Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (“Teddy) was the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He was a natural leader, serving in various capacities in the public forum.
He was a rather sickly child with acute asthma, but overcame health problems through a regime of vigorous exercise. He was homeschooled and a prolific writer and reader. He was one of the most accomplished leaders in American history – a Harvard graduate, historian, military leader, reformer, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and one of the most widely read U.S. Presidents America has ever produced.
Despite being president, Teddy Roosevelt was known as a hunter, soldier, family man, conservationist, author, and naval strategist. He was a voracious reader, devouring hundreds of books per month. But despite all his accolades, Roosevelt once said: “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”
When we read this statement today, many in our culture may be offended. In today’s world, our culture increasingly treats higher-education as the highest form of wisdom, while viewing Scripture as outdated or intellectually shallow. But Roosevelt instinctively understood something that most civilizations often forget — information isn’t the same thing as wisdom.
An advanced civilization can possess advanced technology, elite universities, scientific achievement, and endless knowledge – and at the same time collapse morally, spiritually, and culturally. Does this sound like today? Education can train the mind, while leaving the human heart unchanged.
The Bible addresses the deepest realities of our existence: sin, pride, guilt, suffering, justice, morality, forgiveness, death, and eternity. It explains the human condition with stunning accuracy. At the center of Scripture is Jesus Christ. Jesus was not merely an historic moral teacher, but He was the Son of God who entered history to save sinners and to reconcile humanity back to God.
How often do we hear that a person can earn many degrees, high status, extreme wealth, and great influence – yet miss the most important truth we were created to know.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Proverbs 9:10
Tagged: American history, leadership
