of young human beings who are trying to find their way.
Regarding the way children learn, we read that their initial focus is on “the
kinds of thing they see with their eyes that particularly delight them.” (Ibid.
334) We learn further that “…it is as though everything were alive” to them,
(Ibid. 338), and that “they learn by practice to walk, to do things, and to talk –
even their senses, such as sight and hearing, are developed by use.” (Ibid. 331)
The implication here is that engaged students learn the best, and that working
with all their senses in the educational process is wise.
This chapter also reminds us that children are taught by “images suited
to their natures,” leading us to consider what is age or state appropriate. (Ibid.
335) It also reminds us that with children, “nothing has closed these off, as
happens with adults,” meaning there is a refreshing openness and receptivity
about them. We are also reminded that they come into a “gradual awareness of
what is good and true,” (Ibid. 336), meaning that they won’t get it all at once,
and that education is a process.
A couple of other indicators: Children feed on “things that nourish their
minds,” namely, “spiritual food.” (Ibid. 340) The implication is that the food
most appropriate to the maturing spirit is spiritual food from the Lord’s Word.
Angel instructors also help children “gain an identity given by the Lord,” (Ibid.
341), and they foster a kind of selfhood, even inspiring them to react with a
healthy “that isn’t so” at times, so that “that they will not let themselves be led
(eventually) by anyone but by the Lord.” (Ibid. 343)
Even this brief survey of teachings demonstrates the wealth of information
that the Word contains on the art of teaching. The point for our purposes is to
remind ourselves of the range of things that the Lord has chosen to share with
us relating to this precious use. Not only does He describe the use itself, but He
tells us in great detail who should be involved in it, what He asks of them, and
how He advises that they go about it.
So what is New Church education and why should we care? In answer,
we return to the story of the Lord surrounded by little children. Parents had
brought them to Him, th B