Should Christian Students Study Non-Christian Literature?
Whether Christian school students should study non-Christian literature is a controversial topic at times in conservative Christian circles. Parents and educators are understandably concerned that young minds might be corrupted by exposure to literature written from an ungodly perspective. Scriptures regarding personal holiness should cause us to consider this question seriously. “Pure religion,” according to James 1: 27, includes keeping oneself “unspotted from the world.” God commands us, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Some Christians have concluded that Christian schools should not allow students to study any literature written by non-Christians. However, secular does not always equate with evil. Careful teachers and parents can distinguish bad reading material from the good by asking questions such as: • Does it make sin look appealing? • Does it glamorize or make idols of ungodly people? • Does it justify doing something that is morally wrong? • Does it teach filthy w
