Christians have been urged to embrace education and seek knowledge, for the Bible in Hosea 4:6 says, “My people perish because of lack of knowledge.” Also, it is with great knowledge gained through education that we can rule over and subdue the earth as mandated in Gen 1:28. This message was delivered during the UCU Sunday at St. Luke’s Chapel Mulago. UCU Sunday is an annual day (every last Sunday of September) set by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda for the Church to come together in support of her Provincial University in prayer, increased awareness, accountability and financial support. Uganda Christian University (UCU) is an authentic Christian institution established by the Church of Uganda in 1997 in response to a call for quality university education with a Christian perspective.This year, the funds will go toward the new Faculty of Medicine at Mengo Hospital.
During service, members in the congregation who had obtained Masters Degrees and PHDs were invited to greet and inspire the church members.
The Sermon / Chaplain’s Word
The sermon was delivered by Dr. Betty Udongo, the Wife to our Chaplain, Rev. Canon Albert Festus Udongo. She shared a testimony about her education journey from humble beginnings to obtaining a doctorate.
The title/topic of the sermon was “EDUCATION IS KEY TO HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT” and an outline is shared below.
What is Education?
Definition: The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university (Google Dictionary). The dictionary definition assumes that the learner is Table Rasa (empty headed) therefore the role of the teacher is to put knowledge into their heads. This kind of education kills creativity and innovation. Unfortunately this is the same kind Education we pursue in Uganda.
If Education is Key to Holistic Development, then what kind of Education System should we pursue?
Education for Holistic Development should empower people, families, communities, nations to fulfil their kingdom dominion mandate.
What’s our Kingdom Dominion Mandate? Gen 1:28 God blessed them; and God said to them:
- Be fruitful and multiply, (Reproduce Godly offspring’s, increase in Population migrate to the ends of the earth and Occupy)
- Fill the earth, and subdue it, (Make your presence known or felt and govern according to God’s purpose)
- Rule Over (make use of the laws, instructions, decrees, canons, imperatives, tenets) in governance over: The fish of the sea, the birds of the sky and every living thing that moves on the earth. Hence Establish Godly influence everywhere in the world.
How have you fulfilled your Kingdom Dominion Mandate?
“My people perish because of lack of knowledge……..Hosea 4:6”
What is the Kingdom Model of Education?
It should empower mankind to Explore, Subdue, Dominate and Rule over the universe (Air, Water and Land), eliminate disease, famine and hunger, control Climate change and produce good stewards for the environment.
Science Education is the backbone of Holistic Development
What is Science? Science is God given tool to Mankind to reveal his wisdom and knowledge to create govern, subdue his creation and solve world problems (Kingdom Definition, Dr Betty Udongo -2015)
Examples of well-known Christian Scientist include: Albert Einstein, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Boyle. According to 100 Years of Nobel Prizes a review of Nobel Prizes award between 1901 and 2000: (65.4%) of Nobel Prizes winner were self-professed Christians. Overall, Christians have won a total of 78.3% of all the Nobel Prizes in Peace, 72.5% in Chemistry, 65.3% in Physics and 62% in Medicine, 54% Economics and 49.5% of all Literature awards.
Conclusion
“Education is the Key that Unlocks Doors to Unlimited Possibility”
Betty Udongo, Ph.D. (Science Education)
