The Malleability of Children /// Bug Olsen

 

         While I enjoyed the philosophical aspects throughout this chapter, one of my favorite points was how information taken in by children is so instrumental in shaping their future thought processes. Throughout the chapter, Lewis mentions that the authors may not have corrupted truth on purpose, but nonetheless it will be taken and interpreted by children in many incorrect ways over the years. The ultimate tragedy is the fact that these beliefs will become subconsciously incorporated into everything the child does for the rest of his life. Numerous studies have shown how malleable a child’s brain is, and the information they learn as toddlers and young children is vital in their ultimate functionality as an adult. This not only includes hard facts and school subjects, but also concepts such as absolute truth.

            This is a major modern concern with radical beliefs being pumped into children’s books and taught in schools against parents’ and children’s wills. Heated issues such as homosexuality, transgenderism, and general political controversies are being taught at such a young age that it will radically influence a child’s subconscious beliefs for the rest of his life. We should be extremely cautious of what we teach the next generation and ensure that what they are being taught stands up to what is taught in the Bible. Obviously, this is not a major concern of college students, since most do not have children of their own, but as future parents as well as those of us who are pursuing careers in education, this is something we should be extremely mindful of, particularly from a Christian perspective. This also effects who people choose to be in power, since they should also value children and want to teach them acceptable beliefs as well.

            Lewis is correct that a major concern should be the concept of absolute truth and the different values of feelings, since these are key concepts that a person should understand moving forward into adulthood. The concepts he presents here remain extremely valuable today, especially with his emphasis on Christian principles


I commented on Ashlyn Scism and Emily Thullesen's posts.

Comments

  1. Emma LandryMarch 14, 2022 at 10:28 PM

    I agree that it is crucial that we are mindful of what we teach to the children in our society. As I remember, I was very impressionable as a young child and would generally accept what was told to me as truth without questioning the source or its reliability. It is concerning that objective truth is diminishing as a concept. Unfortunately, since there is very little that we can do to control values and "facts" from education, it is important that we as siblings, cousins, and future parents do the best we can to have a positive influence in imparting Biblical truth to the younger generation.
    -Emma Landry

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  2. Emily OttsMarch 14, 2022 at 11:58 PM

    It is so important the parents observe what their children see, because they are so easily influenced. It is why people will not cuss around children, as they will easily pick up that habit. We cannot let the schools teach our children false beliefs, we must teach them the truth ourselves.

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  3. Samantha TMarch 15, 2022 at 12:28 AM

    I agree with the need for absolute truth. I also agree with how heavily what parents allow children to watch, read, and hear effect them. I often find myself realizing a trait or idea taken from a secular piece of media I consumed at a young age. It's often like a game to me trying to see why I think something, but reading this essay made me realize how influenced I have been. Another example of this is the way I speak to others. The older I get the more I realize I sound like my mother. Mostly in good ways but I've notice I picked up some phrases I wish I wouldn't repeat. Not because they're inappropriate or mean but simply because of how much I hated them as a kid, and yet I use them myself now that I can understand their use.
    -Samantha T

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