A modern K-12 education is necessary for a high school diploma, which is necessary for a good start in adult life. That education, however, is not sufficient preparation for the Christian life. In better times, this was understood and classical Catholic education was held in honor.
Christians living in the 21st century, who have not enjoyed the benefits of this education might wonder, “What exactly are the benefits sought through classical Catholic studies?”
Thinking through the curriculum, I offer the following list:
- to be able to read fluently and with comprehension in Latin, Greek and one’s native language;
- to be able to speak clearly, with good expression in one’s native language;
- to be able to write clearly to allow for effective written communication with others;
- to be able to order one’s own ideas according to truth;
- to be able to produce sound arguments and prove the truth of them;
- to be able to detect and explain the errors of false arguments;
- to be able to share ideas and feelings effectively with others,
- to be able to discern the available means of persuasion in any circumstances;
- to be able to read and truly interpret the writing of others in all forms;
- to be able to understand the nature of absolute multitude (number);
- to be able to understand the nature of relative multitude;
- to be able to read and perform music;
- to be able to understand the nature of magnitude at rest;
- to be able to contemplate the nature of magnitude in motion;
- to be able to employ the knowledge of the seven classical liberal arts in the pursuit of wisdom;
- to be able to discern the order present in the natural world;
- to be able to order my will to true happiness;
- to be able to know the causes of things;
- to be properly disposed to receive the grace of God necessary for salvation;
- to be able to understand the substance of sacred doctrine;
- to be able to know and/or discern God’s will in all things.
While I am sure that other objectives may be thought of in addition to these, we have a good summary of the benefits of the classical Catholic education enjoyed by wise men and saints. When we consider this list, we can see that modern K-12 education does not even pretend to serve these ends.
Thus, I will conclude with the following argument:
- All Christians need an education that serves the ends listed above.
- Modern K-12 education does not serve the ends listed above.
- Therefore, all Christians need more than a modern K-12 education.
Furthermore,
- That education which offers the benefits listed above is the ideal form of education for Christians.
- Classical Catholic education offers the benefits listed above.
- Classical Catholic education is the ideal form of education for Christians.
Thankfully, we offer students the opportunity to pursue both a classical Catholic education and a modern K-12 education in the CLAA.
If you would like to learn how to pursue this education for yourself or provide your children with the opportunity to do so, I am happy to help you do so. Please contact me and introduce yourself, or schedule a free consultation.
God bless your studies,
