together; relying on the security we have in Christ.  Memories of a President, George W. Bush, inspiring our country with his steadfast resolve, care and timely leadership.

 

Last night, I grimaced at the venomous words coming out of the host of MSNBC’s Countdown, Keith Olbermann, as he continued his public slaughter of our President and anyone associated with him.  I am so thankful that men like Keith Olbermann were not in charge of our country in September 2001.  Our country needed a leader who had grit, authentic patriotism, resolve, determination and faith-based principles.  Thank you President Bush, for being this type of leader.  Thank you President Bush, for withstanding not only the terrorist attacks from Osama Bin Ladin’s schemes, but also the attacks from unproven, smooth-talking and spine-less journalists sitting behind a television camera or a typewriter.  Thank God we had a President like you.

 

Memories of a lifetime.  Memories that remind me that there is true evil in the world, but that there is also good in the world.  Good people, good principles, good Americans, good Republicans, good Democrats, good poor people, good wealthy people.  There is simply more good than bad.  What a privilege it is to walk the hallways every day at a school.  To have a small part in developing tomorrow’s leaders and citizens, who will live in this “good and evil world”.  And to train those future leaders to do good.  To be good fathers, mothers, business people, lawyers, doctors, teachers and politicians.  To serve others; to love others; to believe in their country and it’s foundational principles.  To live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God (Micah 6:8).  The origin of “good” is God.

 

So today―in my small way―in honor of the 9/11 tragedy, I respectfully urge all of us to look above ourselves and inside our soul.  God is good.  He is so good.  And the same grace and mercy He sacrificially provided for me, He extends even to the most evil terrorist.  That is good.  I will never fully understand it, but I know I aspire to achieve it.  This world needs Christ, and the authentic love, peace and hope He provides.  The most important thing I can do today for my country, and the 9/11 victims, is to point people to Christ―the source of “good”.

 

God bless,
Larry