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The inspiration of the Scriptures testifies to the importance of
language skills for both comprehending and formulating verbal
thought and expression. God has revealed Himself and His plan in
words. Words, and the relationship of words, are the basis for
ideas, and ideas have consequences in our personal lives and for
history. Language skills, therefore, make us more effective in
our service to God, and Latin is a powerful and effective
vehicle for learning those skills.
Latin has been the most widely used language in all the
world’s history, and more than any other tongue, it influenced
the languages of Europe and the Americas. It has been estimated
that between 60 and 70% of our English words are derived from
Latin. Some words, such as area, circus, and animal, are spelled
the same in both languages. Others, like people, space, and
peace (populus, spatium, pax), come indirectly from Latin.
Indeed, because Latin has been the language of learned men and
women, it became the basis for the vocabulary of the sciences,
law, technology, music, and medicine. For developing a powerful
vocabulary, Latin is a definite plus.
Latin is equally important for learning the structure of
language and grammar. Most of our nation’s founders could read
Latin and even Greek, and they were able to use the English
language the way a fine craftsman uses his tools. Their ability
to write and say what they meant with power and elegance is
largely because of the skills they learned in their youth from
studying these ancient languages. Furthermore, from Latin, a
student can branch out into other languages with ease.
Studies have shown that students who study Latin tend to
perform better in all academic areas. The study habits and
memory development gained in the study of Latin are vital
factors for success in college and in getting higher scores on
the SAT and ACT entrance exams.
So now the adventure begins. Thousands upon thousands
of students in both institutional and home schooling
environments have studied Latin on their way to success in every
walk of life. With Latin in the Christian Trivium, that pathway
will have the added guidance and direction provided by studying
the Bible in Latin.
“Study to show thyself approved . . .” Sorry, I meant
to say, “Sollicite cura te ipsum probabilem exhibere Deo
operarium inconfusibilem recte tractantem verbum veritatis”
(2 Tim 2:15).
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