Education and the Giving of Our Message by A. J. Clark

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 6, 1906

Education and the Giving of Our Message

By A. J. Clark

The education needed by the people of God is that which will prepare them to present this message intelligently. That which we must present to the world now is Bible truth. The Scriptures are in perfect harmony, and our education must be in perfect harmony with them. Anything that is taught that is not in harmony with the Word of God is not true education, and is inconsistent. With all the error that there is at this present time, and the prejudice that exists against this truth, consistency in our belief and teaching is imperative.

True education is the development of the intellectual faculties in such a manner as to better enable us to understand the character and plans of the Creator. The education of the world does not do this; it destroys a correct understanding of our Creator. It teaches infidelity in its most insidious, and hence most dangerous, form. The creation of the world is attributed to natural causes, and the doctrines of evolution and higher criticism are taught. These ideas prevail quite generally in the colleges and universities, and are even taught in the public schools of our towns and cities. The whole world is permeated with these ideas, and it is necessary for us as a people to be able to cope with this error.

In “Christian Education,” page 197, we read the following: “With the great work before us of enlightening the world, we who believe the truth should feel the necessity of thorough education in the practical branches of knowledge, and especially our need of an education in the truths of the Scriptures. Error of every character is now exalted as truth, and it is our duty earnestly to search the Sacred Word, that we may know what is truth, and be able intelligently to present it to others. We shall be called upon to make known the reasons of our faith. We shall have to stand before magistrates to answer for our allegiance to the law of God.” As a people we must be able intelligently to teach the truth in contrast to these atheistic ideas.

These erroneous doctrines are making it harder every year to give this message, hence we see the necessity of doing all in our power to train our children in church-schools and institutions where correct ideas of God and his creative power may be acquired.

It is for this very purpose that God has placed these schools among us. In “Christian Education,” page 198, we read: “Above all other people in the earth, the man whose mind is enlightened by the opening of God’s Word to his understanding will feel that he must give himself to diligence in the perusal of the Word of God and to a diligent study of the sciences; for his hope and calling are greater than any other.” First of all, the young need this experience, and then they need a consecration to use what God in his love has given them.

A. J. CLARK.