True Revolution and Education
We live in a revolutionary age. Radial wokesters are tearing up the foundations of our civilization. We can be tempted to despair, or to fight fire with fire. But, long-term cultural change tomorrow always comes from the patient and slow work we do today. The radical progressives have been at this for a long time. They were able to capture the American public schools in the early 1900s. We won’t undo the damage by electing the right person as president. One of the most radical things we can do now is to take our kids out of the public indoctrination centers and give them a classical Christian education. For many, that will mean homeschooling. In his latest book, On Being Civilized, Tracy Lee Simmons argues that homeschooling is really about saving civilization.
Simmons admits that he used to be a skeptic about homeschooling. But he’s changed his mind: “Now I believe that upon homeschoolers—and upon those better schools educating classically—might well depend the very survival of our country, and, yes, of our civilization too. Upon it the survival of our children almost certainly depends. Where once I would have looked out upon a crowd of homeschoolers and seen loving, intelligent parents just doing their best for their children, now I see warriors holding the line amid the noise and smoke sent up from a besieged culture” (On Being Civilized, 5-6).
In First Things, Jewish commentator Liel Leibovitz argues that true revolution requires teaching children in a certain way. Leibovitz contrasts radical, man-centered revolution with Biblical “revolution” and points out that Exodus gives us a very different picture of revolution:
“The Israelites do not, like the French in 1789 of the Egyptians in 2011, take to the streets to celebrate their triumph. Instead, they’re commanded to retreat to the Great Indoors and enjoy a very private meal, the main purpose of which is to tell (and retell) to their children the story of their miraculous triumph.
Which, if you think about it, is strange.”
“It is the way of the world,’“ wrote the late Israeli rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria, “that in times of revolutions and grand, sweeping changes, everyone is swept outside, and personal matters are pushed to the wayside and family life gets no attention because no one believes this is the right time to invest in the home.” But the Exodus, he continued, moves in the opposite direction. God’s people are called to “this first family feast of liberation and regenration.”
Leibovitz concludes: “Revolutions that skulk in the streets have a way of dying nasty deaths. Revolutions that focus on teaching children right from wrong go on forever” (“How to Revolt,” First Things, March 2024, 17).
John Chrysostom on Redneck Wisom
The 4th century pastor and church father John Chrysostom’s had a unique ability to connect with his audience. Here he is on why blue collar workers have no excuse to not get involved in the life and ministry of the church:
And do not, because thou art an artisan, suppose that this sort of exercise is out of your province; for even Paul was a tent-maker … Let no one, therefore, of those who have trades be ashamed; but those, who are brought up to nothing and are idle, who employ many attendants, and are served by an immense retinue. For to be supported by continual hard work is a sort of asceticism … The souls of such men are clearer, and their minds better strung.
Those who work with their hands have nothing to be ashamed of. Just like the Apostle Paul, they provide valuable services to others. In many ways, they are better off than the rich and lazy folks who have a servant for every bodily function. Blue collar workers tend to be more in touch with reality, partly because they are physically “in touch” with reality every day! He continues:
For the man who has nothing to do is apter to say many things at random, and do many things at random; and he is busy all day long about nothing, a huge lethargy taking him up entirely. But he that is employed [working with his hands] will not lightly entertain in himself any thing useless, in deeds, in words, or in thoughts; for his whole soul is altogether intent upon his laborious way of livelihood. Let us not therefore despise those who support themselves by the labor of their own hands; but let us rather call them happy on this account. For tell me, what thanks are due you, when after having received your portion [of wealth] from your father, you do not pursue a calling, but lavis away the whole of it at random? Do you not know that we shall not all have to render the same account, but those who have enjoyed greater licence here [in this life] a more exact one; those who were afflicted with labor, or poverty, or any thing else of this kind, one not so severe? And this is plain from Lazarus and the rich man. For as you, for neglecting the right use of the leisure, are justly accused; so the poor man, who having full employment, spent his remnant of time upon right objects, great will be the crowns which he shall receive. But you urge that a soldier’s duties should at least excuse you—and you charge them with your lack of leisure? The excuse cannot be founded in reason. For Cornelius was a centurion, yet in no way did the soldier’s belt impair his strict rule of life. But you, when you are keeping holiday with dancers and players, and making entire waste of your life upon the stage, never think of excusing yourself from such engagements by the necessity of military service or the fear of rulers: but when it is the Church to which we call you, then occur these endless impediments (Chrysostom: Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, vol. 2, p. 28, my modernization).
We are living in moment where there are too many blue collar jobs, and not enough workers willing to get their hands dirty. Everyone wants a nice and cushy computer job, but toilets still need to be fixed. These days, plumbers are making a killing!
The cultural elites tend to be out of touch with reality, and out of touch with the large numbers of Americans who still live in rural areas, the rednecks, and the blue collar workers. The pent-up anger and frustration of these workers is part of what fuels the Trump phenomenon.
John Chrysostom reminds us that neither wealth or poverty give us an excuse to not follow God’s commandments. Both blue and white collar workers must bow the knee in submission to King Jesus. Our occupation can never replace our ultimate Calling, which is to love and serve God first, while loving and serving others as well (Matthew 22:36-40).
The current need for skilled workers in the trades presents an opportunity for Christians. For those who are willing to work hard, there’s money to be made and perhaps entire segments of the economy to be taken over by Christians who should be known by their “good works,” including their righteous business practices. It doesn’t take much. I have a friend who started a painting company and clients are shocked when he shows up on time! In a lazy and entitled culture, hard-working Christians will shine like stars in a dark night (Philippians 2:15).
Whether you are homeschooling, working with your hands, or writing computer code, the value of education goes far beyond paychecks, resumes, and retirement. Education is the process of training children for a lifetime of service to God and to others. This perspective is truly revolutionary.
Gregory Soderberg Ph.D., teaches and mentors students of all ages at Kepler Education, the BibleMesh Institute, and Redemption Seminary. He writes at gregorysoderberg.substack.com.
