Douglas Wilson…
“As we look around at that great squirrel-cage run we call modernity, we see that most of us as moderns belong to a religion called Getting Ahead….True education reform begins in rest; it begins with grace. We cannot hope to be effective in this work unless we get the Gospel straight and, having gotten it straight, rest in the promises given. Contrary to the opinions of our adversaries, education is not a savior. But it can be saved.”
– The Case for Classical Christian Education, p. 30
Hey Ryan, haven’t talked to you in a while. I wanted you to know I’m still around, and trying to get there. We’re seeing progress in this Classical Christian Education. Hope you are too.
Blessings!
Dave Mallinak
Ryan, I am getting sick of seeing this same quote every time I come here. I like douglas Wilson and all but stop being so blazy (blog lazy). Tell us why we should study Greek Mythology. Is it ok to watch rated R movies? you know, controversial stuff that could get you fired. That is what blogs are for.
Joseph,
Cool! I am impressed that you come by enough to notice the disrepair into which I’ve fallen most recently. I have bleen blazy, bland, and just plain blegligent, haven’t I? The last two weeks I have been prepping for five workshops I just gave Thursday and Friday at the MACS conferences…hence the infrequency and lightness (though I won’t apologize for keeping Wilson/education in the forefront). I have at least been updating the books I’m reading.
Regarding topics, you know that I must necessarily be a tame lion. 1) I am a discerning but not a dogmatic personality. I offer my opinion from time to time. More frequently I try to persuade by showing what/how instead of pounding punches and drawing lines in the sand. 2) I am a man under authority and for the sake of the unity (and for the sake perhaps sometimes of keeping my job, yes), cannot be so bold as I sometimes wish to be, especially when it would differ from my pastor’s or church’s position. I’m not afraid to be different and have different emphases, but in speaking my mind I must not allow my style to disjoint the ministry which is bigger than me.
If prompted to the pastorate, as you, then different liberties would be taken.
I know you wrote to egg me on, but others mightn’t.
Hey, Dave.
We need to talk again.
Boanerges,
There are several advantages to studying Greek mythology. From it, we can learn the Greek mindset, and what Paul was dealing with. We can better understand what Paul was saying in his letters. And we can learn where some of those funny names came from. We can see the ultimate hopelessness of worldly philosophy, which will give us a better understanding of the philosophies of our day, especially when we realize that not much has changed in the philosophical world since that day.
Besides, the stories are amusing… like Zeus’ headache.
I’d love to see a Biblical defense of rejecting any study of Greek mythology. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. Would we say that the Apostles didn’t study mythology? Did they blow into town with no background? I doubt it. After all, they weren’t American missionaries.
I would hate to think that a Christian would read Greek Mythology and be persuaded by it. I would hate to think a true Christian wouldn’t see the ridiculous error. But then again, judging by the average Christian school, maybe it is best to keep the kids reading the Sugar Creek Gang and Love Comes Sloppily. SAFE stuff… (Well, Oake is actually pretty dangerous, come to think of it.)
Ryan,
Somehow, I don’t know how to get my name on here so that you can come over and see my blog. My new one, that is… Jackhammer! When’s a good time to call? Or would you like to call me? Week days after 1pm.
Have a great school year.
Dave,
I’ve been to JackHammr. I will see how things settle down this week and maybe try to give you a call.
FYI, Joe is pretty knowledgeable about CCE and is a proponent. He was just trying to provoke me to good works.