For This Day February 2017
Vol. 4, Issu. 5
Is Classical Christian Education Worthwhile? by Megan Best
It probably comes as no surprise that an alumna of Coram Deo Academy (now CDA teacher) would write an article regarding the fruits of a classical Christian education. I have complete and unashamed buy-in when it comes to the curricula and pedagogy applied at CDA. Enthusiasm for this kind of education stems from my belief that it inspires an affectionate relationship with truthfulness, empathy, and wisdom (among a whole host of other virtues). John Ruskin, nineteenth-century writer and art critic, once wrote: “The entire object of true education is to make people not merely do the right things, but enjoy the right things—not merely industrious, but to love industry—not merely learned, but to love knowledge—not merely pure, but to love purity—not merely just, but to hunger and thirst after justice.” Ruskin’s idea of true education implies the existence of false education. False education only teaches students ‘how to get through’ the academic disciplines, but fails to mention that there is an opportunity to love the disciplines themselves. True education, or, classical Christian education, stretches students’ imaginations beyond immediate results and stirs a sense of wonder that endures eternally. “What is truth?” That age-old question pitched at Jesus by Pontius Pilate reminds me of our instinctive human curiosity. As Christians, we know that Jesus is himself the truth (John 14:6). He came into the world to reveal the plan of God’s salvation.
For This Day
February 2017
Vol. 4, Issu. 5
Ultimately, the questions we pitch at the Lord have their answers in Him. A student’s pursuit of truth, then, is one that always reveals more than originally anticipated. The questions that arise while studying Homer’s epics, Biblical history, Newton’s laws, Aesop’s Fables, or Euclid’s geometry require serious reflection within a classroom. Christian classical education is the traditional guide for such inquiries, and students are left with the truth Himself. Empathy, in my opinion, depends upon human awareness. When a student engages with history, literature, art, music, math, and the sciences, she learns about universal human experience and knowledge. The classical texts (not to mention, Holy Scripture, itself!) exposes what it means to be human; and often, it exposes what it means to be a human as he interacts with God. Thoughtful connection with these stories and scientific or mathematic discoveries “True education stretches students’ create space for students to increase their imaginations beyond the immediate awareness of others. In addition, the results and stirs a sense of wonder that students cultivate wisdom from the endures eternally.” mistakes and achievements of their fictional and actual predecessors. The classical Christian model practiced at CDA gives families access to a depth of rich traditions. Much like an all-inclusive cruise vacation where families can eat and play at any time, classical Christian education never leaves the heart or mind
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For This Day
February 2017
Vol. 4, Issu. 5
wanting. Machines, how-to books, and social media apps will come and go. They always change based on human desires or vices. Classical Christian education, though, links itself with the best parts of human culture, and unites students with long-lasting, forever relevant ideas.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Family Resources Moms in Prayer - meets Mondays and Tuesdays after drop-off M/W Contact: Leah Clark T/TH Contact: Michelle Collins P2P - mentoring new families Contact: Jacque Younger Straight Talk - for families of grades 5th to 12th Contact: Donna Rector Idea Exchange - for families of grades Pre-K t0 4th Contact: Jacque Younger Please check the CDA calendar and upcoming emails for additional information on these resources and events.
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