Every human worships. We cannot but worship because that is the core of our spirit-nature. This is the sole explanation for why I feel Christians must consider carefully before placing their children under the counsel of government schooling.
In the absence of God, there must be something. What is that something? Me. You. That’s all that’s left. I decide truth and you accept what I say, even is you disagree. And we live happily together. Or do we?
Its formal name is humanism, and it is called a “faith”, a religion by its very proponents.
“Down through the ages men have been seeking a universal religion or way of life…. Humanism…shows promise of becoming a great world faith. Humanists are content with fixing their attention on this life and on this earth. Theirs is a faith without a god, divine revelation, or sacred scriptures. Yet theirs is a faith rich in feeling and understanding.” Lloyd Morain, former President of the American Humanist Association
If a school system could teach basic facts and figures, without upholding some worldview, we could argue that education is neutral.
If facts and figures were all there were, it would not, in fact, be “education”. It would just be rote memorization of some basic life skills.
Education, by its very nature must encompass a world view. It will either be God’s worldview, or man’s worldview. Well, we know God’s worldview was kicked out a long time ago.
But is humanism so bad? Well, not to a non-believer. But to a Christian, it is a false religion, and an abomination. The Bible has a few things to say…
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
(One translation reads “the human mind”.)
“But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.” Jeremiah 7:24
Is the public school system under the worldview–the “religion” of humanism? Some would argue that such a claim is “over the top”. But again, THINK! Even if no one has stated it outright (and many have!) BY DEFAULT humanism is taught. There is a void and vacuum that must be filled with something when God is removed, just like darkness is inevitable in the absence of light. Self fills that void, and that, by definition, is the religion of humanism.
This is where we can’t wrap our brains around it. We know many of the teachers; they’re nice and some of them are Christians. And the principle, surely he’s not menacingly rubbing his hands together watching all his subjects fall for the deceptive philosophy of humanism!
That’s just the problem. Many of the real people involved in educating our children aren’t really aware of what is happening. Most of them sincerely have the children’s’ best interests in mind, and that makes us feel safe. They’ve been taught from a humanistic worldview, and they aren’t aware that NOT teaching from a Christian worldview is synonymous with teaching humanism.
So then the connection must be made–
Government schooling operates under the pretense of secular humanism.
Humanism is a false religion (anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God is).
We are commanded to serve no God but the one true God.
If A,B and C are true, wise deduction concludes the matter…barring extreme hardship (in which I still believe God can make allowances to avoid), Christians are called–BY SCRIPTURE–to refrain from placing their children under the false teaching of our public school systems. We must serve God or man. We must allow our children to be taught from God’s worldview or man’s.
Christians, what do you believe?
56 comments
Absolutely, humanism is the religion of the government schools. I know there are some who have made it through the public school system with their faith in God intact, but why even take that chance with your kids?
You can’t say it any plainer than that!
You are absolutely right! I wish all Christians could see this truth and agree…
Great job Kelly! You have honored the LORD with your writing.
One question for you…what would you say to Christians who believe that putting their children in the public school as witnesses and that the school is their mission field (as the family, not just the children)? I have many family and friends who believe this and I just do not know what to say to it, besides I do not think they are right.
Thank you for standing up for the truth, even if it gets you lots of mean comments! 🙂
Meghann,
Would you send a new soldier off to war with no training or weapons? That is in effect what we do to our children when we put them into public schools.
They need spiritually sound training and the armor of God.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Eph 6:11-13 (NIV)
A young child can not be expected to be salt and light when they do not yet prepared. We certainly can not expect them to stand up against the authorities in the PS.
Angela
Meghann,
I agree with Angela…children are still “fools” according to Scripture (sweet ones, growing out of it, though 😉
I like to use the analogy of a firefighter (soldier is good too). He has to train, wear protective gear, AND most importantly, walk alongside trained, veteran firefighters a long time before he is ready to fight on his own.
We would think it absurd to turn a rookie out on a house fire.
Meghann,
We always respond by asking if we send children to the mission field. Of course there are “mission’s trips” but even on those, children are supervised and guided. They are not sent out alone. Why? They are not prepared. They are still growing and learning themselves and cannot be expected to guide others. In the same way we cannot expect growing and learning children to go alone into a school and be able to guide others instead of being affected by them.
Thank you ladies for the answers back…that makes complete sense and is something I’ve believed, though haven’t been able to articulate very well at all. I appreciate the help 🙂
Hi Kelly,
I understand your time is minimal for this blog, and that you dont want to use up all your valuable time arguing different world views. Understood.
***That’s just the problem. Many of the real people involved in educating our children aren’t really aware of what is happening. Most of them sincerely have the children’s’ best interests in mind, and that makes us feel safe. They’ve been taught from a humanistic worldview, and they aren’t aware that NOT teaching from a Christian worldview is synonymous with teaching humanism.***
I agree with this..most arent aware. But, I dont think mistaking that we Christians who do have our children in public school, think that teachers and principals (have to add a plug-in here for proper spelling…..heehee……)necessarily keep my kids ‘safe’ in mindset. I believe God will help my husband, children, and I manuever through this, becasue I believe He led me to place my kids in public school. I didnt want to do it! I believe there is supernatural protection when we go where we dont wanna go, but do so because we feel that urging of the heart. I do not ever expect the leaders at a school to keep my childrens safety-nor do i put my trust in them. Some days, I dont even trust myself. But I do trust God, to work things out….regardless.
It was not like all of us mindlessly, and impulsively, placed our kids in school. The EXACT reason I homeschooled in the first place was for reasons you have repeatedly stated throughout your blog. I am assuming that it is a possibility that others have done the same.
For the record, I do not put my children in school to be a ‘light’. I do not believe children have that reponsibility on them yet, for the most part.
“We know many of the teachers; they’re nice and some of them are Christians. And the principle, surely he’s not menacingly rubbing his hands together watching all his subjects fall for the deceptive philosophy of humanism!”
I particularly liked this part of your post, Kelly, because I know so many people in the public school system (I am friends with many, and I am related to some as well!) – and, no, they are not “bad” people at all, just people trying to do their best, some with a genuine caring and compassion for children! That is what makes it so difficult to “denounce” or leave, the public school.
But they are working in a system, as a part of that system, and that is what we need to be looking at – not the individuals.
The sad part of today’s society is that many people do not even know what is taking place in the public schools, good or bad. We are so conditioned as a society to accept that the government knows what it is doing, that we do not look closely.
But we are supposed to know what is being taught, and how it is being taught, to our children! I find it amazing that parents I speak to do not even know what books their children are reading, what television shows they are watching, what topics they are discussing with their peers. Parents today do not know the hearts of their children – why would they know the “heart” of their childrens’ schools?
Thank you for bringing up this issue, and for speaking frankly about it. I am sure some people will be offended, but perhaps your words will cause someone to look a bit closer at what their children’s schools are doing.
“Government schooling operates under the pretense of secular humanism.” Agreed.
“Humanism is a false religion (anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God is).” Can’t argue with that.
“We are commanded to serve no God but the one true God.” Absolutely true.
“If A,B and C are true, wise deduction concludes the matter… Christians are called–BY SCRIPTURE–to refrain from placing their children under the false teaching of our public school systems.” Did I miss something?
I read your blog because I like your plain-speak-it-as-it-is approach, but I can’t help but feel that this post and the previous post is more about defending your decision to home-school, than anything else.
In all fairness I could be accused of trying to defend my decision to send my childen to a public school, but I want to state that this was not an easy decision and not one that was reached without prayer. My children all attended a Christian school until they were 13, when they then went onto the state school. This was a scary step for us as parents but we believed that it was the right decision. Every day we cover our children with prayer, and we diligently teach them the truth at home so that they might be able to recognise the lies the world teaches them.
While homeschooling could be perceived as the ideal situation, I think you need to be careful not to judge those that choose not to, or are unable to, homeschool.
thank you kelly for writing this blog. it has been on my heart to homeschool my children for 3 years now. i never thought i could do it… (no patience). my husband and i have given this prayerful consideration and have talked to many friends in our church who homeschool and they have all been supportive, but you are the first person i’ve read that really explains the reasons we should homeschool and backs it up with scripture. i LOVE Christian apologetics! i found voddie bacham on your site too and his insight is amazing. our paster actually went to college with voddie and was his prayer partner for years. he has been encouraging us also in this. we have made the decision to pull our oldest out of 3rd grade public school in january 2009 and will not enroll our now 4 year old, 2 year old and one on the way in public school. i do not want caesar molding the minds of my children for 14,000 hours of their life. i believe God gave that job to me and i just regret not seeing it sooner. thank you for all of the encouraging posts on this subject and please know that you are reaching people and making a difference. i pray your family is blessed.
kristi c
Jules,
You can rest assured, these posts have nothing to do with my defending homeschooling–absolutely nothing. In fact, I haven’t said that parents must homeschool…I mentioned Christian school.
These posts have everything to do with truly desiring to challenge parents to consider the undercurrent of the government education system. Why can’t I just be deeply concerned with the Christian community because they are a part of my body?
I don’t understand how it can be called “judging”, when I, in love, point out what I feel are real dangers for Christians to consider. How can warning people be judging? This is not Scriptural. “Admonish, rebuke, exhort, warn…” If you were driving straight for a cliff and I knew it (or at least felt convinced it was there), how cruel it would be to wave and smile, afraid of offending you if I told you about it?
After you agreed with the main points in my post, what did you mean by, “Did I miss something”? I thought I was clearly making the connection of the biblical defense of sending our children to be mentored in a system that rejects God. Not the people, necessarily, but the system.
I did feel called by God to put our dd in public school at the beginning of this school year. I had always so strongly believed in homeschooling, but the decision to put her in ps was all but made for me (and practically even that). I did it with much fear and trembling, and hated every day of it. 🙂 Then I pulled her after 6 weeks, when dh and I felt it was time to bring her back home again.
In all fairness, I learned a lot during those 6 weeks. It helped me get my priorities in order, and remember the reasons why I want her home with me. I think our extended family learned some things as well. I DO think that time was ordained by God, so I actually believe it when people say that now, haha.
I do think God can use public or Christian school for a time. However, to make a lifestyle out of public schooling is a dangerous road, and one that should be entered into with much fear and trembling, IMO. (FWIW, I am a graduate of public school, and so is my husband)
P.S. Even Jesus didn’t go into public ministry until he was 30. 🙂
For the record, my husband’s whole family is in the public school profession (I probably won’t get any Christmas presents this year ;-).
So as I talk about this, I am never talking about the flesh and bones people who educate. In addition to my relatives, many of my dear friends are public school teachers.
We’re talking about a system, broken by default because the foundation of education has been removed.
Just wanted to offer that detail for your perspective.
Something to consider for those who try to counteract the influence of public schools with good doctrine at home:
In my opinion/experience, very young children do NOT have the capacity to separate truth from lies. Even if parents exert a great deal of time and energy to show a child the difference, and the child seems to understand, the lie will, nevertheless, become as much a part of that child’s worldview as the truth.
Does that make sense?
Example: We took all of my son’s books that had references to evolution and crossed out the lies (millions of years before man, dinosaurs ruled the earth) and replaced them with truths (God created dinosaurs on the sixth day). We patiently and meticulously talked about the lie verses the truth.
Later, when asked about dinosaurs, my son would start off just like his books “Millions and millions of years ago…” I know he didn’t get this lie from TV because we don’t even have TV. He learned this lie from me.
You see, small children are little sponges. Their minds simply absorb EVERYTHING! You can’t separate the good from the bad or the lies from the truth. It’s all input.
So, until our son is capable of critical thinking, we will focus only on truth.
In public schools our very youngest children are being taught lies. If you don’t believe me check out any non-fiction book about alligators, reptiles, or dinosaurs from your child’s school library and read the first sentence.
They are being taught that “alternative” lifestyles are not only acceptable, but good. California schools dedicate an entire week to this topic (gay week) each year and have kindergarten books featuring 2 daddies or 2 mommies. Perhaps the most damaging behind the scenes lie is that “there are many paths to god”, (which I believe WW addressed in yesterdays blog).
I’m glad that the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to keep our children home where they can absorb only truth until they are capable of thinking about something without it becoming a part of who they are.
(sorry this got so long!)
Hi Kelly,
First of all, I want to apologise for how I worded my earlier comment. I’ve re-read it and it certainly sounds a lot harsher than I intended.
I also didn’t mean to sound as if I was accusing you of judging those of us who send our children to public schools. Perhaps because I do send my children to a public school I am going to be ‘touchy’ on this subject and take offense when none was intended.
Perhaps too because I am aware of the humanistic world view being taught my children that I reacted so strongly. I’m not blind to this argument you presented and in fact agreed with you on this.
However, I’ve re-read your post and I’m afraid I still don’t fully understand how you draw the conclusion that “Christians are called–BY SCRIPTURE–to refrain from placing their children under the false teaching of our public school systems”. I can understand that you could argue from the statements that have gone before that parents seeking to be obedient in training their children would choose not to send their children into the public school, but to state that Scripture teaches that we are not to put our children into the public school I felt was taking the argument too far.
However this is my own personal viewpoint and I’m obviously not neutral when it comes to this topic.
I do admire that you’ve not been afraid to speak out when and where you think it’s needed. I may not agree totally with everything you write, but I do appreciate the concern you have for the body of Christ, and for parents in particular.
I have to agree with Jules here–I can see how some Christian parents infer from scripture and experience that homeschooling is the best choice for them, but I don’t see how it is mandated in the way, say, belief in Jesus as the son of God is mandated by scripture.
I’d suggest that homeschooling (and “Christian” schooling, which can honestly mean almost anything) should stand on their own merits and not depend on denigrating the public school system.
On this issue, as with so many other issues, I do believe that Christians of good faith and total integrity can disagree with clear consciences. The way Christians spat over the details does so much to tear down the Body of Christ and demean our witness in the world, and personally I think the vitriol with which this issue is debated is an example of that very tearing down.
The whole issue is about what children are being exposed to. I have so many people make comments to me that I am shielding my child from the world. Yes I am. It is my job as a parent to protect my child.
That does not mean she is ignorant of how the world works, but I will not throw her out there on her own, eight hours a day before she is prepared. That is almost 2/3 of her day that she would be away from me and biblical teaching.
That is 2/3 of her day that she would be exposed to a school system that is running an agenda to socialize children into believing the liberal propaganda that it espouses. Things like evolution, diversity training, and socialism. These things are not right and the school systems do not provide a balanced education.
Liberals scream separation of church and state (which is not constitutional) when the schools have become the state churches. They teach the false doctrines (religions) of humanism and evolution.
No, the Bible does not say thou shalt not send your children to public school, but it does say, as Kelly pointed out, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” What is clearer than this?
And since this quote comes from God, it is command.
If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Matt 18:8-9 (NIV)
If something causes us, or our children to sin (or be pulled away from God) then we are to get rid of it. Allowing our children to be taught ideas that are sinful, such as acceptance of so called alternative lifestyles, is unacceptable. As Sheena said, children are sponges. They also tend to believe everything they hear is truth.
Like others, I do not believe all teachers and administrative staff are out to get our children. But the PS system is flawed to say the least.
And for those who believe there is no possible way that they could homeschool or even put their children in private school, whether it be for financial or other reasons, God can do anything. He will absolutely provide the way for those who are willing.
madebaby,
I hope this particular thread doesn’t reflect “vitriol” as I think we’ve all been respectful in our responses to each other.
To go back to yours and Jules question–“how does the Bible instruct us to not send our children to public school”…
If we all agree that ps is an institution where another religion (humanism) reigns (clarified by the fact that in the absence of God, another god must fill the void), and if Scripture instructs us to NOT follow other gods, other religions, including “man’s wisdom”, then the deduction is clear.
Maybe it helps to say, if we believe humanism to be another religion just as Islam is another religion (only different “gods” are being served), would a Christian be justified, by Scripture, to allow Islam teaching to indoctrinate his children?
Bear in mind, we’re not talking about a child simply being “exposed” to another religion, we’re talking about giving their minds, bodies and souls to be shaped by it–their entire worldview.
I know this is hard! And again, this has nothing to do with trying to defend homeschooling (homeschooling stands quite able to defend itself.)
PLEASE understand I’m speaking with gentleness, urgency and ONLY out of care for my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. It’s no different than if I thought my friend’s child were being harmed by a relative his parents trusted. I would have to make the call to risk making the parent angry for the sake of the child’s safety, or say nothing to the continued harm of the child. Tough one, but I’m going with what I would hope someone would do for me.
Beautifully clear!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! IMO the buck stops here plain and simple. We can talk all day about special circumstances and exceptions but at the end of the day God’s Word is still true and the same as it was this morning. My heart breaks for Christian families that are wrestling with this decision. i know too well how hard it is. IMO it helps if you keep it as simple as it really is. It is man’s logic not the Word of God that comes up with all the exceptions. i love Kelly’s post on “Believe God”. Boy, did i need to read that this morning! Let us as believers BELIEVE GOD and watch HIM make a way where we saw none, a door where there was none, a light where there was only darkness. Can God use PS? God can do anything but why would we WANT to step outside of what is so clear and then expect the miracle on the end of disobedience to His Word? It reminds me of what some say in regards to Jesus being the only way to God…you might hear things like,”surely, there must be more ways that…how could Jesus be the ONLY way?..”. but that is exactly what the BIble says, “I(Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life, NOONE comes to the Father but through ME!” We have hosts of churches that claim Christ trying to add to or take away from that simple absolute truth. Wow, good food for thought this morning. Thank you Kelly again! I hope that those involved in PS will read this and hopefully see that i mean absolutely NO unkindness. i have been blessed so many times by people speaking plain, loving, truth to me! Blessings to all, jen in al
***And for those who believe there is no possible way that they could homeschool or even put their children in private school, whether it be for financial or other reasons, God can do anything. He will absolutely provide the way for those who are willing.***
sure thing. except if he desires for reasons beyond making sense, that *your* children go to public school.
putting another God before the Authentic God could also be translated into putting rules and ‘truths’ above people. i see it said all the time that truth and love go hand in hand, but i dont see this demonstrated here much.
the deductions arent clear. the more further and deeper some of you dive into your theology, the more clear to me it becomes that you are enslaved to something. I mean if you were a law official, id be jumping up and down clapping my hands over your zeal. But as sisters in Christ, Im left dumbfounded.
The same manner in which some of you determine that *we* are deceived, some of us here i beleive are looking at some of you the same way. but i know you cant wrap your head around that, because it appears you cant get the ‘bigger picture’, and have to run to a micro-managing rule to tell you how to live, and puff it up to the size of a whole separate book of the bible.
i could run the same argument on food. and how some of you here probably eat badly. and micromanage it and take you down a trail, with biblical documentation, that although eating healthy and exercising every single day is hard, and not the easy wide road, how if you simply refuse to do this, you are CLEARLY ignoring the mandate that our body is a temple, and i could qoute Psalm 139 and twist it and fit that into my ‘theolgy’ too. i could shame you if you dont have a garden, shop at the organic store, etc etc etc. i could literally write a book about it. and id actually convince people (isnt that sad?)
you can take any way of life and extract biblical verses to fit your point. its done all the time!
i have no issue with saying homeschooling is great, and shows results, and has many endless PROS about it. but it aint ‘the way, the truth, and the life’.
i could go on and on about how art and music makes for a smarter child. i could extract proof form the bible to support my theory (or should is ay FACT?)most people in this country, homeschool or not, cannot and do not provide enough music or art….though i see some..and therefore are not educating their child properly. and i know its the HARDER thing, and its more expensive, but bygoneit, if you want to obey every biblical command…..lets get to it!
i know. *MY* examples are ridiculous. but yours arent.
I think mnay of us who have half the smarts to even follow these posts (yes, that is a compliment) didnt just carelessly place our kids in school. maybe next year i will be homeschooling again. who knows. the problem isnt that you homeschool or why you do. that is admirable. but the shame and guilt that breathes out of some of the ways in which you go about correcting and stating 100% that ‘this is the way it is”…..elevates you to God-like status when you speak. i do not see a ton of humility in the wway any of this is being presented. what is the harm in just letting it go? when i let go of all that control, it felt really really good. it would be bad enough if i was a non-believer or unbeliever……..but as a Christian, who some of you claim you are speaking to and trying to encourage….it reeks of idolatry.
My sister went to public school high school. She wrote a paper and used Scripture references (along with other sources) to back up her point. She read her paper to me and it was very good. Her teacher DOCKED HER GRADE for using Bible references. And yes, her teacher said that it was because of the use of Scripture that her grade was docked.
I do not call that free speech. I don’t even call that humanism by default. I call that blatant. My mother, in her defense of sending my sister there in the beginning, told me it was a good school with good Christian teachers. I could give you example after example of these types of situations she has dealt with but I won’t because I wouldn’t want to embarrass her as she sometimes visits this blog.
My aunt happily sends her children to another public school in a different part of the state. She was nonchalantly telling me about having to get the materials to make her sons costumes. “They are supposed to dress up like Greek gods”, she said as though it was the most normal thing in the world.
But has anyone seen the news story back in October where a boy dressed like Jesus for Halloween? Not that I would do that, but the kid was SENT HOME FROM SCHOOL.
Again… I call that blatant.
What is wrong with this picture?
Seriously, I also have family and friends who are public school teachers. And I wouldn’t want to hurt them for the world.
But I have to agree with Angela.
I also believe that Kelly is using her blog to try to be a Titus 2 woman. If she writes something that I don’t agree with and I KNOW I AM RIGHT, then I just shrug it off. Why get so offended if you you are right?
Titus 2
3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Kim, the schools where you are sound awful. Thankfully, we did not encounter that here in our rural area, as I have stated.
Kelly, thank you for clarifying the fact that it is not necessarily the people in the public school system, some of whom are Christians, it is the system itself. I never saw it that way.
Like I keep saying, I am trying to be open to your ideas, which is all you have been saying all along — be open. Somehow, we are all missing that. I did for a long time. You are just trying to warn and help.
I wish somebody like you had been around when I was deciding what to do with my children. I especially like the idea of “relaxed home schooling”. I have not read your e-book, but maybe someday I can review it.
When home school was presented to me back in the early ’90’s, yes, unfortunately, most (not all) of the people who were doing it were, as one reader remarked, “unbearably sanctimonious”, and it put me off. I don’t feel you coming across that way, Kelly.
Also, I saw a lot of “home school” that had degenerated into “no school” among a couple of my friends. But, maybe no school is better than indoctrination into full-blown secular humanism, as the school systems of some of your readers seem to be pushing.
The ones I knew who successfully home schooled their children were very regimented, with a flag taped on the wall so that they could say the pledge of alliegiance every day. It worked for them, and there is nothing at all wrong with that, but I knew that I could never do that, as I am not a very regimented person.
Also, we lived in North Dakota at the time — a very hard state to home school in. I asked a successful home schooler (the wife of one of my husband’s professors at bible college) about how to go about home schooling my children. She quoted me an exhorbitant sum of money that the curriculum would cost ($800 per child per year), which we didn’t have, and told me that according to the state of North Dakota, you would have to be monitored by state officials who would come into your home and inspect you. That did it. I put my kids in public school. I didn’t see the difference, if these government people were going to come right into my home!
Well, I found out later that if you or your husband have a 4-year college degree, the state of North Dakota would not monitor you at all. Both my husband and I did have 4-year college degrees at the time, but the professor’s wife assumed that because my husband was in bible college (we were in our 40’s) that we did not have college degrees. I did not learn this until much later, when our children had been in public school for a long time. I’m just glad that the public schools here are not quite as godless as in other places.
I learned a lesson from that: Don’t take anybody’s word for anything. Find our for yourself. I should have gotten on the phone to the officials in Bismarck and gotten the requirements for home schooling for myself.
Trying to be open to ideas. I may need to know, even though my children are grown.
am,
In all the gentleness and love I can muster, I hear you, and I don’t agree with you.
You like to think we are hung up on “rules”…this is not about rules.
You would like if I never made an absolute statement about anything because you feel sincerely that every Christian hears personally from God and “truth” may vary or look different from one Christian to another.
And on some issues, this may be true. (“If you weaker brother is offended by eating meat served to idols, don’t eat meat.”)
However, I have drawn what I believe are some direct principles from Scripture, which we MUST hold as our standard of truth. To say that the Bible does not offer absolute truth is to deny the faith. Period. And there is Scripture to back that up.
Spiritual relativism is a disease in the church. And it is crippling the body of Christ. Those who shrink back from authority have lost all power that is given to the believer that submits his will to God.
There is a place between “relativism” and “legalism” that is right.
As I proclaim what I believe about public school, I don’t do it to shame people. Nor have I “arrived” spiritually. Listen, I am sinful to the core and were it not for the blood of Christ, I could not even cower before God.
But God saved me and you so that we could “come out from among them and be separate”, “finding out what the will of God is”, saved “unto good works”, to “be holy, pursue righteousness and godliness”, to love, and live as the chosen people of God.
There is no shame in that! We are commanded to “find out what the will of the Lord is”…and the Bible has everything in it, either by principle or direct command useful for the Christian life. So to say that life is just left up in the air to muddle through and guess at–that nobody can really discern what God’s will is…that’s just not what Christ teaches!
No one here is condemning anyone else for where they are. We are trying to “rightly divide the word of truth” and exhort one another as we are called to.
am…
You asked, “what is the harm in just letting it go?” Not sure what it is you want us to let go of.
As I stated earlier, I can’t think of a crueler thing than to believe something is harmful to the body of Christ, and then to keep quiet as I see family after family reap the consequences from it, because I was afraid of offending.
To accuse me of idolatry? Let me remind you, that no one has spoken so harshly to you. It is a deeply painful thing to be humbly broken and desperately wanting to help people and then be told that my tactics are idolatrous.
As for the “control” you speak of….I think that’s why our worldviews are so different. I don’t feel “in control”, nor do I want to be. I believe the only freedom to be found is complete submission to the authority of God, through His Word, just as Jesus submitted to God, though he did not have to. That’s where his power came from.
“Not my willness” is a humbling thing, but boy the freedom in it!
My friend, Kathy, sent me this great quote…
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” -Martin Luther King, Jr
I just think it matters…deeply…that’s all.
i have loved reading all the comments on this post.
AM–“the deductions arent clear. the more further and deeper some of you dive into your theology, the more clear to me it becomes that you are enslaved to something.”
ABSOLUTELY!!!:) i am enslaved to Christ!:) I am no longer a slave to sin and self but a slave to Christ alone. Hallelujah!!!!:) May I forever be about His “business” and nothing else.
humbly and joyfully broken, jen in al
Oh, I think it begs reminding that the educational choices being discussed were PS vs. Christian education. Kelly and others have not said that we believe that home education is the ONLY way to have a Christian education. People have different options for Christian education–PS does not qualify as an option to have a Christian education.
blessings in Christ,
Jen in al
Kim,
It is not the different ways at this point, that are offensive. i am not gooing to keep rerpeating myself as to what *IS* offensive. I am sorry that you dont understand.
Kelly,
You are right. I do not think you are trying to or deliberately shaming people. I guess I should have said that. But I do think things that are said are shame-provoking, and maybe no one here realizes it. Others here, though not many, are pointing this out and no one is acknowledging it is occuring.
yes, many things said here have been as bad as me saying its idolatrous. I am sorry that you cant see that. Others have either said or eluded to that fact.I honestly do not know how to get through. it isnt me crying ‘legalist’, here. I know that is what you sometimes seem to think? it is me saying in desiring to uncover truth, calling judgment on people isnt cool. and it divides the body of christ. In saying ‘it reeks of idolatry’, i was saying that i can flip the whole argument around (‘have no other gods before me…’). I am also lost as to how to get through to anyone, so i became “bold” in my choice of expression. It is done here all in the name and truth of love. You are right, it is not the way to go about things, but neither is others doing it….and not being called out on it. arent you essentially saying that we who do send our children to public school, in a round about way (which lately has gotten more direct) that we are putting gods before GOd and therefore are commiting idolatry? And this is different how?
“why cant we just let it go?” i was meaning change what you can, and then let others go. we arent anyones inner voice. if they ask, and want to be led, then lead them. Otheriwse, it can be freeing to just letting people go. we cant make anyone. we cant control them. as much as we are grieved, we cant stop anybody. and in my experince, anyone who doesnt ask is (1) not ready to listen, or(2) sensitive to being told what to do, or on their own journey. I dont see harm in ‘letting go’. it is giving God back His Power in dealing with the individual. I dont mean let them go to the point of not caring or desiring good for them. I dont know. I guess I cant explain it well.
Civilla,
I think you have nailed a point that Kelly is trying to make all along.
“I wish somebody like you had been around when I was deciding what to do with my children”
I think that if we hear these kinds of things as we are young moms, then we can be confident when we are older that we had known all of the options out there.
I think Kelly just wants to share something that she feels is so precious. It’s like keeping this great secret that would help a lot of other people if you shared it. What they do with that is up to them, but I think she is just trying to offer that gift.
“Oh, I think it begs reminding that the educational choices being discussed were PS vs. Christian education. Kelly and others have not said that we believe that home education is the ONLY way to have a Christian education. People have different options for Christian education–PS does not qualify as an option to have a Christian education.”
I think I’m finally getting the point. However, there are many reasons Christians may choose or be forced into a PS education. In our area there is no Christian High School and those parents that I know who have homeschooled teens have not done it successfully (I’m not saying it can’t be done well, I just haven’t seen it done well). Sadly, too many of them eventually end up back in the PC system and behind their peers.
This coupled with the rules and regulations regarding homeschooling here and the lack of available curriculums that were well-written led us to decide on a PS education for our sons. Had there been a better alternative we would have taken it.
We’ve learnt some hard lessons as a result of sending our children to a PS but we’ve discovered that God is faithful and He will protect our children, not just physically, but also emotionally, intellectually, and yes, spiritually. For anyone who is forced to use the PS system, I hope they find this encouraging. For those that are able to choose a Christian education for their children I hope you will always realise just what a blessing it is.
With much affection and gentleness ( dare i say, even a plate of your favorite cookies in hand):)LOL— IMHO i believe that knowingly placing your children in PS does mean you are agreeing and submitting to have them discipled in the faith of Humanism. God can do miracles anywhere at anytime of His divine choosing and in any circumstance. Kelly is just pointing out on her blog what is in God’s Word.
In regards to “just letting it go”–I would seriously doubt that Kelly or any of the other HS mommies are out picketing the PS and handing out papers randomly about why to Christian educate to everyone they meet on the street. it has been my personal experience that you go about your life hoping and praying for opportunities to share what God has done in my life through Jesus Christ then grabbing those opportunities when they happen ( a person on the street asks a question, friend calls to ask, etc.). A personal blog is that person’s place to write about whatever they feel compelled to write about whether it be bug collecting or apologetics. I truly don’t believe anyone advocating Christian education or Christian home education is trying to shame anyone. I know I have read that a few times both in posts and in various comments. IMHO when i have personally felt in my heart shame/guilt about something i try to ask my self, “Is it truth i am hearing? “Is that the Holy Spirit pricking my heart?” Then take to the Lord and His Word and test these things to see if they are true. If they are not true you should not feel any shame or guilt for your choices. I don’t believe Kelly or those that agree with her are trying to control anyone. Just flipping a spotlight on something that is often seen as a non-issue in the Body of Christ but is crippling future generations. Based on a lot of research done most Christian PS graduates would not know a biblical world view if it hit right between the eyes! How our children are equipped to serve Christ is extremely important but i don’t think writing on her personal blog about these important issues means that she or anyone with the same convictions is out there beating people over the head with it. i am truly just giving my opinion. Kelly certainly does not need me to speak for her. she speaks for herself better than i ever could.:) and much more eloquently i might add. i am just pointing out a couple of things that struck me about the last few comments since i posted last. In His Love, jen in al
Okay, I think I can finally make a short post regarding these blogs about public schools without emotional turmoil.
I have been thinking about these post for the past few days. I won’t deny I have been angry; and on certain parts of the posts and comments, I have literally felt . . . inferior and humiliated. I’m not going to go into details because I refuse to engage in starting more strife or stirring-up more irritated feelings.
However, I will say this: (and Kelly, please don’t be offended) I have moderately disagreed with most of the comments/posts stated about public schools. I’m not sure if the education of children is so “clear cut” or “black and white . . . ”
I’m still NOT against home schooling, and I support all those hard working mothers who attend to this task. However, I think those who don’t send their children to public school should “look down” upon those who do. I currently work in a public school and I don’t “look down” upon those who home school or otherwise with disdain and disgust.
Upon doing my regular morning devotional reading, I came across a scripture in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 which states that we should pray for ALL people. Why? Because it pleases God who desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Shouldn’t we also be praying for Christians who have children in public schools? Remember, it’s God who changes the hearts of men and women, not us.
. . . That was just an interjectory comment . . .
At any rate, regardless of MY personal feelings about this manner on public schools, I think I will need to do my own personal research on public schools before I can truly say which educational system is the one God approves and accepts for Christian believers.
I do not look down on any of the mothers who send their kids to ps. I guess you could compare it to a degree (just put it in spiritual perspective) to something we do at our house.
Her little boy came over one day and wanted to ride my sons’ skateboard. She looked pretty appalled by the fact that her little boy was riding that skateboard.
“I just don’t think those things are very safe,” she said.
I don’t think she looked down on me because I let my kids ride them; she just really didn’t think they were very safe and didn’t want her children to ride it.
My neighbor could go on the internet and blog about the dangers of skate-board riding if she really wanted to. That is fine. 🙂 But in my mind, my kids are o.k. to ride them.
I am kind of like my neighbor when it comes to public school. I just don’t feel it is very safe spiritually speaking; so I home-school. But we are still great friends and I hope all of you feel the same about me as I do you (who I consider sisters in Christ).
I really don’t want any of my comments to be hurtful to anyone. My above comments are my own families experiences and things I have seen on the news (and see just about every day). I want to err on the side of caution when it comes to my children,but I do not want anyone to feel de-Christianized by my comments.
“Her little boy” (meaning my neighbor… sorry… typing in a hurry!)
K, so I don’t have time to read all the comments here… but in regards to children being “missionaries” in the public school, I can guarantee they will be more influenced by their peers than they will have an influence on them. it’s sending your kids to the wolves!
I just cringe every time I hear a christian talk about their kids going to “school”. Are you really not invested in your child’s life enough to take their education into your own hands?
I have been listening to some youtube audio from John Taylor Gatto and he says sending your kids to school is adoption. Because you are essentially letting a stranger (and a different one every year at that) raise your child during their most formable years.
Dear Kelly,
I only have a quick question, you may have already addressed it and I am just a little too dim to see it at the moment. I have wanted to home-school for a while now, if and when God chooses to bless us with our own “little arrows”. But our pastor made a valid point (at least in my mind) last Sunday. If there are no Christians in public schools then who will shine the Light to the lost children who might not ever “see” Jesus in anyone else they come in contact with? He has nothing against home schooling if it is a calling God has laid on the heart and I am all for home schooling, but I would like to hear what you have to say on that. I value your wisdom in this area and look forward to hearing (or seeing, lol) your view on this? I am very sorry if I am being redundant, please overlook my laziness this time 🙂
mrs. hester…
That’s OK…we did address this question, in the last post, I think. It’s basically the same reason we wouldn’t send our children to Kenya as missionaries, unattended by parents. They are not missionaries yet. They are soldiers in training. (I think Satan LOVES this one, when Christians become deceived into sending their children into the world to “evangelize” too early…they’re are raw meat.
am,
“arent you essentially saying that we who do send our children to public school, in a round about way (which lately has gotten more direct) that we are putting gods before GOd and therefore are commiting idolatry? And this is different how?”
Here is the crux–we part ways on “WHO” is doing the saying. I contend that Scripture clearly teaches we cannot serve false religions, and it would go without saying that we can’t allow our children to be taught false religions.
The deduction I made was that PS, is indeed, BY DEFAULT, teaching the worldview of a false relgion (humanism) which exalts itself against God and is therefore idolatry.
Could it be any clearer? *I* haven’t judged you. The Word of God does the judging.
Lady Sophia,
I think I’m realizing one of the major problems with this issue among Christians–maybe you can help me clarify…
Many either do not believe humanism is a religion being taught in PS, or they don’t feel that it is a real danger. Is that true?
If I didn’t believe that PS operated on the premise of a false religion (and thereby causing us to “serve other gods”) I would be angry at these posts too!
Because that has been the foundation of these posts all along–not that public schools are bad because of peers, or because of age segregation, etc…all that could be discussed in a separate place.
But ONLY because I feel that we literally break the command of “having no other gods before me” when we allow the government to educated our children. I really do believe that!
Make a list of any other religions–Humanism, Islam, Wickan (SP? Is that a religion?), Buddism, Scientoloty, etc…
Does it matter which religion, if we are blatantly commanded to not “stand in the counsel of the ungodly”?
Maybe you could help me see how you *see* that particular point.
Kelly:
Okay, let me be honest. I guess I don’t understand how my teaching of reading comprehension, fluency, and language arts in a Learning Lab as an Instructional Assistant translates into teaching humanism to children. I really don’t understand that. You used to teach high school once. Maybe you can help me understand this concept better?
To be even more honest, I never considered myself as teaching humanism to children when I have worked in the public school system. Therefore, when I hear statements such as the ones you post along with other bloggers who feel that same way, it makes me feel humiliated, scared, and confused.
As a result, if what I am teaching in a PS DOES translate into teaching humanism, this bothers me greatly.
Can you see where I am coming from? This is just something I have never thought of or heard of before.
Lady Sophia,
“Okay, let me be honest. I guess I don’t understand how my teaching of reading comprehension, fluency, and language arts in a Learning Lab as an Instructional Assistant translates into teaching humanism to children.”
This makes sense to me, which is why I brought this up in the post briefly.
Let me explain my take…
It is hardly ever the individual teacher who purposely teaches humanism. It is the underlying worldview of humanism that MUST be taught in the absence of God. (Humanism is taught without any deliberate teaching….just like if I remove my oxygen source, I suffocate whether that was my intention or not.)
For example…2+2=4…but who said that? Where does the very foundation of all knowledge come from? If not from God, then from who?
When we try to educated children apart from the knowledge that God created all things and established truth and fact and is at the foundation of wisdom, we not only can’t educate properly, but (don’t mean to be a broken record) we teach that man is the source of truth and knowledge.
Now in your language class, I know you don’t tell the kids that the subject and verb must agree because God said so. And obviously, this doctrine of humanism is going to have deeper effects in some subjects than others. It really gets obvious in subjects like history and science.
But if you can separate the teacher and subjects from the system, I think you’ll be able to better grasp my assertions–it is the system that is devoid of God, and therefore devoid of truth, and by default teaches our children to worship man.
Did that help?
I truly don’t get that the teachers in the schools we use have any desire to promote anything other than education. They honestly don’t have time. Math, reading (very benign books I approve of)science (personally I’m not at all of the mindset that says the scientific method or the theory of evolution preclude a Christian world view–please let’s not get into THAT at this point–but right now they’re studying animals and their habitats and it’s all very lovely and non-controversial). Lunch and Spelling and Spanish and art and music (we are lucky to have truly gifted art and music teachers) and gym and recess and the day is done!
Our teacher calls her students blessings and while not overt I know she prays for them all as do I for her. I’m there all the time, I have high radar for things that effect my kids, and I just don’t see it.
Then again, I think some diversity (NOT sending kids out as missionaries to the lost–how inappropriate that would be) and the scientific method are good things to introduce along the way. I know not all of you are of the same mindset and the bottom line for me is that I just don’t think this issue should be a deal breaker (as it appears to be for some posters) among Christians of good faith and integrity.
madgebaby,
Did you read my comment to Lady Sophia? I know now this is where the difference in interpreting this whole matter lies.
Education can’t be true education apart from God, no matter how good the intent of the teacher. It is not neutral. We are holding the *system* of PS responsible, not the individual teachers.
I simply can’t teach about the world from a neutral worldview where there is no foundation for truth. Something has to be beginning of wisdom and knowledge. If it’s not God, it’s man…no matter how wonderful a teacher may be.
It may not be what a child is learning in any one class…but the sum total of a Godless education is an utter humanistic worldview.
Are we OK with this?
Also, humanism makes a great world religion for one MAJOR reason…it’s very subtle and easy to make converts–even of Christians. Satan started in the Garden with it…”Did God really say…?”
I think off the top of my head about my high school (so many years ago 😉 even NOT being remotely aware of humanism. In my 8th grade Sociology class we learned situational ethics…you know, “the world is going to end, and only 5 can be saved. Should the 26 year-old doctor live, or the 40 year-old-stay-at-home-mom?” We were playing God, because obviously somone has to!
And even on a deeper, yet more subtle level…”You can do anything…” is a popular message that sounds like a really great human thing to say. But the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ.”
It is so very subtle! Satan’s favorite tactic is still alive and well.
Further thoughts I found helpful, if you’re interested:
“Mr. Dunphy did Christian parents a great service by telling them exactly what humanists want to accomplish in the public schools. Humanists are forever paying lip service in asserting the separation of church and state when it comes to keeping Christianity out of the schools. But when it comes to humanism, they are strangely silent. As a result, humanism has become the establishment religion in our schools, and no one in the federal government or the Congress has seen fit to do anything about it.
Obviously, from a Christian point of view, the experiment of government education has been a colossal failure. In place of God, the public schools offer evolution, multiculturalism, transcendental meditation, situational ethics, drug education, death education, sex education, sensitivity training, gay studies, condoms, whole language, behaviorism, magic circles, and other humanist teachings.
These programs are creating the new nihilists, the amoral barbarians and the followers of Satan that are devastating the lives of thousands of families. There is hardly a Christian family that has not had to cope with a child lost to drugs, promiscuity, abortion, venereal disease, and pure unadulterated devil worship.”
Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld
Concise article:
http://www.leaderu.com/humanities/neutral.html
“I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the heart of the youth.”
Martin Luther
My sweet SIL teaches in a PS and let me tell you I don’t know many more Christ-like. She has been called to the principals office more than once and written up several times for mentioning her God.
It has been the non-Christian parents questioning and grilling their children that have turned her in. She has taught for over 20 years and has only had such grief in the last 5.
If a sweet Chrisian lady that loves the Lord and tries to follow the rules slips up and happens to mention what she believes to be truth, how many more non-christian teachers do the same?
Are Christians vigilant about talking to their children and letting them know what is truth so that they can distinguish a lie when they hear it and report it?
Probably not. That is what the PS system is counting on.
You see no matter what you believe, your worldview will reveal itself and if you teach the same thing day after day you will begin to take liberties.
My SIL exudes Christ, she loves God deeply and it shows in everything she does. She is incredibly stiffled in her expression but feels she has a ministry. Frustrating as it may be.
By worldview I mean that everything taught in the home or PS has a requirment to fill. Nothing is neutral. Look at it with your eyes wide open…Reading? What are you reading?…Writing? Who are you writing to? By what standards?…Arithmatic? Why does 2
+2=4? Where does order come from?
God brings that order and everything points to Him. Teaching children God’s statutes all day long was an order to God’s people forever. From generation to generation. We are not to forget. The world will get your children soon enough and without strong legs to stand on they will fall.
Look at it this way…How many times a day do you have to remind a child of a chore? How many more times and more importantly are we to teach them about a God who loves them?
No, home schooling is not an order by God. A loving God gives us fair warning that we cannot let our children forget Him or He will forget us. Hands off. That should be terrifying. That should make anyone want to tell their children ” Listen I love you, you know I love you, but God loves you even more than I do. Let me show you(*opens Bible*) and remember to tell your children.” as many times a day as you possibly can.
Yes, humanism reigns in this world. Personal peace and prosperity reign in this world.
Christians are not to look like the world. We are to love but to stand up for truth and defend God in every breath. Our children are to measure everything with a Godly plumb line and loving parents entrusted by God to guide them all day long.
*Sorry so lengthy*
Mamma J,
I think this is spot on… “No, home schooling is not an order by God. A loving God gives us fair warning that we cannot let our children forget Him or He will forget us. Hands off. That should be terrifying.”
It is not what someone else says about public school or homeschooling, but what the Word of God instructs us regarding following Him and teaching our children to do the same thing. It should be terrifying, indeed.
Kelly:
Between the comments you and Mama J made, I think I’m beginning to see what you are talking about. I’m currently reading a book by John Taylor Gatto entitled, “Dumbing Us Down,” which talks about this topic in a similar manner. I plan on reading a few more books regarding this topic (hopefully sometime next year, as I have a stack of books by my bed side that I still want to read, but haven’t started just yet, ha!).
In any case, you’ve given me much to think about. I will need to spend some time in prayer with God as well.
Lady Sophia,
“Dumbing us Down” is an excellent book–you’ll love it!
I must say, too, that your openness and willingness to think, read and search out an issue that is sensitive to you (since you participate in the classroom), instead of slamming the door in anger, is a remarkable sign of maturity and wisdom. Very impressed *smiles*
Here is a great article one of my readers sent me about public schooling for the Christian…
http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php?id=840
Awesome blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Thanks!