Saturday, May 9, 2009

Benjamin Rush on education.

Excerpt from
OF THE MODE OF EDUCATION PROPER IN A REPUBLIC

By
Dr. Benjamin Rush

I proceed in the next place, to inquire, what mode of education we shall adopt so as to secure to the state all the advantages that are to be derived from the proper instruction of youth; and here I beg leave to remark, that the only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in Religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and
liberty is the object and life of all republican governments.

Such is my veneration for every religion that reveals the attributes of the Deity, or a future state of rewards and punishments, that I had rather see the opinions of Confucius of Mahomed inculcated upon our youth, than see them grow up wholly devoid of a system of religious principles. But the religion I mean to recommend in this place, is that of the New Testament.


~Spencer

1 comment:

Ivorydancer said...

I like it... The foundation of denomination is worship. When Joshua was leading the Israelites before the conquest of Jericho, they were circumcised and held the passover, worshiping God before taking dominion. When they were marching around Jericho, they were worshiping and claiming the land God had given them. After the city fell, God commanded that none of the spoils be touched, but left for Him alone as a sacrifice and a testimony of what He had done. God placed a curse on the city that if anyone were to rebuild it, they would perish.If the Israelites did not worship the way God commanded, they were punished. Having God in our education is important because if we are not taught to honor and worship God correctly, we are weak and cannot build his kingdom.