Whether Christian school students should study non-Christian literature is a controversial topic in conservative Christian circles. Parents and educators are understandably concerned that young minds might be corrupted by exposure to literature written from an ungodly perspective. Scriptures regarding personal holiness should cause us to consider this question seriously. "Pure religion," according to James 1: 27, includes keeping oneself "unspotted from the world." God commands us, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (I Peter 1:16). Some Christians have concluded that Christian schools should not allow students to study any literature written by non-Christians.

However, secular does not always equate with evil. Careful teachers and parents can distinguish bad reading material from the good by asking questions such as:

• Does it make sin look appealing?
• Does it glamorize or make idols of ungodly people?
• Does it justify doing something that is morally wrong?
• Does it teach filthy words children didn't know before?
• Does it engender doubts about God and His Word?
• Does it make the righteous person look ridiculous?
• Does it plant seeds of envy and discontent?
• Does it arouse a morbid curiosity about things that are "a shame even to speak of" (Eph. 5:12)?

There are compelling reasons why students should study literature by non-Christian as well as Christian authors. A good example is Harper Lee's classic American novel To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960. As pointed out in a recent magazine article (Reader's Digest, May 2010), this is one of the most influential novels ever written, having sold about 40 million copies and deeply affecting many readers' attitudes about racism. As Christian teachers, we can help our students understand on many levels what makes this a great American novel and how it illustrates universal truths taught in Scripture.

In fact, all enduring classics of secular literature, despite shortcomings, can teach universal truth, especially under the guidance of a good teacher. For example, Shakespearean tragedies, like King Lear, Macbeth or Hamlet, depict even the natural universe going awry until injustice is corrected.

Students arriving as freshmen in college are expected to know and be able to discuss familiar secular literary works. In addition, some literature must be read to understand a historical era or the culture of another time or place. For instance, through reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, students can more easily understand how this 1850s best-seller made so many people of the North willing to fight the South.

Finally, familiarity with secular literature can even help us fulfill the Great Commission. The Bible gives us the Apostle Paul as an example of a Christian able to use the pagan literature of his day to connect with people for the sake of introducing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as when he quoted from one of their own poets to the Athenian intellectuals (Acts 17:28). Again, Paul used the words of a secular writer to emphasize faults characteristic of the people of Crete, which believers there needed to overcome (Titus 1:12-13).

As Christian school leaders, it is important to prayerfully consider both sides of this issue, before carefully making a decision that best serves your students and community.

The world of literature is rich with great works by both Christian and secular writers which are waiting to be discovered. High school English courses can introduce only a few. It is my hope that discerning parents will partner with teachers in Christian schools to guide students into reading well beyond the minimum requirements of their language courses.