The Closing of the American Heart: What's Really Wrong With America's Schools

by Ronald H. Nash

Criticizes the current American school system, offers a Christian perspective on education, and suggests ways to improve our schools

Genres: Education, Philosophy, Cultural

235 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

Ronald H. Nash (PhD, Syracuse University) was a longtime professor at Western Kentucky University, Reformed Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He was an heir of the theological tradition of Carl F.H. Henry, and was an lifelong admirer and student of Augustine of Hippo, his favorite philosopher.

He was the author of numerous books, including The Concept of God, Life's Ultimate Questions, and Faith and Reason.

Reviews

[John Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.C. Sproul endorsed this book in 1990.

Helpful topics covered: secular humanism, secularist Rousseau, secularist John Dewey, Unitarian Horace Mann, Nietzsche's faith in science, the National Education Association, bureaucracy's contribution to waste and inefficiency, illiteracy, teacher certification, tax vouchers, Marxism among university professors, and state control.

Nash's proposed solutions to education: 1) protecting and investing in the family as an institution 2) student motivation and preparation 3) local control of schools instead of distant bureacratic control of schools 4) parental choice as quality control.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raises some good points, and...the West did not listen.