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Education and Character
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receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23, 24
. But how different is much of the education now
given! From the child’s earliest years it is an appeal to emulation
and rivalry; it fosters selfishness, the root of all evil.
Thus is created strife for supremacy, and the system of “cram-
ming” is encouraged that in some cases destroys health and unfits
for usefulness. In many others, emulation leads to dishonesty, and
by fostering ambition and discontent, it embitters the life and helps
fill the world with restless, turbulent people who are a continual
menace to society. Nor does danger pertain to methods only. It is
found also in the subject matter of the studies.
In the study of language and literature, from what fountains are
the youth taught to drink? From the wells of paganism, from springs
fed by the corruptions of ancient heathendom. They are assigned to
study authors who, it is clear, have no regard for the principles of
morality.
And of how many modern authors also might the same be said!
With how many do the grace and beauty of language merely disguise
principles that in their real deformity would repel the reader!
Besides these there is a multitude of fiction writers, luring to
pleasant dreams in palaces of ease. These writers may not be open
to the charge of immorality, yet their work is no less productive of
evil. It is robbing thousands and thousands of the time, energy, and
self-discipline demanded by the stern problems of life.
In the study of science, as generally pursued, there are dangers
equally great. Evolution and its kindred errors are taught in schools
of every grade, from kindergarten to college. Thus the study of
science, which should impart a knowledge of God, is so mingled
with human speculations and theories that it tends to infidelity.
Even Bible study, as too often conducted in the schools, is rob-
bing the world of the priceless treasure of the Word of God. The
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work of “higher criticism” in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstruct-
ing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is
robbing God’s Word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human
lives.