Abstract:
Article discusses two theocratic modes of education-two conceptions of the epoch of
Enlightenment: philosophical foundations of the prominent representative of New England’s
Puritan theology, author of first catechism for children titled “Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes”,
considered the first children's book by an American, a preeminent minister John Cotton and
conception of an author of East Orthodox “teachings” the great theologian Anthim the Iberian.
Despite of essential differences, both have in common theocratic mode of education.
There is proved that ideas of protestant reformation had a great impact on the theory and
practice of American enlightenment. Cotton’s viewpoint is based on his covenant of grace-social
and ecclesiastic agreement between God and human. His educational mode is based on
antinomianism, radical formalism, one-sidedness. In Anthim’s discourse we cannot meet any of
these signs. On the contrary none of them is entirely acceptable for him. Priority of personal
will personal freedom of choice and their integration in the process of education is the backbone
of his mode.