Ellen G. White’s guidance on Christian education emphasizes a holistic approach that centers on Christ and integrates intellectual, spiritual, and character development. Here are the key principles from her writings:
1. **Christ-Centered Learning**: Christian education involves accepting Christ’s teachings in both sentiment and principle, and following His example daily. The life and teachings of Christ should be the daily study of every student (
CT 36.1).
2. **Broad and Practical Application**: Christian education is designed for all stages of child development, providing principles and suggestions for both teachers and parents to guide children intelligently (
CE 2.2).
3. **Character Building**: The focus is on building character, teaching self-denial, sacrifice, and avoiding self-indulgence and conformity to fashion. Life is too valuable to be wasted on pleasing self (
MH 198.1).
4. **Knowledge and Character**: The goal is to attain knowledge blended with a Christlike character, making individuals a light in the world. True education balances intellectual growth with a strong religious experience (
CT 505.3).
5. **The Role of the Holy Spirit**: Even those without formal education can be effective Christian workers if they have a teachable spirit and depend on God. The Holy Spirit energizes the mind, directs thoughts, and aids in presenting truth (CE 141; CT 509).
6. **True Culture and Refinement**: True Christian growth leads to refinement and courtesy, which come from love to God and man. Real refinement is best learned in the school of Christ, not just by observing forms and rules (
CE 200.1).
7. **The Knowledge of God**: Knowing God and Jesus Christ, as expressed in character, is the highest education and the key to eternal life (
CT 37.1).
8. **Lifelong Growth**: Christian education prepares individuals for eternal advancement in wisdom, knowledge, and holiness, always growing in their capacity to know, enjoy, and love God (
CT 55.2).
9. **Early Spiritual Training**: Even young children can be Christians according to their age and should be educated in spiritual things to form Christlike characters (
CT 142.3).
10. **Intellectual and Spiritual Development**: Ignorance does not increase humility or spirituality. The goal of education is to use our God-given powers to best represent the religion of the Bible and promote God’s glory (
CE 203.1).
In summary, Ellen White’s concept of Christian education is comprehensive, focusing on developing the whole person—mind, character, and spirit—centered on Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
References:
- Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (CT)
- Christian Education (CE)
- The Ministry of Healing (MH)