What happened to the Absolute Truths in our world?

Our nation today struggles to educate its youth¹ https://www.theedadvocate.org/10-reasons-the-u-s-education-system-is-failing/.  State and private schools struggle to produce graduates who understand our nation’s government, know the fundamentals of life, such as budgeting or can demonstrate skills that make them employable. Many colleges are undergoing widespread unrest. Increases in costs are leaving students in untenable debt. Graduates find that their learnings have not prepared them for future technologies and needs of our nation.

Reverend Thomas Reid (1710–1796), a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, is known for his philosophy of the “Scottish School of Common Sense”. He believed that both human behavior and the use of language provide overwhelming evidence to support truths such as the existence of a material world and the retention of personal identity amidst continuous change. Reid’s philosophy valued intuition and common sense, encouraged critical thinking, and promoted understanding of the world as it is experienced in everyday life.

Benjamin Franklin was a significant figure who was influenced by Reid’s empirical approach. Franklin was a disciple of John Gregory, who was Thomas Reid’s cousin and a member of Reid’s “Wise Club.” Franklin’s commitment to practical wisdom, self-improvement, and public education helped create our great nation. Others, like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, would also benefit from the principles of Reid’s common sense philosophy. Yet in the last several hundred years, this proven approach to education has morphed into a failing system. What happened?

In the context of education, discernment, and wisdom are important for learning and teaching. This implies that education should not only impart knowledge but also foster the development of practical wisdom and sound judgment.  Our nation’s first colleges established in the American colonies intended to train ministers and were heavily influenced by religious beliefs.  They also set out to teach the advancement of all good literature, arts, and sciences and the education of both English and Indian Youth “in knowledge: and godliness.” These goals applied to colleges like Harvard College, the College of William and Mary, Yale, and Princeton.  Over time, these schools evolved to become comprehensive universities offering a wide range of academic disciplines intended to provide a well-rounded education, including but not limited to religious studies.

What went wrong? Is it technology, or the lack of human interaction in education? Could it be a lack of diversity in thought and opinion? Reverend Reid strongly felt that to understand the Natural Laws of our universe, students needed to be taught to reason, solve problems, and recognize revelations from our Creator. Aimee Arrambide, the executive director of the abortion rights nonprofit “Avow Texas” testified before the House Judiciary Committee on May 18, 2022. During her testimony, she stated that she believes men can become pregnant and have abortions. This is not unique. We now have little or no oversight as to exactly what our youth are being taught as science in our schools. If that is the problem, what would God tell us the solution is? 

Common Sense

Beginning with Solomon’s wisdom, Proverbs²NIV New International Version Translations states, “My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them” (Proverbs 3:21). This verse emphasizes the importance of common sense and discernment, which can be interpreted as a call for practical wisdom in education. Proverbs 10:21 states, “The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” This verse suggests that common sense is crucial for success and survival in the world. Here are a few samples found in God’s Word to guide humanity as it struggles to educate its generations.

Mathematics

 “As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17 ). This verse suggests that God values knowledge and wisdom, which includes mathematical understanding. Luke 14:28 tells us, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” This verse highlights the importance of planning, budgeting, and calculation. Genesis 6:15–16 gives specific measurements for the construction of Noah’s Ark, indicating the importance of accurate measurements. Psalm 90:12 suggests that we number our days, suggesting the importance of counting and understanding the value of time.

Morality

Young people are encouraged to be role models in their behavior and faith. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 ). Proverbs 1:8–9 states, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” This verse emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in teaching morality. The teaching of morality should not be outsourced! Teaching morality to youth is the responsibility of parents and elders, and it should be grounded in the teachings of the Bible.

History

Psalm 78:2-4 states, “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” This emphasizes the importance of passing down stories and lessons from past generations. The importance of remembering and teaching about significant historical events is highlighted in Deuteronomy 4:9–10. “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’”

Gender

The Bible acknowledges the existence of two genders, emphasizing the spiritual equality of both. “So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Deuteronomy 22:5 adds, “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.“

 Winners and losers

The importance of winning or losing is often viewed in terms of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and glorifying God, rather than worldly success or failure. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Solomon emphasizes the importance of community and helping each other, rather than focusing on individual victory or defeat, “Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone?”  Matthew 5:16 tells us, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew suggests that the ultimate “win” is glorifying God through good works, rather than achieving personal success. The importance of winning or losing should be viewed in terms of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and glorifying God, rather than worldly success or failure. Participation trophies do not count!

Reality or Fantasy

The Bible encourages us to focus on reality, truth, and spiritual wisdom rather than illusions or fantasies. Ecclesiastes 5:7 tells us, “But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk There’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!” We are cautioned against illusions and fantasies, emphasizing the importance of fearing God, who exists in our real world, not a virtual world. Our Apostle Paul encourages focusing on what is true and real. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). God’s word can help us discern our thoughts and intentions and reinforce the importance of aligning our thoughts with reality. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Language

Our Bible cautions against using language in a way that confuses or misleads others, especially those who are young or impressionable. The trick is an old one. In (Genesis 11:7),  we read, “Come, let Us go down and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” There is a special warning to those who teach: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Those who teach, especially to the youth, have a responsibility to provide clear and truthful instruction. Ephesians 4:14 gives the students a warning too. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” This verse warns against being too easily swayed by deceptive teachings, which could include confusing or misleading language. Thomas Reid called the best protection, “Common Sense.”

Conclusion

What we are witnessing is the dissolution of societal absolutes. We live in a state of ethical relativism, where no absolute moral truth exists. What is morally right or wrong varies from person to person or differs from one society to another. Morality has become subjective and varies greatly among individuals. We have confusion and disagreement about what is morally and socially acceptable. Right and wrong change based on personal experience or cultural consensus. Actions that cause harm to others become justified. Without universal moral and societal standards, those in power impose their moral standards on others, causing oppression and injustice. Therefore, you will have little hope of teaching morality to the younger generation if there are no fixed standards to base moral education on.

Contemplations

• Do you know what your children are learning?
  • Ideas to Explore: God lays the responsibility of educating children upon the parents.
• Do you know what your children have already learned?
  • Ideas to Explore: Parents, grandparents, siblings, and family now hold the only hope for our society.
• What would you add to education to ensure that our world does not lose sight of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: We all have opinions. However, when good people fail to act and protect the upcoming generations, the risks to those generations are eternal.