The Rhetoric Stage

As children enter into high school they become increasingly concerned with how they are perceived. When left to their own devices, this becomes the age of popularity contests, prom queens and clicks. In this stage, they are taught eloquence, persuasion and clarity through words, both written and spoken. Students are encouraged to express opinions articulately and persuasively. They are purposely introduced to “adult” content through great classic books that prompt real-life discussions about controversial and difficult subjects. It is the opposite of a cloistered approach to schooling. They are faced with the truism found in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun”. When they see the sins that plagued the Roman emperors still plague our modern society, they are less tempted to think that we live in such unique times. This also provides them the opportunity to develop winsome and persuasive rhetoric to address the sins and pitfalls of our current age. They are prepared to be productive and thoughtful members of the society and culture they live in. Lord willing, when they leave the school they will not be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).