Karalee Flinders Jackman, Department of Secondary Education
Introduction
This project was a historical investigation. It documents the moral and spiritual heritage of America which appears to have shifted dramatically between 1880 and 1920. Historical research designs can be quantitative and/ or qualitative in nature. While there are many branches of historical studies. this investigation followed that of “intellectual history.” Intellectual histories compliment the investigation of world perspectives. The evidence in this study demonstrates a radical change has occurred In the world view from that espoused by early American writers. The move has shifted from the sacred, toward the secular. Prospective teachers from Brigham Young University, who will teach in the public schools often find this breach In values difficult to deal with. They are hungry for Information that enables them to respond professionally In ways that are consistent with their personal moral and religious values.
Using funds received from the BYU Office of Research and Creative Activities. a qualitative collection and description of materials was created that reveal the moral and spiritual values articulated by the Founding Fathers and other prominent figures. Sources include a substantial bibliography of political sermons. government documents, autobiographies and biographies. The procedure entailed an examination of indexes. tables of contents. and chapter headings to determine which materials would be carefully read and then appropriately extracted and copied.
Historical evidence can provide an important perspective when one considers the moral progress (or digress) of the human family. This collection serves as a baseline against which comparisons between past and present perspectives in American education can be made.
Aim of the Study
The aim of this study was to collect and organize documented examples of early American values. These statements were classified under specific topical headings as a resource to educators who teach in the various disciplines. This collection of quotes reflect the views of some of our greatest composers, philosophers, scientists and politicians.
Use of the Information
When a substantial amount of information was collected, It was used by faculty members In the College of Education In their own research and writing and In their classrooms. As a research assistant. I was Invited to make presentations to several classes explaining the project and showing examples of the findings. Students showed great interest in this project as they read through a rough format of the collection and expressed a desire to become personally Involved as contributors. Their personal comments were collected and will be given a special section In the developing handbook. These classroom presentations and subsequent discussions proved to be very valuable. Many suggestions were given by the students who validated the usefulness of the project for prospective teachers.
Project in Process
This research project comprises an initial effort to collect and organize in a simple, user friendly form, useful materials for students and faculty in the College of Education that support the mission and purpose of Brigham Young University-to be an influence for good in the public sector. It is a project in process that can be continued and expanded. The materials will be indexed by both “subject” and “author” and will include a table of contents with headings of various disciplines such as: Science, Mathematics, Music, English, Physical Education, etc.
Selected Examples in Findings
Christopher Columbus:
“I have searched out and studied all kinds of texts: geographies, histories, chronologies, philosophies and other subjects. With a hand that could be felt, the Lord opened my mind to the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies, and he opened my will to desire to accomplish the project.” A Latter-day Saint Perspective [Arnold K. Garr- Religious Studies Center- Brigham Young University] {West and Kling 105: emphasis added). [p. 27]
Charles Malik: (One-time Ambassador to the United Nations from Lebanon)
“The good (in the United States) would never have come into being without the blessing and the power of Jesus Christ … I know how embarrassing this matter is to politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen and cynics: but, whatever these honored men think, the irrefutable truth is that the soul of America is at its best and highest, Christian.” (The Rebirth Of America -The ArthurS. DeMoss Foundation, 1986 – pg. 21)
Supreme Court Decision, 1892: (Church of the Holy Trinity V. United States)
“Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian … This is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation … we find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth … These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.” {The Rebirth Of America -The ArthurS. DeMoss Foundation, 1986- pg. 21)
Rhode Island Charter of 1683:
“We submit our persons, lives, and estates unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords and to all those perfect and most absolute laws of His given us in His Holy Word.” (The Rebirth Of America -The ArthurS. DeMoss Foundation, 1986- pg. 31)
George Washington: (The First Thanksgiving Proclamation)
“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor …. ” (The Rebirth Of America -The Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986 – pg. 32)
Haydn:
“Never was I so devout as when composing The Creation. down every day and prayed to God to strengthen me for my work.” (Haydn- Geiringer, 1946- p. 144)
Puccini: (1858-1924)
[When composing an opera] “I first grasp the full power of the Ego within me. Then I feel the burning desire and the Intense resolve to create something … Then I make a fervent demand (prayer) for and from the Power that created me. This demand, or prayer, must be coupled with full expectation that this higher aid will be granted me. This perfect faith opens the way for vibration to pass from the dynamo, which the soul-center is, into my consciousness, and the inspired ideas are born.” (Talks with Great Composers -Abell, Arthur M. – p. 116)
[The following excerpts compare the definitions in An American Dictionary Of The English Language – Noah Webster’s Original 1828 Edition (definitions In bold) with The New Lexicon Webster’s Dictionary of the English Language – 1988 Edition]
Child: One who is born again, spiritually renewed and adopted; as, a child of God.
Child: A boy or girl at any age between infancy and adolescence.
Education: The bringing up, as of a child; instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness In their future stations. To give children a good education In manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education Is Indispensable; and an Immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
Education: Instruction or training by which people (generally young) learn to develop and use their mental, moral and physical powers; the art of giving such training; a gaining of experience, either Improving or harmful.
Life: Eternal happiness In heaven; restoration to life; the author and giver of supreme felicity.
Life: The state of an organism characterized by certain processes or abilities that Include metabolism growth, reproduction and response .
Love: … If our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to Intelligent beings.
The love of God Is the first duty of man, and this springs from just views of his attributes or excellencies of character, which afford the highest delight to the sanctified heart. Esteem and reverence constitute Ingredients in this affection, and a fear of offending him is Its Inseparable effect.
Love: A powerful emotion felt for another person manifesting itself in deep affection, devotion or sexual desire; to object of this emotion; God’s regard for his creatures.
Parent: A father or mother; he or she that produces young. The duties of parents to their children are to maintain, protect and educate them.
Parent: Someone who begets or gives birth to offspring; an organism, thing or organization which is the source of a new one.