The Role of Religion in a Lutheran High School in a Changing World

Abstract

In this 1964 address, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker defends the central role of religion in Lutheran secondary education amid growing secularism and skepticism. He argues that religion must permeate not only the curriculum but also the ethos of Lutheran schools, shaping faculty attitudes, classroom interactions, and institutional purpose. Becker critiques modern educational trends that promote doubt and relativism, warning against the erosion of biblical authority and confessional integrity. He emphasizes that true academic freedom exists within the bounds of Scripture, not apart from it, and calls for teachers in all disciplines to uphold and integrate biblical truth. Faith, he insists, is not irrational but requires the renewal of reason through the Holy Spirit. Becker concludes with a plea for Lutheran educators to remain steadfast in their confession, recognizing that the enduring Word of God is the foundation for meaningful education in a rapidly changing world. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)