Childhood and education
Wendy Pattinson shares a concern on the effect that changes have had on children
Many Friends have become very concerned about what’s happening in education. In deciding how to respond, I believe we need to consider what we want for children. What do we want schools to do and how should they relate to families and the rest of society? What is the spiritual and cultural basis for education? Childhood In Mark’s gospel, Jesus says, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’ He goes on to say, ‘…anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ This passage, dear to many Christians, presents children as being very close to God. Childhood then, is to be valued and protected. While children learn from the adults nearest to them, their parents and community, so those adults are called to be respectful of them as children.
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.