Education in early America was for the purpose of making a literate people who would be able to read their Bibles. Harvard was the first American college founded in 1636 ...
"To advance Learning and perpetuate it to Posterity; dreading to leave an illiterate Ministry to the Churches."
In the 1700's schools in the colonies were strongly influenced by Christianity. It was the intent of the colonists that all children should learn to read and in 1642 Puritan Massachusetts passed a law stating this. They believed that an inability to read was Satan's attempt to keep people from the Scriptures. The middle colonies were characterized by schools sponsored by many different kinds of religious denominations
The McGuffey Reader era provided the most wholesome fare available. Material in the readers is taken from writings which extol, explain, and illustrate such virtues as honesty, charity, thrift, hard work, courage, patriotism, reverence for God, and respect for parents.
McGuffey's teaching technique and the quality of reading material used are superlative, appropriate for any era - desperately needed in our own. (The New American - September 29, 1986, with appreciation.)
So teaching in the United States began with the purpose of learning the Holy Scriptures. Is it any surprise then that when God was taken from the schools that education has failed? Is it any surprise when the laws of God are not taught that we have killings and violence in our schools and our communities? Is it not also true when the light is removed that darkness takes over the land , even in the highest elected offices of our land?
It is time for the light to shine on the true purpose of teaching. Lets examine what the scriptures themselves say about teaching. Beginning with the first mention of teaching in the Holy Bible.
Moses was given a ministry upon encountering the Lords presence in the burning bush. He was to deliver Gods people from bondage in Egypt. He felt completely inadequate, but God said to him" Exd 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" God teaches His servants, whosoever He calls he equips for His purposes.
Moses brother Aaron accompanied him and became the High Priest of the people. God spoke to Aaron, forbidding him to drink fermented drinks when in the Tabernacle in ministry. Also he was to teach to discern holy and unholy, clean and unclean. He was to offer sacrifices for the peoples sins and to teach " ...all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken..."Lev 10:11 The priests were also to sacrifice animals for sins and they also with the Levites were to teach the laws to the people.
Moses was the mediator between God and his people. Upon returning from Mt Sinai his face would glow from being in the LORDS presence. He brought down the Ten commandments to his people. These laws are the basis for all the laws of mankind. A copy of the Ten Commandments are hanging in the Supreme court. However liberal humanists have succeeded in removing the laws from the schools, as well as all Bible teaching. None seek after the LORD.
King David was described by God as a man after His own heart. David said that reverence and meekness are required from those who would learn of the LORD. His people will inherit the earth in peace. David describes the LORD as good and upright, merciful, a teacher of sinners.Psa 25:10 All the paths of the LORD [are] mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. How important it is to heed the teaching of scriptures. Judgment is coming for those who ignor Gods holy commands. Listen to the prophecy of Micah toward Isreal of old.
Mic 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money..." The LORD warned that though they pretended they were serving Him, that they were in sin, and unless they repented and sought His face their country would be destroyed. Take heed America!
Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the prophesies.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus was the perfect final sacrifice for the sins of mankind. If you will receive Jesus your sins will be forgiven, and you will be a new creation. One evidence of the new man is a new heart, and the pledge of our eternal life is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He is our Holy teacher.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
He commanded his disciples to go and teach the gospel, the salvation that is in Christ Jesus; forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is where we came in, the early teachings of our colleges and schools were obedient to Gods commands to proclaim the word of God. Public education has failed. We do have fine Christian schools, and a trend toward homeschooling that are lights in a nation of darkness. Hopefully our nation will return to the truth and repent from its rebellion. God is in control. His word will not change, we will be held accountable for what we have done with his word.
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