Media, Education & Our Values

Many people believe that they were born to accomplish some important mission in their lifetime. Although each mission differs an individual’s role is vital in God’s scheme of things.

Because we are viewed as equal in God’s eyes, an African-American ghetto resident or a needy Native American or an illegal immigrant is just as important as a white suburban astronaut, college professor, or a CEO. What matters most is the extent to which a person is fulfilling God’s will in his life.

Our education occurs in a variety of cultural settings and in instances with the backdrop of conflicting moral values. Many of the marginalized suffer from deficiencies that influence their behavior based on their poverty, racial prejudice, physical abuse, poor medical care, disease, sexual and psychological exploitation.

Many of these conditions are analyzed in newsrooms across America. News personnel generally respond to the old adage “if it bleeds it leads.” An audience will never see an advertisement that says “you are okay the way you are” and many public relations practitioners put “the best spin” on events that are intended for public consumption.

Tapping Into An Educational Dimension

In a modern society many will agree that a quality education has the capacity to correct diversified and problematic circumstances. Our first educators are our parents. Some persons are nurtured in an environment that would make a basic education lacking. So, as our “brother’s keeper” it is in our interest to give a helping hand to those less fortunate than us. For when “one suffers we all suffer and when one is exalted we all are exalted.”

An excellent education would of necessity shape an individual’s beliefs. Without it being faith-based, a meritorious dimension would be lacking for an individual to function to his fullest potential. Balance is necessary. It is essential to cultivate a disciplined life. This is a way to be victorious in our journey through life. It is a good idea to lay a good foundation on which to base decisions.

One should have regular physical exercise to keep his “physical temple” conditioned and in shape. Sustained opportunities must be made in developing the intellect by reading the best authors in the liberal arts, social and natural sciences. From required food groups, one must select foods that are well balanced. Pursuing such goals make it possible for one to accomplish a healthy lifestyle. It is wise to abstain from illicit drugs, excessive alcohol and cigarettes. Obedience of the laws of the community, state and country would also keep us safe.

An individual’s discipline does not end here. During the course of a day it is essential to have moments of relaxation, renewal, sound and restful sleep to counter stress and tensions of life. This takes practice. Dedication to a faith tradition nurtures the spiritual side of one’s life. Finding a church, synagogue or temple that proclaims the world of God would be a blessing.

Some educational curricula of faith-based institutions attempt to in-cooperate religious requirements. With some of these useful opportunities would emerge for the individual to be an integral part of his education. Young people should be encouraged to join an organization like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA or any similar entity that will enable them to interact socially with other young men and women.

New media with their myriad attributes, their interactive nature and virtual reality features have created far-reaching implications for the secular and Christian alike. Many households and institutions use the media below to cope with the rise of this consumer consciousness: