Fukuyama and Education

In his book, The End of History and the Last Man, Francis Fukuyama writes about the rise of democracy in the world today. He makes the case that democracy is the best alternative in choosing a system of governance. He also writes at length about the importance of education in the rise of democracy. Fukuyama writes that,

"inequality creeps into the system as a result of unequal access to education; lack of education is the surest condemnation to second-class citizenship."

As I read his book and look at the sinking U.S. international literacy rates, I can not help but think that there is a direct correlation to our country's current condition and our low education scores. I posted about this year's rates a few months ago. The U.S. has made no gains in its international standing for many years, yet we continue, as a nation to explain away the problems in our educational system. If Fukuyama is right then the future of this country does not look as bright as it once did for one simple reason...education.

Yes, we still are a world leader in making every effort to give all children access to education, but the question must now change. It must move from one of quantity to one of quality. We have succeeded in providing education for the masses now we must think about what kind of education we are offering.

As a Christian, I desire an education that is rooted in a Christian worldview for several reasons. One, I believe that it is the truth, and two, I understand how developmentally impacting education is to children.

Fukuyama is important because he links democracy with the universal end of history for the logical reason...democracy is the end for there is no better alternative of governance available, and no other alternative coming in the foreseeable future. He does not view democracy as perfect, but he does view it as the best option that man can produce. All of this is important to understand because when he writes of education he does so inside this idea of democracy.

So when Fukuyama writes that "it is reasonably clear that education is, if not an absolutely necessary precondition, then at least a highly desirable adjunct to democracy" we must understand that Fukuyama is essential saying that democracy, which is his highest form of governance, is unattainable without quality education.

The next passage I am about to quote is extremely important. Please read it carefully because contained in it is a concise example of the power of education.

"Higher education in the United States and other Western countries today generally inculcates in young people the historicist and relativist perspective in twentieth-century thought. This prepares them for citizenship in liberal democracies by encouraging a kind of tolerance for differing points of view, but it also teaches them that there is no final ground for belief in the superiority of liberal democracy to other forms of government."

Our system inculcates in our young people this pragmatic worldview that there is no final ground for belief in democracy or anything else. The power of education is on full display here as it has changed a country in a mere thirty years. There is now only one question at hand for the Christan: can you afford not to invest in the Christian education of the next generations?

I firmly believe that Christians ought to start founding new Christian schools and new Christian colleges along with new Christian churches. At WCA we are committed to being part of this process as we move forward with our new campus in order to provide an education that is rooted in truth, excellent and committed to being a vibrant part of our community all for the glory of our Lord. Please join us!