n e w c h u r c h l i f e : m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 6
That is what is unique about our schools. We teach to the spirit as well as
the mind. We prepare students for this world and the next, where their choices
will forever lead them.
Norman Cousins, a wise observer and commentator, wrote in his book
Human Options in 1981: “The ultimate test of education is whether it makes
people comfortable in the presence of options; which is to say, whether it
enables them to pursue their possibilities with confidence. Similarly, a society
can be judged according to the number and range of options on consequences
it opens up to its people.”
All very true. But New Church education wants us especially to be
comfortable and confident in the presence of spiritual options as well, realizing
that we are choosing, every day, whether to follow the Lord or turn away from
Him. And it is through the pattern of these choices – made day by day, over a
lifetime – that we ultimately choose heaven or hell.
This the real test of education – how we prepare to recognize and handle
the choices that guide our destiny.
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose
life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
And as Joshua put it to his people: “Choose this day whom you will serve;
whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, or
the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
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