Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

What underlying principles guided education in early American life? Mike Smith talks about the faithfulness of our forefathers on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:

It's not surprising that our Puritan forebears established education in our nation with a distinctly Christian tone. Though formal schooling was limited, its purpose was clear.

Colonial parents made sure their children learned the truth about God. In 1642, a law was passed punishing parents who refused to take on this responsibility.

Illiteracy was considered one of Satan's weapons, keeping men from the true knowledge of God.

I am amazed at the faithfulness, and yes, at the freedom enjoyed by our forefathers. Their schoolbooks were filled with truth from Scripture. Listen to this excerpt from The New England Primer, used throughout the nation well into the 19th century:

Good children must,
Fear God all day, Love Christ alway,
Parents obey, In secret pray,
No false thing say, Mind little play,
By no sin stray, Make no delay,
In doing good.

Parents and schools agreed that knowing God's truth would create a foundation of freedom for the nation as well. How different public education is today.

In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (NIV).

Parents, let's build our children's education on the solid foundation of His truth. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.