Dear parents and carers,
Freedom is one of humanity’s great longings: political, social, economic and personal. Throughout history, freedom has been thought of as existing within structures, whether they be democratic, ethical or personal restraint. Unbridled freedom seems to be the spirit of our age. Max Jeganathan, a speaker and writer within the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) has written an interesting monograph, The Freedom Trap. He argues that current notions of freedom come in the context of desire and entertainment, with the assumption that anything which stands in our way should be overcome. He sees this as a departure from the liberal past of Western civilisation, where freedom has been thought to exist within the boundaries of the common good. Hyper-liberal freedom gives permission to people to define their own identities and maximise their own pleasure. He comments that paradoxically, much of which is seen as freedom, especially for teenagers, is actually conformity to peer pressures, social expectations and the need for popularity. At base level, this is swapping one form oppression for another. Our habits are carefully cultivated by the algorithms of social media which can herd us into echo chambers and silos.
Freedom, Constraints and True Liberty
Jeganathan’s essential thesis is that the contemporary idea of freedom is about, for the first time in history, throwing off of all constraints, including any moral codes in which we may operate. This flies in the face of accumulated wisdom, which says that society needs not hyper-individualism but community, and living in community requires codes and constraints to survive and function. The early Church Father, Augustine, declared that our wills are not truly free until they are no longer slave to our vices. The Apostle Peter makes this same claim that we have been freed from slavery (to sin) in order to become willing and joyous slaves to Christ. (1 Peter 2:16 “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves”). This confirms the words of Jesus himself (John 8:32 & 36 32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.) We have the promise of God that “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). It make sense to live according to our maker’s instructions.
No previous human society in history has attempted to dissolve all restraints and moral codes and allow people to do whatever pleases them. This is a gigantic social experiment which, one fears, will end badly. This is corrosive for community, relationships and, in its fullest sense, leads to anarchy and civilisational decline.
Guiding the Next Generation
Complete freedom is an attractive notion. We adults have a responsibility to try and help the younger generation to see that God’s way is the way to freedom and flourishing.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Abundant Life Week
I am pleased to announce the inaugural Abundant Life Week program running across secondary school in week 7 to support mental health literacy and wellbeing conversations amongst our student body.
Our hope for the program is that it serves to remind students of the life that can be found in joyful adherence to gospel truth, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Students will participate in grade-based programs throughout the week designed to build resilience, compassion, social connections and biblical perspective on mental health challenges.
Our Home Classes will participate in RU OK? Day training and regular Covenant initiatives of the Year 10 Wellbeing Drive and the Lifeline Push-Up Challenge will be launched.
Parents are encouraged to participate by ‘checking-in’ with their children at home in a way that models open and supportive conversations about mental health. A guide designed to assist you to have these conversations has been sent home to secondary parents.
Regards,
Dr John Collier
Interim Principal