Whilst channel flicking tonight came across this program: Sunday Schools on BBC 4. I had my laptop on my knee and noted down a couple of quotes, then found I'd done this.....it may not all make sense! but feel free to read. Some interesting thoughts..........
Warm glow, glorious, wonderful stories
Nice people putting forward decent values
Started as a story, became a personal thing.
Were once radical.
Experiment began in Gloucester (1784) to give trouble-maker children something to do, to civilise them! Get children off the streets to give them something more meaningful to do. Any child of any background would be welcome. Firmly grounded in Christianity but also about education for poor children.
Eventually turned law breakers into law abiding Christians. Learnt how to read, improved self esteem = improved behaviour.
People now able to read, though not restricted to the Bible(!) so were able to access more socially 'dangerous' texts. House of Commons addressed bill to outlaw Sunday schools. Never happened, other things higher priority, but suspicion never disappeared.
William Willberforce opened a Sunday school in Cheddar to save the people and the village from their/its God-lessness. Less radical than before, taught them to read, but not write!
Flourished in early 19th century as children had no other way of receiving education enabled working class children to survive in a hostile life.
During 19th century, became a social place as well. Became embedded in society. Some premier football teams began as Sunday school teams. Huge and influential organisations.
Sunday schools lost their education side and, Sunday school was a choice, relaxed, couldn't get things wrong like in 'regular' school, gentle, always time when there was anything you wanted to talk about/share, skill and dedication of volunteers who left a permanent mark.
Power of music. Would sing songs. 'Yes Jesus Loves me'. Amazing how people can remember the words to these songs.
Through mid 19th century could motivate children through:
good teacher telling good stories,
chance to sing.
Sunday School anniversary - celebrated 'founding' of that particular Sunday school. Highlight of year. whole family would attend. New dress!
Annual outing - trip to the seaside which they wouldn't otherwise get.
Christmas party.
Socialist Sunday school taught about right and wrong. aimed to bring the community together to teach supporting each other and working as a team. Overshadowed by Christian counterparts.
1950s Religious commitment that sustained Sunday schools began to reduce. Happy to attend but belief was lessening. Loosening of 'old taboos' allowed people to distance themselves. Youth culture in 1960s overwhelmed Sunday schools. With the view that Sunday schools were patronising children, services and Sunday school brought together. Little evidence that this was successful.
Demise - Sunday school doesn't fit into modern day concept.
not bold and vital bodies anymore. keen church goers see it as a place to park the children during a service!
Some Sunday schools with original values still alive. vibrant, strong. 5% of British children now attend.
Should the fact that many people now do not know what it is like to attend a Sunday school bother us?
not just religion, learning a way if life, how to look at life
it had a heart
As a national movement it is finished. One day will we wake up and realise what we've lost?
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