The Living Water School provides a distinctive Christian education. Crafting a non-oppressive Christian environment was a key priority for me. I want to clarify that my intention in stating this isn’t to be political or disparaging towards anyone. As a member of a fairly strict Christian denomination, I understand that compelling someone to follow a faith path without a genuine internal conversion could lead to a deeply unpleasant experience. Thus, I aimed to establish a school where, despite its Christian ethos, every student is afforded the freedom and respect to chart their own spiritual journey.
At the core of our approach is providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Christian theology while also introducing them to other belief systems. This enables them to make informed, personal choices about their faith. Central to this process are open and honest conversations, including comparative studies of religions and an exploration of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. Often, students are surprised by the aspects of Christianity they hadn’t previously encountered. Moreover, it’s evident that many parents mistakenly assume that mere attendance at church on Sundays is sufficient for their children to grasp their faith. A lack of biblical literacy contributes to misinterpretations of Christianity, often leading individuals to view it through the flawed actions of imperfect human beings, rather than its core principles.
Recently, a conversation with a non-Christian student underscored the challenges some individuals face with Christianity, particularly regarding its perceived rules. This student expressed discomfort with the notion of being bound by biblical laws they didn’t personally subscribe to. I prompted them to consider whether these laws applied universally or solely to those who chose to follow Christ. This led to a realization that following Christian laws is a consequence of embracing Christianity, rather than an imposition on others. I emphasized that individuals are free to make their own choices, including whether to adhere to these laws.
Another point of contention addressed was the tendency for Christianity to be viewed as intrusive, particularly when its adherents seek to impose their beliefs on others. I emphasized the importance of respecting diverse beliefs and rejecting the notion that God’s laws must be altered for acceptance. Rather, I stressed the value of individual faith journeys and that we should be able to defend what we believe, while also being able to respect those who may have differing perspectives within Christianity, whether progressive or conservative or even if they have chosen another faith altogether. This particular student has chosen to focus on his Jewish heritage and we are supportive of that journey. The only thing we ask of our students is that because we are a Christian school, that if they choose another path, they should bring that into conversation with Christianity. This is so essential, because historically in America, Christianity has been often misrepresented and there are so many false narratives around it. Many people reject it based on those false narratives, as opposed to really knowing its theology and history. We want students to understand that ALL religions should be respected and understood and our choices should be based on truth, not on our trauma, our hurt or our misconceptions about a faith. Sadly, because of how the Bible was used to justify hurting so many diverse communities, we must do the work of untangling misconceptions about it, so people can actually make an educated choice. We feel that as a school we have 3 main responsibilities with regards to nurturing faith in our students: 1). to teach the truth about Christianity; 2). to disciple those that CHOOSE to be Christian and 3). to love each student unconditionally no matter what faith path they choose (and that love involves respecting their choices and even supporting their faith journey as long as it has a positive impact upon their lives). It is not our job to “save” anyone.
At The Living Water School, while we offer opportunities for Bible study and attendance at morning chapel, these are voluntary choices. No student is compelled to participate, and there are no grades or memorization requirements. Our aim is to create an environment where students can freely explore their faith, or lack thereof, without feeling coerced. Every student is treated with unconditional love and respect by our staff and faculty. You would be surprised at the amount of students who choose to attend the school Bible study. Interestingly, most of our students have made a decision to give their life to Christ. I see them being conscious of their faith, as opposed to just going along with whatever their parents believe. This has also led some students to bring their own parents to Christ. I have also seen students come to the school as atheists, come to realize that their belief was rooted in trauma from a person who claimed to be a Christian. Then even though they may not have become a Christian, their anger at God subsided. Christ let each person choose to follow him, so the Living Water School is modeled in the same gracious way.
My hope is that students at The Living Water School will discover their own spiritual paths, learn to respect the journeys of others, and recognize the timeless human quest for faith and spirituality. Faith cannot be imposed—it’s a deeply personal decision. Christ’s invitation to choose whom to serve serves as a reminder of this individual agency. Regardless of one’s choice, the fundamental message is one of unconditional love and grace, mirroring the compassion Christ showed during his time on earth. It is my sincere hope that The Living Water School embodies this ethos for every student who walks through its doors.
Dr. Anika T. Prather 