What is the purpose of classical education?
- Dr. Timothy Dernlan
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Classical education is like a river. It’s a gift that has been passed down through generations, carrying the knowledge, traditions, and wisdom of western civilization.
Classical education is designed as a great gift of western civilization to be passed down from one generation to the next. Each generation is responsible to entrust the next generation with the knowledge, traditions, and wisdom from the past. Our modern society is not uniquely independent from the past. It has been influenced by thousands of years of great scholars, philosophers, theologians, leaders, discoveries, and history. Western civilization is like a mighty river that has moved throughout time and the western world until it arrived at this present-day. The purpose of classical education is to fulfill our responsibility as citizens to entrust the traditions, culture, and wisdom of western civilization to our children.
Why do we study history, literature, and old ideas in a classical Christian education? What’s the big deal about the past?
Imagine you’re on a grand adventure, sailing down a mighty river. This river has been flowing for thousands of years, carrying treasures from far-off lands—wisdom, stories, and discoveries from people who lived long ago. If you ignore the river’s path, you might miss out on all the amazing treasures it holds!
Classical education is like that river. It’s a gift that has been passed down through generations, carrying the knowledge, traditions, and wisdom of western civilization. Each generation is responsible for entrusting the next with these treasures, so they can learn from the past and build a brighter future. Just like the river has shaped the land around it, our modern world has been shaped by thousands of years of scholars, leaders, and thinkers. By studying the past, we connect to this rich history and fulfill our responsibility as citizens to pass it on.
As the Bible says in Deuteronomy 32:7, "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past." Classical education helps us remember and learn from the past so we can sail forward with wisdom and purpose!
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by Dr. Timothy Dernlan, in partnership with the Classical Christian Education Alliance
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