The Upbringing of Children

8156 Words33 Pages
The Upbringing of Children Bishop Alexander (Mileant) ________________________________________ Content: Introduction. Upbringing and scholastic education. The aim of a Christian upbringing. When should the upbringing Begin? The struggle with bad inclinations. The spiritual foundation. Domestic aspects. Coercion. The significance of the Temple. The parish school. Family structure. Difficulties. Conclusion. A prayer for children. ________________________________________ Introduction The following sources were used: "The Religious upbringing of Children," by Archpriest Sergey Schukin; "The Orthodox Upbringing of Children in Our Days," by Bishop Gregory Grabbe; and other Orthodox articles. All aspects of a man's life - his character, sense of responsibility, good and bad habits, ability to cope with difficulties, and his piety - are shaped primarily during his childhood. The bright memories of his childhood can strengthen and warm a man during trying times, and, contrarily, those who have not had a happy childhood can in no way remake it. When we meet an orphan who has never had parental affection, or a step-son or step-daughter whose broken spirits are a result of difficulties at home, or those left to the care of strangers, we can sense in them the imprint of painful early impressions. The absence of a religious upbringing unfailingly manifests itself in a person's character - a sort of fissure can be perceived in his spiritual makeup. A child is extraordinarily receptive to religious impressions. He is instinctively drawn toward everything that opens up the beauty and meaning of life. Take this away from him and his soul will become dulled and he will feel lonely in an unfriendly and cruel world. Something similar happens with the physical appearance of a child. If he lives in dismal, damp surroundings, he will grow underdeveloped, ailing and without
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