How did the Church pave the way for the world to open the doors of education to all?

First: By opening her doors to education and service to everyone. Many Christian authors defended the sanctity of human freedom. Origen says, “If souls are actuated by freedom of will, and maintain either their advance or retrogression according to the power of their will.”⁸⁴⁴ He also says, “there is a blameworthy kind of freedom and a praiseworthy kind of servitude. For it is a reproach to be free of righteousness; but to be its slave is praiseworthy. Now when he speaks of someone becoming a slave of righteousness, understand that it is, at the same time, of wisdom, piety, chastity, and all the virtues together.”⁸⁴⁵ He espouses freedom that is responsible and sober, and as the apostle Paul says, “Only don’t use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13). For love lived out towards our brothers and sisters lends sweetness even to servitude, service, acceptance of others, and advancing others in honor. Of this servitude, he says, “For though I was free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more” (1 Cor. 9:19).

Second: By disseminating the spirit of inner joy that is a foundation for learning. Study, research, and innovation require a well-balanced soul that is not easily susceptible to despair and anxiety, nor constantly hindered by the burden of worry that undermines human insight. For if a person sees everything from a gloomy outlook, he will lose his vitality, ability, and talent. The Fathers espoused the life of joy and praise, for the world was in need of the experience of heavenly joy. The Lord Christ came to spread the spirit of inner joy among His believers.

842 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) 1.7 (ANF 2:222–223).

843 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) 1.12 (ANF 2:235).

844 Origen of Alexandria, De Principiis (On First Principles) 2.3.4 (ANF 4:272).

845 Origen of Alexandria, Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Books 6–10 6.5.3 (FOTC 104:12–13).

St. Clement of Alexandria says, “[Let us] take on the impress of the truly saving life of our Savior; and meditating on the heavenly mode of life according to which we have been deified, let us anoint ourselves with the perennial immortal bloom of gladness—that ointment of sweet fragrance.”⁸⁴⁶

Third: By elevating the human psyche and esteeming its abilities in the Lord. Humanity needs someone to raise our souls to see that the truth is within our reach. Indeed, Truth Himself came to our very land and home, and even our hearts, that through truth, we might labor to attain knowledge, both in this world and in the world to come. This desire for knowledge and learning never ceases, but rather continues to burn within us, pouring out upon us an everlasting inner joy. Each of us labors according to his gifts and within the limits appropriate to his capabilities and circumstances without separating his striving for temporal knowledge from that for eternal knowledge. We are the living people of God who aspire to acquire the truth that we may become icons of the Lord Christ.

St. Clement of Alexandria says, “Now the instruction which is of God is the right direction of truth to the contemplation of God, and the exhibition of holy deeds in everlasting perseverance,”⁸⁴⁷ and “him God helps, by honouring him with closer oversight … he inspires those who have made choice of a good life with strength for the rest of their salvation … And as the physician ministers health to those who co-operate with him in order to [attain] health, so also God ministers eternal salvation to those who co-operate for the attainment of knowledge and good conduct.”⁸⁴⁸

Fourth: By disseminating the spirit of hope in the face of illness, old age, and death. The Lord Christ came to the world to grant humanity the spirit of power and not the spirit of failure (2 Tim. 1:7). Humanity strives bravely in defiance of all harsh conditions. This spirit is essential in the life of the one who truly desires to learn, progress, and be creative.

St. Clement of Alexandria says, “Do not be afraid of the disease that threatens you, nor of the old age that years bring upon you. Even sickness is powerless if we fulfill the will of God with all our hearts. Knowing this, promise yourself to be strong when you are in illness. Be brave like a mighty warrior in the stadium and conquer your troubles with indomitable steadfastness. Do not allow yourself to be depressed with grief; neither over any disease, nor over any disaster that befalls you.”⁸⁴⁹ He also says, “Such an one [the possessor of true knowledge] consequently withstands all fear of everything terrible, not only of death, but also poverty and disease, and ignominy, and things akin to these; being unconquered by pleasure, and lord over irrational desires.”⁸⁵⁰

846 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) 1.12 (ANF 2:234).

847 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) 1.7 (ANF 2:223).

848 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, or Miscellanies 7.7 (ANF 2:536).

849 Id. Fragments 5 (44).

850 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, or Miscellanies 7.11 (ANF 2:541).

Fifth: By moderation in all matters. Christianity calls us to a moderate life in everything, especially eating, drinking, clothing, and entertainment. Christianity draws us out from enslavement to these things and helps us to realize the sublimity of our vocation. Thus, we can devote our minds and hearts to labor for the sake of all humanity, and for the glory we anticipate in heaven. St. Clement of Alexandria says, “Contentment is a habit which dispenses with superfluities, and, that there may be no failure, is receptive of what suffices for the healthful and blessed life according to the Word.”⁸⁵¹