AN EXPLANATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION



Over the years the word accreditation, as used by those involved in higher education has acquired various interpretations, but basically it indicates that some outside body of educators have examined a school and found it to be doctrinally, academically, and financially reliable, and has certified that it meets their ethical standards. The purpose is to simply assure the public that the school is a reputable establishment.

There is no such thing as Federal or State accreditation of a Bible school, for civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or what certificates we issue for it. This is an issue of separation of Church and State, as Jesus said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). Politicians and magistrates must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their Bible schools. A casual survey of Church history shows that such linkage with Caesar eventually leads to infringement upon conscience, bondage, and corruption. Therefore, to be accredited by any agency, which in turn is supervised by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, would to some degree be a compromise of the separation principle and constitute friendship with the world, condemned as adultery by James 4:4.



SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE



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