Education

by Ellen Gould White

8vo size hardcover

Genres: Education, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Faith

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1903

About the author

In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman KNOWS TRUE Education!

[Lynde Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every aspiring educator, parent or anyone who cares for the youth should read this book.
This will surely open you to the real goal of education, and that is bringing your students back to the loving arms of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Read the book and understand education in its deepest and truest form.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was.... educational!! These books always give more than the topic at hand and I want to give it a second read to take more in-depth notes. This book has been recommended to me for years and I can see why. If you're a parent, teacher, or leader then this book is a must in your library!

[Ícaro de Brito Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenho mais críticas à edição do que ao conteúdo. Este aqui é um livro datado cuja leitura anacrônica pode ser perigosa. Muitas das colocações de Ellen White são pertinentes ao seu tempo e ao seu lugar, mas não contemplam a realidade do Brasil no séc XXI (e nem tinha como!). Um prefácio que promete um tratado atemporal de educação faz um grande desserviço ao leitor desavisado e desconhecedor do contexto no qual a autora vivia.

Agora falando do conteúdo. Ellen White tem posições que podem ser consideradas muito progressistas. A importância da educação física, o mal que esta educação "industrializada" traz, o envolvimento do professor com o aluno... Tem muita coisa boa aqui e ali. Mas, como de se esperar de um livro escrito há mais de um século, nenhuma dessas coisas é novidade.

De qualquer maneira, dificilmente é um livro que poderia ser usado para guiar a educação de uma maneira geral. Em diversas partes, parece mais um Tratado Teológico Adventista do Sétimo Dia do que um livro sobre educação. Por ter uma vivência de 22 anos na igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia, posso afirmar que forçar o texto bíblico a se aplicar a tudo quanto é área é um erro. A gente acaba atentando contra o Estado Laico e contra a Liberdade Religiosa. Aqui não é os EUA do Século XIX. isso não pode ser admitido.

O maior valor do livro está em poder conhecer o zeitgeist da época e conhecer as ideias de Ellen White. Creio, porém, de que isso só seja interessante para adventistas do sétimo dia e pessoas interessadas nesta comunidade religiosa em especial. Apesar disso, uma leitura dogmática seria também extremamente perigosa — e, infelizmente, o cristianismo é dogmático pra caramba (o que o levou a corroborar historicamente com racismo, xenofobia, colonialismo, todos os tipos de discriminação contra a sexualidade das pessoas... é tenso). Mas, para quem gosta de invocar os escritos de uma das fundadoras desta denominação religiosa (quase um culto à personalidade), seria interessante a leitura. Fica bem claro o quanto não tem NADA A VER! E acho que (paradoxalmente) traria algum avanço para uma comunidade que insiste em ser tão retrógrada.

Para quem nada quer ter a ver com a IASD ou Cristianismo.. Dificilmente terá algum ganho com este livro aqui. Porém, tem um trecho que vale a pena ser reproduzido e lido por todo e qualquer cristão se vitimizando por causa das críticas.

"O fato de que o ensino das Escrituras não tem maior efeito sobre a juventude, é devido a que tantos pais e mestres professem crer na Palavra de Deus, enquanto sua vida nega o poder dela. As vezes os jovens são levados a sentir o poder da Palavra. Veem a preciosidade do amor de Cristo. Veem a beleza de Seu caráter, as possibilidades de uma vida dada a Seu serviço. Mas, em contraste, veem eles a vida dos que proessam reverenciar os preceitos de Deus."

É, ela foi muito feliz nesta colocação. O problema do cristianismo tá aí. Muito bonito discursos de Deus, Amor, Justiça e etc. Mas na prática a gente vê controle social biopolítico (num sentido violento mesmo) ao ditar o que é pecado, o que não é (e pecadores são "escória). E entao já vemos discurso de ódio. segregação, e.... Já chegamos na injustiça social, não é? É aqui que qualquer argumento bíblico para a Educação cai por terra. Na prática as pessoas "seguidoras" da bíblia são as que mais trazem males à sociedade.

Seria positivo que os cristãos prestassem atenção nisso. Em vez de se condoerem com "é o Diabo perseguindo o povo de Deus" ou sei lá o quê, ouvirem e enxergarem a dor das pessoas que sofrem, reconhecer sua parte neste processo, e mudar — mesmo (e talvez até principalmente) que a mudança os leve a um estilo de vida que a sociedade não reconheça mais como "cristão".

[Bailley Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! One cannot fully comprehend what we may become in Jesus Christ. It is truly astonishing to consider how far we have strayed from Gods plan for Christian education but it is equally as inspiring to seek to honor Him today in our schools of learning. May God help us bring about true and lasting revival and reformation.

[Gary Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far-reaching words from an inspired author about the holistic education that our children need. It draws parallels from the Holy Bible to remind us that our contemporary best interest can be found in the ancient foundations of our existence.

[Ana Margarida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[J. Boo]

Ellen White was a very influential early leader of the Seventh Day Adventist church. A prolific writer, "Education", pub 1903, still guides Seventh Day Adventist schools -- the second largest private Christian school system, behind only that of the Catholic Church.

I believe the earlier Fundamentals of Christian Education is her other major work on the subject (possibly a compilation?)

[Reby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! Education is today a very important issue and parents should pay attention to all that surrounds their children.Many things that we see as good or without imminent danger hide serious and dip problems.Children minds are very sensitive to everything around them and we all should be aware of the influence we have on one another.Read it! You won't be sorry. Is good for those who don't have experience in parenting.And tell me what you think of it!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I expected. After all, how could a book written in 1903 have any bearing on education in 2016? Shockingly more than I thought. While there's a lot that isn't applicable to today's educational context, White does touch on topics that we now call differentiated instruction, standards-based grading, and the importance of physical education. While I disagree with a lot of what she has to say about literature this wasn't a complete waste of time.

[Justin Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I expected. After all, how could a book written in 1903 have any bearing on education in 2016? Shockingly more than I thought. While there's a lot that isn't applicable to today's educational context, White does touch on topics that we now call differentiated instruction, standards-based grading, and the importance of physical education. While I disagree with a lot of what she has to say about literature this wasn't a complete waste of time.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! I wish I had read this book five years ago! So many more things would have made sense WHILE I was going through them. The range of content covered in this book is remarkable! Topics covered range from the Bible, business, diet & science. Education provides food for the mind, body and soul. Will be re-visiting this book frequently.

[Joel]

I consider it the best writing to youth of today.

[Marc Rasell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lectura obligada para todo aquel líder o maestro que quiera servir de la mejor manera, sin limitarse a la educación del mundo.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Wish I had read it 21 years ago :)

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen White's writing oozes intelligence. Every other sentence is a brilliant quote. I love it.

[Tyler Hetland · Rating 4 out of 5]

So insightful across all aspects of life. EGW paints another masterpiece and connects the strings that you wouldn't think had any kind of similarity. Recommended for those who may need some guidance or a starting point in one or more aspects of your life towards a more spiritual relationship with God.

[Simdumise Poswa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the philosophy of Christian Education. It promotes an educational philosophy that covers the entire being, body, mind, heart, spirit, and social. It looks at education not only as it relates to time but also to eternity. Anyone who is interested in gaining an in depth knowledge of Christian Education would be benefited by this book.

[Dayane Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

O livro "Educação" é um dos meus favoritos, pela sua riqueza de ensinamentos. Ele mostra que o aprendizado não se limita apenas à academia, mas é um sinônimo de redenção. O livro aborda diferentes épocas em que os compêndios divinos da educação (natureza, palavra de Deus, experiência de vida e trabalho útil) foram aplicados e como podemos aplicá-los em nossas próprias vidas. Super recomendo :)

[Shaun Macheka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful message written in such a short book and way ahead of its time if you consider when it was written. All books by Ellen continue to show the wisdom which she had as she wrote and that God was leading her.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Simple, to the point chapters. I loved how they brought the word into every area of life and gave biblical examples on how to learn those areas of education through the word.

[Eric Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hypergraphia plagiarism due to temporal lobe epilepsy

[Canny Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second-best book ever read from Sister White!

[Lorena Contreraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Truly full of knowledge.

[Kineta Blackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see some things mentioned implemented in the system.

[Farouq Ssenabulya. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best. The best. Indeed the true Education.

[Mihaela Marin]

👏

[Audrey Campbell]

I have read and reread this over the years. I used the copy that I had in college in a class Dr. Ken Kennedy taught. It was fun and interesting to see my notes in the margins from that class. A few times during the reading, I stopped and took notes that will help me as I am teaching now.

One thing I noticed that I had not noticed before is that Ellen White - in the chapter titled "Discipline" - notes that students should help create the school/classroom rules (as much as possible). By doing this, they will know that the rules are fair and will feel a responsibility to obey them. This is just what Lee Cantor's policy is. Lee Cantor did this in the 1980's I believe, but Ellen White said it in 1903.

[Nathan Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Education is by far one of the best books by Ellen White that I have read up to this point. Of course, I have not read very many of her books, and I read them very slowly so as to better understand. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book. Her lessons were very well illustrated and biblically-based, and I gained a lot of knowledge from this book. Part of it talks about the Bible as an educator, and another part talks about education in the home. It becomes increasingly evident to me as I read White's books, that it would be wise for Americans today to follow her parenting advice, disregarding any biased opinions against her faith.