Is “learning” a human right?

Christ came to offer salvation to the world, and to elevate believers to the eternal heavenly glory. He, even without attending any philosophical or scientific school, presented a new vision to humanity, honored them above all the world, and sanctified everything for them to work in the spirit of strength and progress, and to enjoy the fullness of life.

The Church came to proclaim that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28), offering blessings to the poor, the mourning, and the distressed (Matt. 5:3–10). The Christian faith came to invite the whole world to enjoy knowledge, and to be formed and renewed in the Holy Spirit, who is poured on everyone without favoritism, in order for man to be in the image of his Creator. Origen says that every episcopate has become a school.

St. Clement of Alexandria wrote in his famous book, Paedagogus , that it is Christ who continues teaching and training His disciples to become His icon: “Who is the teacher? He is called Jesus, and sometimes He calls Himself the shepherd, saying, ‘ I am the good shepherd’ (John 10:11) … The Word, then, who leads the children to salvation, is appropriately called the Instructor ( Paedagogue ) … Now piety is instruction, being the learning of the service of God, and training in the knowledge of the truth, and right guidance which leads to heaven.”¹¹²³ “the Word, from whom we learn frugality and humility, and all that pertains to love of truth, love of man, and love of excellence”¹¹²⁴

1122 Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) 2.11.4 (ANF 4:298).

1123 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor or Christ the Educator (Paedagogus) 1.7 (ANF 2:223).

1124 St. Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor or Christ the Educator (Paedagogus) 1.12 (ANF 2:235).