Today in Church History: November 2, 1783 - Robert Raikes’ Sunday School Movement Gains Momentum

J Neil Daniel

On this day in 1783, Robert Raikes, an English philanthropist and newspaper publisher, published a letter in the Gloucester Journal celebrating the success of his Sunday schools. His letter was soon seen by William Fox, a Baptist philanthropist, who quickly grasped the significance of Raikes’ work. Inspired by Raikes’ example, Fox advocated for a national Sunday school movement, which would soon spread throughout England and, ultimately, across the globe.

Raikes’ initiative came in response to the social problems he observed in his community, particularly among working-class children who were left idle and often engaged in mischief on Sundays, the only day many were free from work. His solution was simple yet profound: offer these children an education focused on reading, morality, and religious instruction. These Sunday schools not only taught literacy but also imparted Christian values, aiming to shape both mind and character.

The success Raikes experienced in Gloucester caught national attention, and Fox’s promotion helped transform Sunday schools into a widespread movement. By 1831, over a million children in Great Britain were attending Sunday school, marking a transformative moment in the Church’s commitment to education and social reform. Raikes’ efforts are often credited as the beginning of the modern Sunday school movement, which continues to impact lives around the world today.

Further Reading

These resources provide insights into Robert Raikes' pioneering work and the societal transformation brought by the Sunday school movement:

Laqueur, Thomas W. Religion and Respectability: Sunday Schools and Working-Class Culture, 1780–1850. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1976. (Explores the broader cultural and societal impact of the Sunday school movement).

Harris, John F. Robert Raikes: Founder of Sunday Schools. London: Religious Tract Society, 1899. (A biography focused on Raikes’ life, philosophy, and contributions).

Reid, Alan. Sunday School: Its Origins, Mission, and Progress. London: Christian Education Movement, 1988. (A historical overview of the Sunday school’s evolution).

The Mean Crew - ruthless critics, sparing no one . You wonder if they have a heart.

As a born-again Christian, I've walked the imperfect path, making big mistakes, over and over . But those experiences taught me mercy . Scripture guides us to address wrongs without shaming fellow believers; it's unfair.

We're on the same race track . When you stumble, I'll help you up . No competition; we're running together.

No award for the 'smoothest, sleekest Christian' with a flawless record. Is there an award ? Genuine Christians don't intentionally seek sin; something goes wrong, a struggle, or a setback.

If not for anything, please respect Jesus, who redeemed them, by being empathetic.

People commit abominable evils: rejecting, hurting, and killing children; harvesting organs; and doing indescribable wrongs. Yet, Jesus' love remains.

How much more should we, the redeemed, show mercy? We can do better. Can we be merciful? Love fellow saints genuinely.

As for those false prophets and teachers, my mercy isn't for them.
Their case is pending; I'll attend to it soon. Their case dey cooler.

The unreformed me looking at the Reformed me

Does temperament shape a person or does a person shape their temperament? Can one's temperament serve as evidence of being born again?

My Opinion which isn't the rule

Temperament doesn't determine salvation. Being born again is a spiritual transformation (John 3:3-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17). While temperament influences behaviour, it's not a definitive sign of spiritual rebirth.

I believe, temperament can change as one grows spiritually, but it's not an evidence of salvation.

So, what are more reliable indicators of being born again?

You tell me

Credit AI Prompt: Janice Kathryn

Mummy to the world

Enjoy it

Never say no if a poor friend/relative invites you to dinner or lunch. (eat less but eat)