Are [the children] to go into the world ignorant of the questions that are searching many hearts, to be staggered by the first shock of evidence and opinion running counter to the old thoughts?
No; but how I wish I could do [the children] the like inestimable served that a great teacher has done for me and many another! It is difficult to put into words, but, somehow, one is landed on the other side of the controversies of the day: they are of immense interest, but are not final.
It is just, to compare lesser things with great, as the husband of a famous woman might listen to discussions about his wife’s works or published letters. Are they hers or are they not? Are the opinions put into the mouths other best characters truly her own? It is most interesting to hear what the world guesses; besides, these things are not vital; the vital thing is herself and their mutual relations. So, but infinitely more so, of our apprehension of the Highest, and our cognizance of the supreme relationship.
Reveal to the eyes of youth the vision of the infinite Loveliness,
lay bare the heart of youth to the drawings of the irresistible Tenderness,
let the young know, of their own intimate knowledge, that,
“The thoughts of God are broader than the measures of man’s mind
And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind,”
and all other knowledge and relationships and facts of life will settle themselves.
_______________________________
~Charlotte Mason, Formation of Character, pgs. 149-150
(paragraph placement and emphasis my own)
I read this quote at the Ambleside Forum yesterday, and immediately pulled the book off the shelf to read for myself. This is the goodness that keeps me devoted to a “Charlotte Mason” approach to education–this trust in the surety of God, this belief that exposing the kids to a wide variety of ideas (all resting on the Great Idea of God Himself) can pave the way for honest evaluation and ultimately, deep-rooted faith. There is no fear here, and for my fear and question prone mind, these are words of peace.