Often, when reading through one of the Omnibus volumes for my teens’ schoolwork, I come across a gem. Here are two from the study about The Two Towers by Tolkein, written by Douglas Wilson:
Tolkein… ‘knows that evil can be soothing and very seductive. When Saruman spoke, the effect was devastating. “Mostly they remembered only that it was a delight to hear the voice speaking, all that it said seemed wise and reasonable, and desire awoke in them by swift agreement to seem wise themselves.” The voice of Saruman was extremely seductive. Part of that enticement was the desire to impress, the desire to “seem wise themselves,” to be included in the “in group” that could leave all the old scruples behind. The pressure to go this way seemed at the moment like wisdom, like growing up.’
And when growing up is on the agenda, as it is for a teen, evil will be even more attractive for that very reason.
…
“The Bible tells us that the devil is the father of lies, and when he lies he speaks so fluently because it is his native language. And one of the most effective ways to lie is to accuse those who are good of being the cause of all the trouble.”
One of the duties of parents is to alert our children to lying voice of the devil. It is very easy to fail in that task, as we fight the world, the devil, and our children’s sinful natures. What’s more, Satan often has us parents in his grip as well. We cannot do it on our own, for only God can succeed against Satan.
That is one reason why, with the four children we are still educating, we are going through Omnibus. As we read and study, we’re constantly pointed back to the Lord, to the gospel. We’re constantly being reminded of sin and of the many disguises of evil. We’re constantly being shown Truth. May God bless our studies.
May He bless your studies as well.
Disclosure: I am in no way compensated for sharing these tidbits of wisdom from Omnibus. I just wanted you to have access to them as well. The quotations are from Omnibus 2, p405.
Linked to Homeschool High, Better Mom Monday, and Encourage One Another Wednesday.
So true. Glad you are going through something like that that helps you teach your children all the Lord wants you to teach them. 🙂