Vision for Education 1 - Education for all!...

Thursday, Mar 11, 2010. What vision for education do we have? Have you ever thought about what you would like education to be like? Do you have an image or vision for education?

Why should ordinary people learn how to read?

If we look back into history, there were different ideas about education. In ancient times, many things have been decided by the sword. Instead of arguments, violence has been used to decide things. To use the sword you do not need sophisticated education - perhaps you need particular training, but thats all. In medieval ages, it was clear to educated people, that only a minority needs education. The church used images and sculptures, to mediate their message. Why should ordinary people learn how to read?

Still later, at the beginning of the 20th century, many people did not think that women needed a professional education. Many schools and in particular the universities were populated by the male part of the population. But that changed. Today the majority of students are female. Women are doing better in higher education. We needed a long time to learn that God had created mankind as men AND women, which have the same capabilities and potentials in terms of intellect and emotions!

Higher education for all?

Around 50 years ago, only a small minority of people went to colleges and universities. That changed in the decades which are just behind us. Today, more than 40% of an age group attend university in the UK. It is less in some other states, but rapidly changing everywhere. The new idea is that some kind of higher education, of university education, is good for every member of our society. Everyone should at least get some introduction into the scientific foundations of our civilization.

There are many general arguments for a deep and broad education for every human on this planet. And there are some sincere Christian arguments for education. A key starting point is the insight that God values and loves every human. He wants to nurture us and let us learn and grow. God talks to us - and he provides his word in written form. To be able to read and understand the New Testament, the story of Jesus, yourself, you need to be able to read. Today you also need to understand the various arguments which have been introduced into the discussion about faith. Education is an important part of faith today, even though no education at all is needed to be loved by God and to be saved by him. Let God educate you! ... more texts