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Dec
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D.R. over at Christ and Culture has a post questioning whether or not Christians should withdraw our children from public schools. Before I get to that, I want to give a brief background. Our backgrounds shape our understandings and we all carry presuppositions (some that we are aware of and some that we are not) that must be recognized whenever wrestling with issues.
I grew up surrounded by teachers. Both of my parents were Elementary School teachers, my aunt was a High School guidance counselor, both of my mother’s parents had been educators, two of my uncles taught and I married a teacher. The public education system has been part of my “collective consciousness” as long as I can remember. I grew up attending public school without ever thinking that there might be other options (and frankly, not caring). I knew very few home-schoolers and they were considered odd at the time. I knew a few people who attended private Christian schools, but those often differed very little from public education with the exception of a Bible class and maybe a chapel service and it was very possible that the only reason they attended Christian school is because the public school no longer wanted them.
However, I am now the father of three boys. As such, my wife and I have engaged in considerable prayer and discussion regarding homeschooling. Though it ought not be, this is a topic of much contention. On one side we have many saying that if you don’t homeschool your children, then you’re somehow “less holy” while on the other side many argue that homeschooled kids are sheltered and lack social skills. I think that a good standard to strive for might be that of Scripture; that our speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) and love (1 Corinthians 13). Whether or not you like the conclusions of the “other side”, we must admit that there are godly and God-fearing men and women on each side and that there might not be a “black and white,” right or wrong. We must love and support those on all sides of this issue.
With all of that having been said; at this point, my wife and I are leaning towards homeschooling our boys and I want to very briefly share why. I understand the arguments of those who primarily go to Deuteronomy 6:4-9 to show that the child’s whole education is the responsibility of the parents and is to be within the context of God’s rule over the home. However, I’m not convinced that this in and of itself requires homeschooling. In fact, there might be advantages to public school for a thinking and committed Christian family; opportunities for critical thinking, for conversation, and for living out the faith and understanding “the world’s arguments” in ways possibly not available to homeschoolers. A committed family could certainly accomplish the ideals of Deuteronomy within a public school context.
With those adopting the public school approach, there is often an underlying assumption: Christians are not to withdraw from the world and its culture, rather we are to be transforming; salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). Hearing this argument was actually one of the final reasons that convinced us to pursue homeschooling. My boys are 4 and 2. That means that my oldest would soon be in Kindergarten. While I love my son immensely, it is simply unfair and unrealistic to think that he is ready to be “salt and light”. In fact, he is quite impressionable, which is exactly why we’re opting to homeschool. This is precisely the age when he needs Scripture’s influence most. Many of us expect our children to share our level of faith and discernment, which is simply unrealistic.
So, should we pull our children out of public schools? I’m not sure that there is an answer as clear cut as any of us would like. For us that certainly seems to be most in line with Scripture, but I’m not convinced that we can call it sin to send your child to public school (which many seem to border on saying).
Though we certainly must avoid stereotypes, there are some deep and hard-hitting questions involved in these discussions. Many argue that they simply cannot homeschool because both spouses work outside the home. Most of the time, this is simply a matter of priority and we must lovingly call it such. It is a placement of lifestyle above child-rearing. The reality of many of these homes is that a certain standard of living has been attained and the parents are simply not willing to adjust in order to keep the wife at home.
Another common argument is that the parents do not feel qualified or equipped. To a certain extent, this does have some validity, but the question becomes, does this argument carry enough weight? I don’t think so. We are called to filter the world for our children and to create an environment in which they begin to understand everything in light of the Gospel from an early age. Scripture often sets standards which we cannot reach on our own:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18);
or
You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Our inability does not excuse us from Scripture’s high calling. While I have come to believe that removing our children from the public school system is most likely in their best interest, it does not necessarily hold that removing the Christian presence as a whole is a good thing. We desperately need confident and articulate men and women who are willing to serve within the public school system. Granted, upon entering this system, by structure and by necessity, the amount we might be actually allowed to say and do is limited, but our love may never be limited. This generation of children desperately needs to see men and women filled with Christ and overflowing with His love.
Even with the strong arguments in favor of home schooling, I’m not willing to say that sending you children to public school is sin and I’m convinced that both sides of the argument need to do more to “reach across the aisle”. In fact, the high calling that we may all agree on ought to prod us all to work through these issues together rather than “choosing sides” as is our natural inclination. Above all, we must all stand reminded that our homes are to be filled with Scripture and we are to use every opportunity as a teaching opportunity; a chance to point our little ones to Christ. This, at least seems to be the clear standard to which we are all called. May we assist one another in pursuing that goal.
- Read D.R.’s original post
- Read My Life For Yours: A Walk Through the Christian Home by Douglas Wilson
- Read Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally About God With Your Children by John Younts
Hey,
I was curious if you could help me out. I have a friend from school who is, I believe, quite bothered by the state of the churches in his town. They are “dead” to him.
He has a forum and has brought this topic up and I have given my stance on why I believe the gathering together of believers is important. Yet, he sees that he can do just the same outside of church with believers as is done in the church. Anyways…I was curious what your take on it was. If you want to look at his site..it’s http://www.sofyst.net/forum under the religous section.
That’s so great to read! My mother is a fifth grade teacher and I always had the pressure to believe in Public School. At this point, the only reason I would think of putting my little on in school is for the socialization (and my own selfish freedom), but it’s good to know I could make a rational decision to homeschool as well. Thanks, I bookmarked it!
Excellent post. My husband and I struggled with this decision many years ago when our boys reached school age. Since my husband was a pastor in the small community we assumed we would put them in the local public school. That was until I did some substitute teaching there. What I found was appalling and we decided we could not put our children in that situation. We chose a private school nearby. It was by no means perfect but they a got a much better beginning to their educational future than they would have. Your decision must be based on what is best for YOUR child. It is totally up to you.
Your post was very well written and thoughtful. God bless you in this decision.
Very good answer to my original question Brent. Thanks for the plug and thanks for giving a thorough answer to this complex problem. It isn’t cut and dry / black and white for everyone and that is what I was looking for in responses. I do think we have to evaluate the significant problems with every approach to education, but as you made clear, the main issue should be the welfare of our children, not our own social agendas.
Being a teacher in a public school, my wife and I are leaning toward homeschooling our children. It is a nasty environment for those who are not prepared to be “salt and light.” However, if the Lord granted us a child with a level of spiritual maturity even at a young age, we would consider it. I have seen some kids in my school that I believe are truly Christian that I would hate to see leave, because their example is so counter-cultural. But, it is rare to see that. We have 850 kids in our middle school, and I think I could probably only say that about 3 or 4 kids.
As a teacher, I have often struggled about my place in the public school. I am limited in what I say, but I have a great deal of liberty because of my subject matter. I am history teacher, and religion is woven througout history. But, Christ has called me there and I am glad to be serving and loving kids for His sake.
This was sent to my e-mail as a response, but I wanted to post it here for all to see because of the great insight and challenges, Thanks Alicia!
I still don’t have a blog account:) However, I wanted to responded to the blog “What About Their Social Skills?”
I am a “product” of public school and state colleges. I have taught in the public school system for 16 years. For many years I was adamantly against home schooling. My views were not from a scriptural stance, but rather from a narrow view. The only “home schooled” children I was exposed to were those that returned to the public school system. Often they were behind academically. However, most of these children had been home schooled for non-religious reasons. Most of them were due to behavioral issues. Needless to say, my experience was tainted.
Having said all of that, my views of home schooling have changed. We plan to home school our future children. Our decision is not based on “removing our children from the world.” It is not based on “keeping our children in a bubble.” It is not based on solely “protecting them from evil.” Our reason is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
I know that the public school system can teach my children abundant knowledge. In fact, the specialized teachers that are “experts” in their fields would far exceed my ability in many subjects. Therefore, if the goal in educating my children is purely academic, home schooling will probably not live up to the standard (realizing there are exceptions in both cases). My concern with public education is that God is left out of the discussion. Therefore, parents have to go to great lengths to get children to connect their knowledge to God. I know that a diligent and devoted parent can do this with God’s help. However, below I list some of the obstacles in doing just that:
1) Not only is God left out of knowledge and wisdom being presented in public school, many times He is actually attacked. When secondary students open their World History books, creation will not be found. Think about that! Students begin their worldview of all of history without God. In fact, the textbook not only ignores God, it will give them a beginning of the world that is a lie and that hates God. This same scenario is repeated in every subject. Why do we study math? Because a perfect Creator created the world with order!
2) A diligent and devoted parent can still counter these wrong views with time and energy. However, another problem arises. The public school will lure students into many activities. Many of the activities are good in and of themselves. However, they will rule the family schedule and time priorities. The devoted parent will plan to spend the afternoon and evening refocusing the knowledge gained that is void of God; however, they will find that activities will have consumed all of the available time.
3) It is very difficult to keep a child from compartmentalizing their life. God is a part of everything except from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday. I know that a well-grounded child can still meditate on God and scripture throughout the day, but that will be difficult. I am still amazed that most of my life I didn’t think God had anything to do with English, Science, History, etc!
4) Children are impressionable. Teachers will be “authorities” to them. Many teachers have “good, Christian” values. However, many are not Christians. In fact, some are anti-Christian. I am still amazed by the youth of our community and church when they name their favorite teacher at the local high school. The teacher often named is a proclaimed atheist. He is very dynamic and “fun.” He is providing the worldview to the young people on world events, history, current events, etc.
5) There is also the exposure to evil at a young age. Yes, they are part of a world that is filled with evil. That cannot be avoided. However, we don’t have to immerse them in it while they are still developing their own spiritual walk.
6) More and more, public schools are teaching anti-Christian values under the umbrella of “tolerance” and “diversity.” The homosexual and anti-family communities have made great strides in getting their agendas within the classroom.
With those concerns stated, I realize that home schooling does not necessarily guarantee avoidance of all these issues. Our “every day talk” and lifestyle will be vital whichever educational path is chosen. I know God can use all educational paths for His purpose and glory and the good of those who love Him. Therefore, I do not think sending your child to public school is a sin. However, original “public school” was held in the church building with the main focus being God. Look at the origin of Yale, Harvard, etc. That is not the case today.
Our goal is to provide the best education academically as possible; however, academics is not the main goal or focus. We want to instill a worldview with God at the top and center. We are not concerned with “socialization” at all. I have seen plenty of children in public school that have no social skills. None of us live isolated from the rest of the world. Our children will have many opportunities to develop appropriate social skills that are biblical with our guidance. (This is another reason to offer hospitality to others…teaching your children to interact with and to serve others, developing biblical social skills.) If we were to go back to the origin of this “proper socialization” concern, we would probably find that it is connected with secular psychology just as “self-esteem” is.
Scripture warns that knowledge can puff-up. It is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom and that can keep knowledge from “puffing-up.” It is not that home schooling is the only way to develop the fear of the Lord, but we feel for US it is the most practical way.
For His Glory!
Alicia
Well said Alicia!
We home schooled for five years before placing our two daughters in a private Christian school this year. Our reason for making the change? We always said home school would be a year-by-year commitment, and the decision whether or not to home school would ultimately be my wife’s. I can hear gasps and shouts of disapproval from my Christian brothers. As the spiritual leader in your home, how could you leave such an important decision up to your wife!? Very simple. She is the primary educator. If she tells me she has sought the Lord in prayer and believes He is directing her not to home school, who am I to question her? Forcing my wife to home school against her will is not beneficial to her or our children (or my physical well-being).
We used to be members of the “All Christians must home school their children” camp. Very militant group they are (my Yoda impersonation). Almost like the “If it ain’t King James, it ain’t Bible” crowd. The problem is we could not find any scriptures to support that argument. As Brent said, Duet 6:4-9 is the main scripture used, but I also believe it does not support the “home school only” argument.
Is the private school perfect? No. It is run by sinners. Redeemed sinners, but sinners nonetheless. But the school seeks to show the glory and love of Christ in every subject, in every school function and in every decision it makes. The teachers seem genuinely concerned about our daughters’ development both intellectually and spiritually. Although there are public school teachers who do care about their students, they don’t have the same commitment or investment. We have a common bond and goal with our daughters’ teachers. We can be confident that the beliefs we teach at home are not going to be mocked and assaulted on every front in school.
Are all the children Christians at our school? No, but the ones who do cause trouble are dealt with quickly and firmly and not allowed to become a distraction to the other students. We know this is not the case in public school. Trouble makers are coddled for fear of reprisal from them and/or their parents, if the parents are even told about their shenanigans. Public school has never been an option for us. If private school ceased to be a viable option financially, we would go back to home schooling. Who knows, we may decide to do it again.
The whole idea of children being light and salt to the world is not scriptural. On the contrary, we are supposed to protect our children from sin while teaching them the ways of the Lord. We as adults and parents are to be the salt and light to everyone, including our own children, but to place my children in an environment where everything is stacked against them and expect them to be witnesses is neither wise nor loving.
As far as the “socialization” myth is concerned, well that’s exactly what it is. Unfortunately, this myth was largely unchallenged until recently despite studies and real-world results that dispel these claims. We actually struggled to limit the amount of extracurricular activities we involved ourselves in while home schooling.
grace and peace,
sb
