Book Review - Truth Is Fallen In The Street

According to the back cover of, Truth Is Fallen In The Street by Jay Jusino, "Parents send their children to school, and students attend school, with the expectation that they will receive knowledge, and that this knowledge will be the key to unlocking their future potential." But where does knowledge come from? What is the purpose of knowledge? How do government schools impart knowledge? What are Christian parents supposed to do with respect to imparting knowledge to their children? What about Christian teachers (teachers that are Christian)? What is their calling in the public square? This book, it's full title being, Truth Is Fallen In The Street - Examining The Pedagogy Of Christian Teachers in Public Schools, answers these questions and much more for consideration.

Education is a very sensitive topic in our culture. Education is the focal point of many discussions among parents and children, from family-to-family, within social circles and within some church congregations. Therefore, when someone starts asking questions or making comments about education, especially the government school systems, antennas go up and parents hone in on the discussions (often times engaging in the discussion). With this in mind, I was also attracted to this book simply by the title with it's focus on "Christian teachers", "truth" falling and the "Pedagogy" of them in public schools. The title is actually derived from Isaiah 59:14, "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter" (ESV) or "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter" (KJV).

Pedagogy is "the art or profession of teaching." Therefore this book examines the art and profession of Christians teaching in the public schools. The book is essentially divided in to two main parts even though it has four chapters. The first part sets the foundation for what knowledge is. The second part of the book addresses objections/statements made with respect to Christian teachers in government schools. The author does a good job of covering the topics highlighted in the book such as: What knowledge is. What a teacher is and their role in society. Impacts of false teachings in our culture. Reaching the culture at large and per individual. How knowledge and morality go together. Historical analysis of God's people when truth suffers. Christian teachers in public settings and their responsibility to teach the truth no matter what. How truth and knowledge are inseparable in order to be consistent and properly sound in doctrine and practice.

The author also does well presenting a topic that he does not prefer. What is meant by this is the author prefers a "separatist" approach with respect to Christian teachers in government schools. Essentially, it is preferred by the author that Christian teachers invest their time and talents in private Christian schools and home-schools, however this preference does not prohibit the author from helping Christian teachers who say they are called to be in the government schools be consistent in their professed calling and worldview.

The author respectfully provides much discussion for Christian teachers to consider. Most notably, the author proves Biblically that all true knowledge comes from God, and to separate physical knowledge from spiritual knowledge is detrimental. According to the author, to teach academic subjects apart from Jesus Christ and God's Word is to fundamentally disconnect the world we all see and live in from the One it was created by and for.

What I like most about the book is it encourages Christian teachers to be consistent in their profession for Christ and to have a Biblical worldview. The author states some hard truths that are emotionally charged, however he does it with love, compassion, humility, and truth. Every Christian teacher should read this book and examine themselves before the Lord and His Word. I do not believe it would be possible for any sincere, genuine Christian teacher not to be convicted by the words that are shared in this book. Being a Christian teacher is a great responsibility and must not be taken for granted or practiced without considering the cost of discipleship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I encourage for every reader to do what the author requested in the introduction to the book. First hear him out on the topic based on Proverbs 18:13 which states, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." Second, examine what is presented on the topic based on the Word of God per Proverbs 18:17 which states, "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." Once these two are performed, pray and then abide by the direction of the Holy Spirit.