Modern Classical Christian Education?

Author

Donna LybargerFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

Thesis Advisor

Anita Simpkins, Ph.D

Committee Professor

Kirsty Gilpin, PhD

Abstract

This thesis asks if the ancient tradition of classical education is an education method for the modern world. More specifically, this thesis questions, how might classical education methods be implemented for the acquisition of wisdom in the modern world? The literature review gives a brief history of classical education from the Greeks, and a history of why classical education is again a topic of conversation in the modern world. The three stages of classical education, the trivium, is explained. Classical Christian education is defined noting the method remains the same, but the difference is the nuances of the virtues of seeking truth, goodness, and beauty and acquiring wisdom. Primary sources were found through an online university and a personal library search on the following topics: classical and classical Christian education, their histories and methods, the trivium, the virtues of truth, beauty, goodness, modern use of classical education, and the acquisition of wisdom. Secondary sources were used if primary books and documents were unavailable. Statistics show that modern classical Christian education is producing students who are productive adults. The implication is classical education and classical Christian education are viable modern educational options that produce adults able to discern truth, goodness, and beauty, and wisely contribute to the modern life that surrounds them.

Recommended Citation

Lybarger, Donna, "Modern Classical Christian Education?" (2025). Master of Arts in Classical Studies. 19.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/classicalstudies/19