Some people argue against teaching the history of other civilizations out of the claim that it stands to build disloyalty to the Western civilization. These people aren’t thinking straight. If the Western civilization really is the way to go, then that should become apparent to people studying other civilizations. It is the conclusion I came to myself, after exploring the history of many other worlds. When students find out that the Chinese used to tie women’s feet, or that the Hindus used to burn widows, or that Muslims throw sulfuric acid into the face of children for going to school, or that Aztecs practiced human sacrifice, or that the Maoris were cannibals, then they will realize how good they have it in the West. They will then use the knowledge that they’ve gained in their explorations of other worlds to advance the Western civilization.

Similarly we have people discouraging philosophical and spiritual exploration out of the claim that it stands to lead people away from Christ. If Christ really is the way and the truth and the light, then Christ does not stand to be threatened by people doing such a thing. The people will come to this conclusion themselves. And then they will use their knowledge of other things to enhance the understanding and practice of Christianity.

If what you have is the truth, and if what you have is the best, then you don’t stand to be threatened by people exploring other things. They will decide that what you have is the truth and they will decide that what you have is the best. And if they come to another conclusion, that means that work needs to be done on your own context that it can live up to its claims of being the truth or being the best.

In either case, exploration of other worlds and other paths is beneficial. If you are the best then the students will come to the same conclusion; and if they come to a different conclusion then you know what you need to work on. The process therefore is beneficial in each situation; and much stands to be gained from people engaging in it.