The idea of what education is truly for has been debated for centuries. In the 17th century, English poet John Milton described education as a way to “repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright,” and from that knowledge to grow in virtue. Today, that vision — the idea that education should aim at something deeper than skills or test scores — has largely faded from public conversation.
Recently, the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that the department will shift several of its programs to other federal agencies. This strategy aims to reduce the size of the bureaucracy and return authority to the states. This “testing” phase could help Congress determine how to enact these changes in law. While the effort reflects a long-standing goal to decentralize education decision-making, simply shifting administrative responsibilities or improving test scores is not enough if society does not consider why education exists in the first place.
Education without a clear purpose is incomplete. For example, gaining technical skill alone does not ensure students will use knowledge wisely or ethically. The late evangelist D.L. Moody once warned that without moral grounding, an education could teach someone how to be more effective at wrongdoing.
When viewing education through the lens of a Christian worldview, its purpose is clearly seen as knowledge, wisdom, and cultural inheritance. Education should aim to shape learners in a way that acknowledges both a created order and a moral order, helping them understand truth and goodness alongside practical skills. This renewed vision of education has led to the rapid growth of a variety of educational alternatives, including classical Christian schools, private and church-based initiatives, homeschool networks, and other community-based programs. These efforts effectively respond to huge gaps in our traditional public system. They offer ways for students to understand the world, their role within it, and the deeper purposes of life itself, found in Almighty God.
In sum, while changes in federal education policy may shift authority and structure, a true recovery in education requires a renewed discussion about its fundamental purpose — to build knowledge and wisdom through a Christian worldview so young men and women can build strong families, strong culture, and a thriving civilization once again.
Is there a an educational network in your area that needs support in restoring true education? Find out more at PhyllisSchlafly.com and get involved today. Again, that’s PhyllisSchlafly.com. And join us tomorrow for the Phyllis Schlafly Report.
