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Fundamentals of Christian Education
There are times when Greek and Latin scholars are needed. Some
must study these languages. This is well. But not all, and not many
should study them. Those who think that a knowledge of Greek and
Latin is essential to a higher education, cannot see afar off. Neither is
a knowledge of the mysteries of that which the men of the world call
science necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is Satan
who fills the mind with sophistry and tradition, which exclude the true
higher education, and which will perish with the learner.
Those who have received a false education do not look heavenward.
They cannot see the One who is the true Light, “which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world.” They look upon eternal realities as
phantoms, calling an atom a world, and a world an atom. Of many who
have received the so-called higher education, God declares, “Thou
art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting,”—wanting in a
knowledge of practical business, wanting in a knowledge of how to
make the best use of time, wanting in a knowledge of how to labor for
Jesus.
The practical nature of the teaching of Him who gave His life to
save men is an evidence of the value He places upon men. He gave the
education which alone can be called the higher education. He did not
turn His disciples away because they had not received their instruction
from pagan and infidel teachers. These disciples were to proclaim truth
that was to shake the world, but before they could do this, before they
could be the salt of the earth, they must form new habits, they must
unlearn many things learned from priest and rabbi. And today those
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who would represent Christ must form new habits. Theories which
originate with the world must be given up. Their words and their works
must be after the divine similitude. They must not place themselves
in connection with the debasing principles and sentiments that belong
to the worship of other gods. They cannot with safety receive their
education from those who know not God, and acknowledge Him not
as the life and light of men. These men belong to another kingdom.
They are ruled by a disloyal prince, and they mistake phantoms for
realities.
Our schools are not what they should be. The time which should
be devoted to laboring for Christ is exhausted on unworthy themes and
self-pleasing. Controversy arises in a moment if once-stated opinions
are crossed. So it was with the Jews. To vindicate personal opinion