Education By Ellen Gould White This classic work on education sets forth the unique and challenging idea that “the work of education and the work of redemption are one.” The ultimate goal of all learning should be to understand more about our Creator-Redeemer and to reflect that understanding in our personal lives. In her writings on this subject, Ellen White was concerned, not with details of curriculum or educational systems, but with great, guiding principles. The result is a penetrating look at the factors that make up true education in its broadest sense. The reader will find in these pages insights to guide not only parents, students, and teachers, but all who seek true education in the great school of life. Published by Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association ISBN: 978-1-61253-030-7 Citation: White, E. G. (1903) Education. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association. Retrieved from https://egwwritings.org/book/b29 Foreword It is rare, indeed, for a bo…
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes teaching and discipleship, which aligns with EGW's concept of education being intertwined with redemption and understanding the Creator-Redeemer. The EGW passage amplifies the idea of education as a means of fulfilling the Great Commission's call to teach all nations.
"Every person must face the practical realities of life—its opportunities, its responsibilities, its defeats, and its successes. How he is to meet these experiences, whether he is to become master or victim of circumstances, depends largely upon his preparation to cope with them—his education. Ed 7.2"
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Both passages emphasize the importance of preparation and diligence in facing life's challenges. Ecclesiastes 9:10 encourages doing everything with might, while the EGW passage highlights how education prepares individuals to master circumstances. The EGW passage expands on the principle of diligent action by connecting it to education.
"True education is well defined as the harmonious development of all the faculties —a full and adequate preparation for this life and the future eternal life. It is in the early years in the home and in the formal schoolwork that the mind develops, a pattern of living is established, and character is formed. Ed 7.3"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 speaks directly about training up a child, and the EGW passage discusses the importance of early years in shaping character and establishing a pattern of living. The EGW passage elaborates on the principle of early training by connecting it to the broader concept of true education.
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Luke 2:52 describes Jesus' development in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, which parallels EGW's definition of true education as the harmonious development of all faculties. Both passages emphasize holistic development.