Since World War II Americans have held out the hope that democratic government might take hold in developing countries around the world. The federal government has invested billions in aid, millions of man hours, and multiplied thousands of American lives in an effort to help nations emerge from the darkness of tyranny or tribalism and embrace the hope of democracy.

The schools in America are a reflection of the surrounding culture. Whatever the culture values will be reflected in the education we give our children. For example, in colonial New York, a public school teacher had to be able to lead children in worship and explain the Gospel, or he could not expect to be hired by the local school board.

In America prior to the Civil War, the education of children was purely a local matter. Schools boards abounded – one for every political precinct. Parents were responsible to oversee the work of the school board and to fund the local program of education. Naturally, the education they sanctioned reflected their values, experience, and aspirations for their children.

The old saw has it that, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But what if it is “broke”? Like, for example, America’s system of public education? Shall we just keep throwing money at a system that is spiraling downward out of control? Or shall we – to recall Ross Perot – open up the hood and have a real look at what’s wrong in there?

The late John Lennon invited us to imagine a world where all was peaceful, simple, beautiful, harmonious – and religion-free. The problem, of course, is that such a world can never be. Lennon’s vision of utopia – literally, “no place” – is just that, with or without religion.

But that does not invalidate the role of imagination. Imagination is a uniquely human ability, at least, in its more sophisticated forms. By our imaginations we overcome the limitations of our past and transcend the boundaries of the present to inhabit new worlds and know new experiences which can be altogether beautiful, wonderful, and full of joy.

Christianity is Good News! And the Good News of Christianity is not just that our sins can be forgiven and we can go to heaven when we die. That’s Good News, to be sure, and it’s an important part of the message we as Christians will declare throughout the coming year.