In this episode, we begin a two-part series examining the foundation of the Western public school system and its anti-Christian origins. We explore the early influence of the church on education, where the primary purpose of schooling was to enable individuals to read the Bible. The episode delves into the utopian experiment of Robert Owen, who attempted to separate children from their parents to shape them into ideal citizens—a project that ultimately failed. However, Owen's ideas laid the groundwork for modern educational systems designed to create obedient citizens. We also explore the life of Horace Mann, considered the father of public education, and his role in shaping the current public school system with a vision that increasingly distanced itself from Christian teachings. Episode Sponsor: The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns Sunday School: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34670598/sunday-school-the-movement-that-shaped-the-education-of-the-church William and Catherine Booth: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34678662/william-and-catherine-booth-and-the-salvation-army