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May 2007 Issue
As we consider the history of
education in America we may be surprised to realize what religion has done for the great institutions of the country and the world. The following is from a talk given by Hugh B. Brown at a Brigham Young University graduation ceremony.
“Pericles founded his civilization upon common culture, and it failed. Caesar founded his civilization upon law, and it failed. Alexander founded his civilization upon power, and it also failed. Our forefathers knew that a civilization founded on any basis other than true religion and education would be inadequate and would leave only an artificial structure.
“Twenty-three of the first twenty-four universities built in America were built by religious organizations. For the first 150 years in America, churches provided funding for the majority of institutions of higher learning. From these halls came leaders of thought and
champions of liberty that made our republic possible.
“All but 8 of the 55 signers of the Declaration of independence, and the majority of those that signed the Constitution expressed the impossibility of establishing a successful educational institution without the influence of religion- and made financial donations to back their opinions.
“Thomas Jefferson declared that people cannot be ignorant and free. He said that the founding of the religious-based University of Virginia was the crowning achievement of his life. Benjamin Franklin rejoiced that he was the founder of the religious-based University of Pennsylvania. George Washington gave over $50,000 for the founding of Washington and Lee Universities, and carried great pride in doing so. Leaders of church and state are the products of schools begun by orthodox Christianity.”
What does this mean for us today? In our modern world, college is too late to begin religious-based education. Students must have the influence of the spirit in their education from the moment they start kindergarten. One school in the Las Vegas valley, American Heritage Academy, provides quality education with a strong religious base.
Centering curriculum on the seven principles of foundational Christianity, American Heritage offers well rounded classes taught with an LDS perspective.
Anchoring an education in religion does not imply that academics are set aside: quite the opposite. Students at American Heritage learn all of the core subjects while enjoying additional classes in art and music appreciation, physical education, and theater.
American Heritage students have the opportunity to participate in two theatrical productions each year, science fairs, Sock Hops, and other fun events. All this while learning to recognize the influence of the spirit in their education and basing learning on the principles of Christ.
The founding fathers had great individual and collective accomplishments. But it is interesting to note that as presidents, authors, world-renowned orators, and founders of the greatest nation ever established on the earth, these men were most proud of their contributions to religious-based education. The founder of American Heritage Academy followed the example of these great American leaders and established a strong institution of religious-based education.
American Heritage Academy offers Kindergarten through Eighth grade classes and is currently accepting applications for the 2007-2008 school year. To learn more, please contact the school at (702) 949-5614 or visit our website at www.americanheritagelv.org.
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