Each of our children during their high school years went to

"Each of our children during their high school years went to 'early morning seminary' - scripture study classes that met in the home of a church member every school day morning from 6:30 until 7:15." — Clayton M. Christensen. These words of Clayton M. Christensen capture a powerful and profound practice, one rooted in commitment, discipline, and the nurturing of the spiritual and moral self. The image of children rising early each morning, while the world is still shrouded in the quiet veil of dawn, to attend scripture study classes, is a testament to the value placed on teaching and instilling virtue at an early age. This practice, which may seem simple in its routine, reveals a deep commitment to shaping not just the intellect, but also the heart and soul of the next generation.

In the ancient world, the importance of education and spiritual growth was deeply woven into the fabric of society. The Greeks, for instance, placed great emphasis on the pursuit of wisdom through study, but they also believed in the necessity of shaping the moral character through daily practices. The philosophers, such as Socrates, did not just seek knowledge but also aimed to cultivate virtues like courage, justice, and temperance. To him, education was not only about intellectual prowess but about forming virtuous individuals who could contribute meaningfully to society. Similarly, the Hebrews of the ancient world placed a high value on daily instruction, especially in matters of faith. The Torah, the sacred scripture of the Jewish people, was taught to children not only through formal lessons but through the practice of living by its principles every day.

Christensen’s depiction of early morning seminary for his children mirrors this ancient wisdom. The practice of rising early, dedicating time to the study of scriptures, and nurturing spiritual development was not merely a daily task, but an essential part of forming good character. The early hours, when the body is still weary from sleep, present a sacred opportunity to show commitment to the higher pursuits of the soul. In this, the early morning seminary stands as a modern example of the ancient practices that sought to teach not just knowledge but the very essence of how to live well, with purpose, integrity, and faith.

Consider the example of Plato, the great philosopher who founded the Academy in Athens. His teachings extended beyond mere intellectual engagement; he believed that the soul must be cultivated alongside the mind. To Plato, the ultimate aim of education was to prepare individuals to live the good life, one characterized by wisdom, justice, and moral excellence. The early morning seminary, much like Plato’s Academy, was not a place of passive learning, but a place of active shaping of character, a daily ritual that embedded within the hearts of the young a sense of duty to both the divine and to the community.

In our modern world, where time often feels fragmented and distractions abound, the practice of dedicating time every morning to the study of sacred texts or spiritual principles remains as valuable as it ever was. The act of choosing to study in the early hours, before the distractions of the day, is a reminder that our most important work is not necessarily what we accomplish in the busyness of the day, but how we nurture our souls. Christensen’s family made a deliberate choice to start the day with purpose and intent—choosing to anchor themselves in spiritual truth before they embarked on the many tasks of the day. The importance of this practice is not simply in the learning but in the ritual itself: the steady, unwavering dedication to something larger than oneself.

The lesson here is clear: education—whether spiritual, intellectual, or moral—is not simply about acquiring knowledge but about creating habits of the heart. The daily practice of study and reflection in the early morning hours reminds us that the strength of our character is built not in moments of crisis, but in the quiet, consistent acts of discipline and commitment. Like Christensen’s children, we too must ask ourselves: how can we dedicate our time and attention to the things that will strengthen our souls? How can we create moments in our day that anchor us in our deepest values and beliefs?

So, let us take this wisdom into our own lives. Whether through the daily practice of study, prayer, or simply moments of quiet reflection, we must cultivate habits that shape our character and deepen our sense of purpose. The early morning hours, when the world is still and the day has yet to unfold, are a sacred opportunity for us to connect with the divine, to reflect on our deepest aspirations, and to prepare ourselves to live with integrity and faith. Let us embrace this discipline, as the ancients did, and pass it down to future generations, so that they too may grow in wisdom and virtue.