The discussion highlights the transformative power of the gospel in education, touching on C.S. Lewis's views on morality in modern schooling. Philosophical and theological insights stress the need for a universal moral compass. Various educational choices for parents are examined, calling for unity among educational frameworks. The impact of faith in teaching and community engagement in reforming education are emphasized. The conversation also addresses educators' emotional challenges and the vital role of hope and purpose in their profession.
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Lewis on Moral Education's Crisis
C.S. Lewis argued modern education separates empirical facts from moral values, deeming morality subjective.
This leads to "men without chests," people lacking virtue because moral education is dismissed as relative.
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The Tao and Universal Morality
Lewis introduced the Tao, akin to natural law, as universal moral understanding across religions.
Education can appeal to this shared moral intuition to teach objective values despite differing faiths.
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Robust Sin Understanding in Education
Robust Christian education requires understanding sin deeply as idolatry, not mere rule-breaking.
Christian teaching must recognize diverse idols like nationalism, pride, and materialism to guide rightly.
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In 'Every Good Endeavor,' Timothy Keller explores the biblical perspectives on work, addressing questions such as the purpose of work, finding meaning in a competitive workplace, and staying true to one's values while advancing in a career. The book is divided into three parts: God's plan for work, our problems with work, and the Gospel and work. Keller emphasizes that work is a gift from God and should be approached with excellence, integrity, discipline, creativity, and passion as acts of worship. He also highlights the importance of understanding work through a Christian worldview, which can provide a foundation for a thriving professional and balanced personal life.
The abolition of man
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis[2][4][5].
After Virtue
Alistair McIntyre
Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.
Some of you may know I was actually a teacher at graduate school seminary for five years. Then I said, “Get me back in the ministry,” where there is no grading papers and no one knows whether people are learning or not. But the gospel changes everything . . . even education.
We’re looking now at the what’s, why’s and how to’s of education reform from a Christian perspective.
To consider a gospel-centered view of education reform, 1) I’ll share two thoughts from C.S. Lewis, and 2) I’ll be joined by a panel of educators for a question-and-answer time.
This talk and Q&A was given by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 5, 2004. Series: Redeemer InterArts Fellowship.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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