The nature of true education has long been a favorite topic of discussion among writers, educators, and philosophers. Faced with the crises of an atomic age, present-day teachers have realized that factual education is not sufficient. Men must learn to live together and work out their differences harmoniously. Thoughtful teachers are becoming aware that in order to achieve these purposes, education must be scientifically spiritual.
This new-old concept of education based on spiritual values was best illustrated by the teachings of Christ Jesus, who was the most effective educator the world has ever known. His words have swept down the centuries with irresistible momentum to bring inspiration and hope to mankind. Through the revelation of Christian Science the spiritual interpretation of his words and works has been given to the world for humanity's deliverance from mortality.
Mary Baker Eddy gives us many significant passages regarding education. For example, she emphasizes the practical application essential to true education in her statement in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 252), "The entire purpose of true education is to make one not only know the truth but live it— to make one enjoy doing right, make one not work in the sunshine and run away in the storm, but work midst clouds of wrong, injustice, envy, hate; and wait on God, the strong deliverer, who will reward righteousness and punish iniquity."
