The End of Education
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
— C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man
I appreciate C.S. Lewis. His writings consistently challenge my presuppositions of life, faith and education. Whether I’m enjoying the adventures found in The Chronicles of Narnia or gleaning insights from The Screwtape Letters, his ability to use metaphor, story and illustration shines brightly and encourages my soul. Even more, it’s clear that he is keenly aware of God’s larger story and the role truth plays in our lives as Christians.
In his book, The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis takes aim at the powerful role education plays in shaping our sense of morality and our view of the world. In fact, his book is an extended warning focused on any educational philosophy that attacks moral truth. Lewis rightfully recognized that if a student remains in an educational system that disregards truth and falsehood, they will invariably struggle with discernment and “the belief that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false.”
For Lewis, in order to see the world properly, we must teach and train our students to love what is true, good and beautiful. We must offer them an education that integrates learning into a coherent whole, much like a spider-web, where each discipline can be approached through the lens of God’s love and studied as being entirely interconnected. In the end, our students begin to observe that the world is a unified whole – created, sustained and governed by God.
The education we provide our students cultivates truth in the soul, nourishes the mind on what is good, and sows a desire to love what is lovely. All of which, is guided by God’s truth. It is a journey that transforms them into the image of God, and moves them from merely knowing what is good, true and beautiful, to loving it.
It’s an endeavor C.S. Lewis would appreciate and one that we are delighted to embark upon every day.
