Education From the Early Church Fathers

During the first centuries, all education related toPupils must be taught to investigate for
the interests of the church. The monasteriesthemselves.o The teacher must seek to correct
were the sole centers of learning until thebad habits, as well as give instruction.
crusades brought new life to education. SchoolsBasil the Great (329-379)
and universities were then established. EventuallyBasil urged the use of classic literature. He also
the Teutonic peoples (Germans, Anglo-Saxons,said that:o Punishment should be an exercise in
Scandinavians) began to play a bigger part inself-command to help to correct the fault-if a child
education. The Catechumen schools forhas been quarrelsome, give him solitude and
adults--and later for children--first taught peoplefasting.o The Bible should be the chief textbook.o
about their new faith; they later added readingGood habits and right precepts should be taught
and writing. Previous to this, instruction was givenwhile children are young.
by tutors or parents in homes, or in paganChrysostom (347-407)
schools. Reading, writing, Scripture and PsalmsEducated in pagan schools, Chrysostom, an
were taught first at Odessa's Christian Commoneloquent educator, kept true to the faith of his
School at the close of the second century.devout Christian mother. He believed:o The
Clement of Alexandria (150-220)o Faith is theteacher should lower himself to the capacity of
cornerstone of knowledge.o Mosaic law andthe pupils in order to elevate them.o The teacher
heathen philosophy both prepared the way formust not do for the pupils what they can do for
Christianity, which is the fulfillment of law andthemselves.o Teachers and parents must be the
philosophy.o He sought to harmonize philosophyexample of Christ. This is the foundation.o
and religion.Mothers are the natural educators of children.o
Origen (186-253)o Never teach pupils anythingReligious instruction is an essential factor of school
that you do not yourself practice.o The end ofwork.
education is to grow into the likeness of God.o