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"Southern Baptist Campaigns for Homeschool"
The Southern Baptist Convention resolution committee is being presented with a proposal for the national organization to encourage families to homeschool.
At least T.C. Pickney's heart is in the right place.
Here's what I do agree with:
"God gives the responsibility for education of children to the parents, not to the government."
Amen to that. The Bible couldn't be more clear.
"The public school claims to be neutral, but it is actually opposed to Christianity and provides an education that is 'Godless'."
I think that statement really got people riled up! But it is the truth. It is impossible for any educational material or institution to be neutral. Everybody has their own beliefs and their own opinions - what is commonly called a "world view". Teacher's have a world view just like everyone else; and their world view will come out in their teaching or selection of material whether they realize it or not.
Secondly, the public school system is opposed to Christianity; but even if you want to argue that point, you can't argue that is Godless. God has been totally abolished - and that is detrimental to our children's education.
How can we teach our children that God is the most important thing in our lives, but not care that He is not in their education? Biblical principles and scripture can be incorporated into every subject matter, and it is vital that our children learn through example that God is a part of everything. If you think about it, you can see the truth in that, right?
The public school system adopts "curricula and policies teaching that homosexual life is acceptable".
Yeah, and they're claiming to be "neutral". Even allowing homosexual activity is the same as endorsing it. Then, if you add materials to teach about it; the act that is an abomination to God is promoted as another normal expression of sexuality.
Public school is harmful spiritually and lacking academically.
Ignoring God and accepting homosexuality alone are practices that actively attack our children spiritually. Add on top of that low academic standards and you have a recipe for disaster.
So, as you can see, all great points to argue for in the Christian sphere. HOWEVER, there is one area in which I strongly disagree:
Having a national organization requiring homeschool as the ethical thing to do is wrong.
You may be thinking, what? Didn't you just agree with all that stuff? Yes, I did. And you'll note that Pickney's first point was that parents are responsible but the government is not. And as such, the church is not responsible either. I'm all for an individual (or organization) promoting, campaigning, and providing support for homeschool. However, a church would be overstepping it's boundaries to be making homeschool a "Christian duty." You'll never find in the Bible to homeschool. You'll only find that parents are responsible, the right way to live, and what to avoid. The ultimate decision is still between the parents and God only.
Just because someone's heart is in the right place and promoting something good doesn't mean that they are 100% right.
Laura Bankston is author of the Homeschool Cookbook as what "Working Mom's Don't Get to Do With Their Kids". Laura is a homeschooling Mom of three and provides free support and services to homeschooling families through the Homeschooling Library and Homeschooling Requirements. She also provides innovative solutions to your homeschooling challenges with her one-of-a-kind products.
Comments may be sent to: laura@homeschoolinglibrary.com