In a land where so much emphasis is placed on status symbols, it is not surprising that when you mention that you are a Harvard, Yale or Princeton graduate, you command an immediate air of respect. But what is surprising is that when you look at the origins of these three schools, you find that the Bible was their cornerstone.
Back in 1636, Harvard was founded. Part of their “Rules and Precepts” adopted in 1646 contained the following:
“Everyone shall consider the main end of his life and studies to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life.
“Seeing the Lord giveth wisdom, everyone shall seriously by prayer in secret seek wisdom of Him.
“Everyone shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that they be ready to give an account of their proficiency therein, both in theoretical observations of languages and logic and in practical and spiritual truths…”[1]
Likewise, Princeton and Yale were founded on the belief that the Bible was the key to higher education and that without its study a student would in no way be equipped to face the challenges ahead of him. Down through the decades (Princeton and Yale were founded in 1746 and 1701 respectively), the Bible became less and less a foundation in the curriculum of these schools. However, the great influence Ivy League graduates had in molding our nation in its early beginnings and throughout the 1800’s is undeniably part of their great legacy to us today.
Fortunately, today, the Bible is making a resurgence on Ivy League campuses through various student led Christian ministries and Bible studies. I have included in the footnote below several links that you can use to watch fascinating interviews with Ivy League professors sharing their faith in Jesus Christ to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.[2]
As pervasive as the Holy Scriptures were in educating those who attended our great universities, its influence on American children was equally profound. While it is true that many children during the 1700’s and 1800’s never really received a formal education, learning to read was considered a proud privilege. And one of the key reasons why parents wanted their children to learn to read was so that they could read the Bible.
In both higher and lower education, the Bible stood alone as both a cornerstone and status symbol. It also proved to be a great comforter to those experiencing the harsh realities of life in colonial as well as post-revolutionary society. For you see, the story of early America is to a large extent the story of the Word of God. Minds trained in the Scriptures were minds destined to propel our country on to greatness.
[1] The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 41.
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyJHiOCUJZA
Curt, these are great points. Years ago my family and I took a tour of Harvard and our official Harvard Tour Guide took us to the famous John Harvard statue of him sitting. She asked the group “Why was Harvard named after John Harvard?” The answer she gave was because “Reverend John Harvard donated his books/library”. These were mostly books about the Lord.