There is a difference between education and schooling. Let me explain.
Schooling means taking part in the necessary courses offered by an official institution of learning during a designated phase of time.
Education is an individual endeavor to expand your understanding, develop your intelligence and refine critical thinking.
Schooling has an expiration date. Once the semester ends and the graduation caps are thrown, your schooling becomes a past tense that exists on your resume.
Education is a constant practice driven by curiosity and a desire to know more.
I am the product of Adventist education, yet until my junior year of college, I had never stepped foot in an Adventist school. I had been homeschooled since first grade and attended a local community college for my first two years before transferring to Southern Adventist University. However, I can confidently say that from grade school through college, I received an Adventist education.
My mom — my primary teacher — was diligent in introducing us to a spectrum of information. She helped us to develop and challenge our worldview, and she taught us how to research information. My sister and I were encouraged to pursue our curiosity to expand our intelligence, whether spiritual, emotional or academic.
Over time and through different conversations, I’ve come to discover that Adventist education requires a broader definition. As students of the Bible and disciples of God, we are called to constantly be in pursuit of understanding. Our conversations surrounding this topic must include our exploration of history, art, philosophy and science through the lens of our faith and vice versa.
To truly appreciate the Bible, we must learn about the laws of its time, the geography that provides the setting for the story, and the sociopolitical context that gives a framework to the scriptures. This is an education, and it has no expiration date.
My 101-year-old grandfather, for example, still spends his days in his library, reading books, articles and theological studies about topics spanning from new technology to social justice.
There is value to reshaping our perspective on what constitutes education to posture ourselves toward reaching our full potential and adopting practices that allow us to be better disciples.
First, learning new things requires humility and an open mind. Learning means admitting we don’t know everything and would like to know more. By adopting this heart posture, we are leaving room for God to inform us without pride or arrogance.
Secondly, educating ourselves on different cultures, philosophies and history allows us to develop empathy for the people around us. When we understand other perspectives and the foundation of our worldview, we feel more inclined to connect with the people around us as Christ did.
Finally, adopting this new lens deepens our appreciation for God. The more we learn about the universe, biology and nature, the more we see the fingerprints of God and have evidence of His practical majesty, strengthening our faith.
Celebrating education is permitting ourselves to indulge our academic curiosity. It's a never-ending journey that enriches our lives, broadens our perspective and anchors our faith.
