"Why do we have to learn this?"

by Kelly Knowlden

This is a great question! It gives us a chance to combat the “hollow and deceptive philosophies” touted by our culture. Think of it this way: if there had been no sin, how would people think about education? Would it be drudgery, or would all people instead see life as too short to understand how the world works? [Even if they lived forever!]

In our utilitarian society, man has decided that if something is not useful immediately, then it is not pursued or becomes thrown away. Likewise, in education, the usefulness of a specific subject has become the measure of its worth. Gone is the brain-stretching inquisitiveness that pursues all avenues of thought simply because God has given us this world to explore and rule. Gone are the standards of education that holds open all doors to knowledge as long as possible before devoting oneself to a specific academic pursuit.

Now add to that hollow philosophy the deceptive whispers to men’s souls that THEY must determine whether something is useful. If each student is trying to determine the worth of what is studied, you can imagine the curriculum they would pick!

Our ability to hold out for students the wonder of God’s world, the delight in learning as much as possible about it and emphasizing that NOW is their opportunity to learn, will fortify their souls against the cultural shouts of “What use will this be to me?” and “Why do I have to learn this?”