[The decline in the public education system did not begin yesterday. These paragraphs are excerpted from a book published more than 60 years ago. The difference today is that most people accept this as normal – they don’t remember a time when things were different. First posted seven years ago.] Is it possible that this timidity, this … Continue reading Illiteracy in Elementary and Secondary Schools
illiteracy
Am I a soldier of the cross?
“Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof” (Judges 3:1-2). … Continue reading Am I a soldier of the cross?
The first step in keeping your child out of prison
Teach him to read. Maybe this sounds overly simplistic, but a young adult who is illiterate is unqualified for all but the most menial jobs. You can't even work at McDonald's if you can't read the job instructions or the words on the screen of the till. 96% of the available jobs are out of … Continue reading The first step in keeping your child out of prison
Josiah Henson learns to read
It so happened that one of my Maryland friends arrived in this neighbourhood, and hearing of my being here, inquired if I ever preached now. I had said nothing myself, and had not intended to say any thing, of my having ever officiated in that way. I went to meeting with others, when I had … Continue reading Josiah Henson learns to read
I’m on my way to the freedom land
As a slave, Josiah Henson received no formal education and did not learn to read and write. As is typical of people from oral cultures, he had a prodigious memory and could remember every Bible verse he ever heard. He was ordained to the ministry in the Methodist Church while still a slave, serving mostly … Continue reading I’m on my way to the freedom land
The evidence is clear – and it’s being willfully ignored
The joys of English
Earlier this week, the sisters of our congregation had their last sewing day of the winter season. Why is sewing pronounced so-ing and not soo-ing? There is a word in the AV (KJV) Bible that is spelled shew. A lot of people pronounce it shoo, when it really should be sho; it’s just an old-fashioned … Continue reading The joys of English