Sex, Gardening and God
Setting Values for Christian Schools
2007 · Christian Schools Australia
A provocative and practical guide to values formation in Christian schools. Drawing on his experience as a K-12 Principal, Graham challenges schools to think deeply about the values they teach and how those values are lived out in community. Currently out of print — will be available again soon.
Available Formats
- Publisher
- Christian Schools Australia
- Year
- 2007
- Category
- Education / values
Why read this book
The title gets your attention — and the content keeps it. Graham wrote this while leading a school of 1,700 students, grappling daily with the question: how do you actually form values in young people, not just talk about them? The answer, he argues, starts with adults being honest about the hard topics — hence sex, gardening (creation care), and God. A provocative, practical guide for educators who want values formation that goes deeper than posters on the wall.
From the book
If your Christian school does not have better behaviour, better results, better social interactions than the local schools, then it is time to ask why not.— Graham Leo, Sex, Gardening and God
God calls us through the Gospel, not merely to be Christians, but to be truly human.— Graham Leo, Sex, Gardening and God
A bondservant is a servant who, on being offered freedom, chooses instead to stay with that Master and serve him forever.— Graham Leo, Sex, Gardening and God
Frequently asked questions
Who is this book for?+
Teachers, school leaders, and board members in Christian schools. Parents who want to understand how values are (and aren't) being formed in their children's school.
Why that title?+
Because values formation requires honesty about the big topics — human sexuality, creation care (gardening), and the nature of God. Graham argues that schools that avoid the hard conversations don't form values at all.
Is this still relevant today?+
More than ever. The cultural pressure on schools to articulate and defend their values has only intensified since 2007. The frameworks here remain sharp and practical.
