Biblijski pogledi, Vol. 32 No. 1, 2024.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Ellen G. White on the Value and Purpose of Academic Education
Matija Kovačević
orcid.org/0000-0001-8590-3038
; Adventističko teološko visoko učilište, Maruševec, Hrvatska
Sažetak
This article analyzes Ellen G. White’s views on academic education in the context of the development of Adventist schooling and her predictions regarding future educational needs. Although some of her statements have been used to justify anti-intellectual attitudes, the author demonstrates that they should be understood within the specific historical circumstances of the initially misguided curricular direction of the first Adventist educational institution, Battle Creek College, which in its first two decades failed to implement her counsel for holistic education—one that includes the Bible as its foundation and, alongside intellectual, also physical training. Aside from those critiques, White had a strongly positive view of academic education, provided that God and His purpose for the life of the academically trained individual are not forgotten. Her enthusiasm for academic education is also evident in her most famous work, The Great Controversy, where she consistently and in strong terms praises the academic achievements of faithful Reformers. She placed special importance on educating Adventist youth for the purpose of reaching highly educated classes but also emphasized the need for more thorough education of all Adventists as society's overall education level increased—hence her acceptance of the move toward accreditation of Adventist institutions. According to Ellen G. White, Adventist identity and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive but instead—as in biblical examples like Daniel and his friends—together build men and women who glorify God through both their moral lives and intellectual achievements.
Ključne riječi
Ellen G. White; academic education; Adventist education; Battle Creek College; Reformation
Hrčak ID:
331464
URI
Datum izdavanja:
30.5.2025.
Posjeta: 995 *