Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education [Paperback]

Douglas Wilson (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 1996

As parents, it is easy for us to look back and see the shortcomings of our own education. Since many of us were taught in public schools, we often have a pretty good idea of what we don't want our children to learn. But what exactly should we give them instead?

The authors of Repairing the Ruins, a group of experienced teachers and schools administrators, faced this same question when they first embarked on the journey of education. They found a tried and true answer in classical Christian education. Here they explain what makes classical Christian education different from modern methods and why it offers a distinctly Christian alternative. Building upon this foundation, the authors provide parents with the "Whys and Hows" of the Trivium, tips on planning curriculum, wisdom in designing education to serve the heart as well as the mind, and advice on starting up schools.

For all who have ever wondered where to begin with their children's education, Repairing the Ruins comes alongside with words of comfort and direction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Repairing the Ruins offers a complete classical educators conference in a single book. The advice and inspiration gleaned from each essay encourages teachers and parents to confidently lead their students in the great classical conversations of Christendom. Math, Language, Science, and Logic, when studied well, provide Christians with the tools needed to repair our ruined culture while recovering the ability to love God with our whole minds. --Leigh Bortins, President of Classical Conversations (classicalconversations.com)

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Canon Press; 1 edition (January 6, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885767145
• ISBN-13: 978-1885767141
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Douglas Wilson is the minister of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, which is a member of the Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). After his stint in the submarine service of the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Idaho, where he obtained an MA in philosophy.

As one of its founders, he has served on the board of Logos School, a classical and Christian school (K-12), since its inception. He is also a Senior Fellow of theology at New St. Andrews College. He is the author of numerous books, including Reforming Marriage, The Case for Classical Christian Education, Letter from a Christian Citizen, and Blackthorn Winter. He is also the general editor for the Omnibus textbook series. His blog can be found at www.dougwils.com.

All his favorite authors begin their names with initials--C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, H.L. Mencken, J.R.R. Tolkien, N.D. Wilson, and P.G. Wodehouse. The one exception is Nancy Wilson, a favorite author to whom he has been married for over thirty-four years. They have three children and fifteen grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Repairing the Ruins, March 13, 2000

By 

Mona Maynard - See all my reviews

This review is from: Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education (Paperback)

This is an excellent volume of essays by various authors presenting the philosophy and practical "how to's" of Christian classical education. Anyone interested in recovering excellence in education should read this book.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound, March 6, 2005

By 

L. Stone (Atlanta Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education (Paperback)

Douglas Wilson in this book as with all of his others on Classical Christian teaching clearly demonstrates the why and the need for Christians to return to their God given duty to train up their children in the ways of God in order to have a biblical worldview rather than a secular one. What he says is so profound and enlightening and he puts it in such a logical way that will astound you. God calls all of us to have a higher thinking than the worlds view this will help you get to that realm and teach your children as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Essays- but not worth it for the homeschooler., February 25, 2011

By 

Average Computer User (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education (Paperback)

The essays are interesting, but don't buy this book if your focus is a home centered education. The focus of the essays really is revolutionizing an institutional setting. I don't think that an institution is the best place for a child to get an education, so the book really didn't "jive" with me.