CORNERSTONE CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Dear Family and Friends of Cornerstone:

Recently I accompanied our older students to hear an outstanding presentation by Richard Gamble, a professor at Hillsdale College. Dr. Gamble is the editor of an anthology of classical writings entitled The Great Tradition.  As I listened to him, I was both encouraged and challenged.  In this issue of our newsletter I wanted to share with you some of Dr. Gamble’s main points and how they relate to the educational goals that we have established for Cornerstone.

 THE GREAT TRADITION

Dr. Gamble began his presentation with a definition of the great tradition.  The great tradition can be summarized as the conversation about the great questions of life that has been conducted through the ages.   He believes, as we do at Cornerstone, that throughout human history, mankind has labored over the important questions of life and we cannot separate ourselves from those who have gone before us.  We wonder, “Who made me?”; “Why am I here?”; “What is the meaning of life?”  As Christians, we know the answers to those questions are rooted in the Scripture; however, we are called to live as salt and light in a world where people do not always look to the Scripture for the answers to those questions.  As we study the writings and literary works of those who have come before us and learn from them, we are better equipped to represent Christ well in our own day and time.  As I listened to Dr. Gamble encourage us to engage in “the conversation”, I was thrilled that this past academic year we have afforded our students opportunity to read great portions of the Bible and some great literary classics.  Reading from primary sources allows our students not to only learn about the author but to learn from the author.  As we read the Bible, we not only read about what God has done, but we come to know Him. Teaching students to love God and His word is of paramount importance at Cornerstone.

Dr. Gamble made a distinction between the educational philosophy that guides our modern institutions and the philosophy that is espoused by classical educators.  For example, Dr. Gamble encouraged students and teachers alike, not to be consumed with education for the sole purpose of obtaining training and skill for a job but to see education as a way to shape life and character.  He passionately challenged students “not to look solely at what you will do in the future, but to who you will be.”  At Cornerstone we believe that the education that we offer our students is a means to an end.  The end is that they would take all that they are and all that they have learned and use both to unreservedly serve Christ.

The third point that resonated with me was Dr. Gamble’s comment that the best teaching happens on a small scale.  In our capitalistic society we sometimes believe that “bigger is better.”  From an educational perspective, a great deal can be lost in numbers.  The best teaching is student and teacher laboring along side each other learning to love God and one another while discovering His purpose and plan. 

At Cornerstone, you will find teachers, students and families who desire to be part of a unique educational community.  I would like to invite you to attend several school activities that are scheduled for this month.  These opportunities are highlighted on the next page.  Particularly note our Community Information Meeting on April 17 and our Spring Fling Fine Arts Presentation on April 24.  You will receive a warm welcome and learn something of the educational opportunity that we offer.  We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Priscilla Stewart