The True Purpose of Education

What is the true purpose of education? Why do we spend the first 12-20 years of our life in formal schools and then quite likely not step foot into a formal schooling environment ever again? And why do we learn such a broad range of topics for a life that will spent dealing with a very narrow range of topics?

Why should a plumber be required to study the great literature of the 18th century when they will never use it again? Why should the art historian be required to study trigonometry, a subject that they will very likely never use after their formal schooling is over?

And why is it that some with little formal education go far while others with great education sort-of fizzle out? Their education just didn't quite get them where it was billed to take them. Does it really matter what formal education a person receives or is it really a myth that you get farther if you are educated formally?

So, what is the purpose and method of true education? And while were asking the questions what is true education? These questions are vital to knowing why I am doing what I doing.

So, what is true education?

The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. In the beginning, God created man in his own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well-balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life,--the object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing they are "laborers together with God." 1 Cor 3:9 Christian Education p. 63

But isn't there a practical side to education too? My family was talking to a medical doctor one time and he asked us what the true purpose of education is. My sister replied something to the affect of "to better serve the Lord." He agreed that was the the true purpose of education at a religious level, but insisted that there was another answer. He finally told us that he believed the true purpose of education was to give you options. If you know how to change the oil in your car you have an option some other people don't. If you can diagnose your own health problems you have an option some other don't, etc.

I haven't decided yet if I completely agree with that answer but it is not too far off the mark. If we go back to the formal education question we can soon see that if you have a sellable degree you have the option not to work at the GoldenArches or as a "paper or plastic" questioner. It does give you options you didn't have before. But how much of our education is really adding options to our lives? When I learn the basics of good grammar so that I don't "went to town" I "go to town" does that add options to my life? And how does specialization in this day and age play into this? Do you have to learn as much in all the areas of study if you are going to be specialized in one area only.

I have to stop for today.

God Bless!