Purpose Of A Public Education

In this battle for the minds and souls of our children, it's helpful for us to examine what a good public education should be.  With over 85 % of America's children educated in public schools, the philosophy of education determines what our country becomes.  Do we really like what we see in our country today?  The morally debased and depraved world that we see in the t.v., movies, music, and social media is the product of what has been taught in our secular schools for several generations now. It's the "new normal."  Although mature adults avoid most of it, it's the daily diet and total world for most young people now.  The Common Core/College and Career Readiness curriculum cements the secular education with the goal of low level job training in a global system. Our children deserve better.  Much better.

What is the real purpose of a public education?  William Samuel Johnson, president of Columbia University, said to the first graduating class after the War for Independence:

You have...received a public education, the purpose whereof hath been to qualify you the better to serve your Creator and your country...Your first great duties...are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer.  Let these be ever present to your minds and exemplified in your lives and conduct.

Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety toward God, and a reverence and fear of His holy name.  The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and its consummation is everlasting felicity...Remember, too, that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God.  Adore Jehovah, therefore, as your God and you Judge.  Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Acquaint yourselves with Him in His Word and holy ordinances.  

Make Him your friend and protector and your felicity is secured both here and hereafter.  And with respect to particular duties to Him, it is your happiness that you are well assured that he best serves his Maker, who does most good to his country and to mankind. 

The knowledge of God and His Word was the foundation of education that unleashed the genius of mankind to the world - that with less than 5% of the world's population, the United States created over 95% of the world's wealth with freedom and opportunity for all!  Now THAT was good public education!