Education in America is in ruins. Doug Wilson is trying to repair those ruins. In his book Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, he makes a strong case for “distinctively Christian education” (which is part of the subtitle).
After diagnosing the problem, Wilson develops the idea of Christian education that is truly Christian, not simply a copy of government/public schools with prayer and a Bible class added. Several points were powerful in this section: Christian parents have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the education of their children; and the necessity of taking into account the sinfulness of our students as well as ourselves.
Wilson compares and contrasts the different educational options in a fair and balanced way. While he obviously supports private Christian schools, he recognizes their weaknesses as well as the strengths of the others. while he is straightforward, Wilson isn’t a bomb-thrower. I like that.
Classical education (which involves teaching every subject based on the categories of grammar, logic, and rhetoric) is a model that should be considered seriously by parents, teachers, and churches alike. Logos School in Moscow, Idaho, which was started by Wilson and several other families, follows this model and has since it’s inception.
In my opinion, his most important point is that God is sovereign over all and His Word speaks to every area of life – including education. Christian parents, to whom the book was written, should take note of that. Education is not neutral. Someone’s worldview is going to be promoted – which one will it be?
If you want to know what a Christian view of education looks like, and a lot of clear thinking besides, read this book.
I just finished reading this book not too long ago! I’ll admit, it had a lot of great content. But there’s a better one and a better way too! It’s a book written by Paul Jehle “Go Ye Therefore…And Teach”. The method: “Principle Approach”. It keeps God’s word front and center and has some roots in the classical approach.
Jehle’s book not nearly as quick of a read as Wilson’s book. Even so, it is worth the time!