Brian Sandifer… a fellow homeschool parent… recently posted on how “Homeschooling is Not the Gospel.” Here is an excerpt from his post…
“…the problem (in the world today) is not bad education, it is bad character (sin). The solution is not homeschooling, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and participating in the growing kingdom of God. The utopian society is not homeschool grads in power, but the consummation of the kingdom of God which will only occur at the second coming of the Lord in glory. I fear that many in the Christian homeschooling movement have a false understanding of the problem, the solution, and the ultimate goal. And smooth-talking, eloquent, yet misguided speakers that give vision and encouragement to homeschooling parents are not helping build the kingdom of God.” (You can read the whole thing here http://dangitbill.wordpress.com/2008/07/15/homeschooling-not-the-gospel/ . It is worth the read!!!)
Reading Mr. Sandifer’s post, I found it resonating with many of my own experiences and concerns. I am a homeschooling father. My wife and I made the choice to begin homeschooling our three daughters after our two oldest daughters had attended public school for a couple of years. We made the choice to remove our children from public education, not because we were dissatisfied with their education (for the most part they had wonderful teachers… a couple were even Christians!), but because we were concerned about the influence of the world upon them (both from the secular curriculum and their peers.)
From those who are opposed to homeschooling (and there are many!), I have often heard the argument that taking our children out of public school is no guarantee that my children will have a vital relationship with the Lord. I absolutely agree. I have also heard the argument that sin is something which comes naturally to all children and is not something they learn in public school. Again, I wholeheartedly agree. I have no problem admitting that my children are depraved, little sinners. I know that wickedness dwells within their hearts and this constantly spills over into sinful behavior (as Jesus says in Matt 15:19.) I affirm with absolute assurance that apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus, there is no hope for my children (Eph 2:8-9.) But, in response to these arguments, I am also acutely aware that the world (under the leadership of devil – i.e. Eph 2:1-3, etc…) is intentionally and continuously trying to conform all of us to its image and the only way to offset this is through the constant renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2.) Our children, particularly when they are young, are unable to renew their own minds. In fact, I would tend to say that Deuteronomy 6:4-9 tells us that it is the father’s responsibility to do this for his children. Therefore, with this in mind, my wife and I made the choice to homeschool our children.
With this said, after we made the choice to homeschool, we immediately became exposed to the “homeschool subculture” through others in our church who agreed with our educational choice. I must admit, I am not particularly enamored with what I have found there. At its best, the homeschool subculture can be encouraging to those who are striving to be faithful in educating their children in the way they deem best. At its worst, it can be sectarian, divisive and legalistic. This has always concerned me.
My greatest concern for those involved in the homeschooling subculture (and I must include myself here at this time) is that there is a tendency at times to confuse this issue (as important as it might be) with the central tenets of the Christian faith. Many homeschool parents I know spend more time discussing the values of homeschooling than they do the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many homeschooling parents I know can better articulate from Scripture why it is necessary to homeschool than they can the doctrine of the deity of Christ or the depravity of mankind. The gospel must be “of first importance” to us as Christians (I Cor 15:1-4.) To elevate a secondary issue like homeschooling to the status of first importance could very well be akin to idolatry. If we make an idol out of homeschooling our children… then are we not assisting the world in its efforts to conform our children to its image?
I know that many homeschooling parents would disagree with me, but Scripture does not expressly state that it is necessary to homeschool in order to be a Christian. Many Christians have varying views on this issue and I believe that this would fall under the category of Christian liberty described for us by the Apostle Paul in Romans 14. I would tend to say with Paul, “…Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom 14:5b) for “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10b.) I will stand before God and give an account for how I have raised my children. I am fully convinced in my own mind that homeschooling is the right choice for my family. But more importantly, I am absolutely… completely… totally convinced that I will answer for how I have trained up my children in the truth of the gospel. I pray that my children will not confuse anything with the gospel. I pray that the gospel will be of first importance to them. Agree or disagree with me… that is why I homeschool.
Leave a comment