Ed·u·cate \ˈe-jə-ˌkāt\: v. To bring up, as a child; to instruct; to inform and enlighten the understanding; to instill into the mind principles of arts, science, morals, religion and behavior. To educate children well is one of the most important duties of parents and guardians.
Ed·u·ca·tion \ˌe-jə-ˈkā-shən\: n. The bringing up, as of a child; instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
--The American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828 edition.
In Edward Payson's (1783-1827) article, Bringing Up Children for God, we are challenged to keep in mind...
1) ...a realizing, heartfelt conviction that they are His property, His children, rather than ours;
2) ...a cordial and solemn dedication or surrender of them to Him to be His forever;
3) ...we must do all that we do for them from the right motives--namely, His glory;
4) ...we must educate them for His service.
He states, "we will constantly labor to impress upon their minds a conviction that we consider religion as the great business of life, the favor of God as the only proper object of pursuit, and the enjoyment of Him hereafter as the only happiness, while everything else is comparatively of no consequence, however important it may otherwise be."
2 comments:
I am impressed with the 1828 definition of education, that it includes understanding, temper, manners and habits, religious training...
In my big ol' 1993 edition, the first definition reads, "the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgement, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life."
In When You Rise Up, RC Sproul, Jr. writes, "Education is discipleship." It's that simple. For the believer, it's not only intellectual preparation, but more importantly, spiritual. It is a challenge not to lose that priority, but it is crucial. Nothing else has eternal significance.
You are so on the mark. That is the battle...keeping in mind education is discipleship! It is rather interesting to see how subtle the focus is changed from the 1828 definition to the 1993 definition!What does that say?:-)
So appreciate your insight! Thanks!
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