Resources for Christian families deciding between homeschool or public school.
“When you send that child off to school today, you’re sending them into a pagan society.” Charles Stanley
Photo Credit: © Isaiah Shook | Dreamstime.com
An institutionalized educational setting is no place for any child to spend 12-years of their lives. Beyond that we’re accountable to God for our children. This is why I don’t agree with the “public school is a child’s ministry” argument.
How can a 6-year old Christian child “minister” to the classmate who is filling them in on the details of sex during school lunch?
They can’t.
But the parent prays a prayer over the little one, slips the big back pack over small shoulders, and repeats a Bible verse with precious child as they wait for the big yellow bus. By the time that child steps off the school bus in the afternoon, after their day of “ministry,” they will need several hours to decompress once they get in the door. Then, there’s dinner, homework, and heaven forbid if the child is also involved in outside activities. It’s back in the car for more running, more immersion, and more time away from the family.
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT
You can see that my heart is set on homeschooling being the ultimate goal for every Christian family. I believe that homeschooling is getting back to the way that God intended family life. I encourage anyone interested in the well being of their children to homeschool. Do whatever you have to do; mothers come home. You’ll never regret the gift of time that you receive as a family.
Dr. James Dobson has said and written on several occasions “If Shirley and I were raising our children again, we would homeschool them…” {Read his full article here, “Okay to Homeschool?”}
More important than the system that we don’t want to hand our children into, is the fact that by homeschooling our children we have a unique opportunity to capture their hearts. From research by Dr. Brian D. Ray P.h.D, he found that 94% of homeschooled children keep their faith and continue to attend church as adults. While of their counterparts, only 15% keep their faith after graduating public school. Sadly, 85% of children from Christian homes will not carry a Christian worldview or attend church after their institutional graduation. ¹
It saddens me at the end of every summer when Pastors across America line children up in the altar to pray over them; then send the children out as sheep among the wolves. We wouldn’t drop our children off at a bar and tell them to go minister. It’s the same thing with America’s public school system. It’s a government run socialist bar serving up mixed drinks of secular humanism to our God given babies.
I hear the comments already. O.k. Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling lady, what would the public schools look like if we took all the Christian kids out? The public schools tossed God out a long time ago. If you watch the Indoctrination Movie you’ll see that Christian kids & teachers are being thrown out left and right. Praise God for the Christian teachers who are sticking it out. But, public school is not a child’s ministry.
How do you teach your children to reach out and minister if you keep them home? I’m glad you asked.
- Minister as a family. You know all those unsaved family members, neighbors and strangers the Lord puts before you? There, that’s a ministry, right there. Find a nursing home, bake cookies for police officers, go on missions trips, and look for creative ways to reach the world for Jesus as a family unit.
- Talk to your children about hard things. Just because children are home does not mean they’re under a rock. Abortion, political elections and even homosexuality are common conversations in our home. Driving down interstate 81-south to Florida we’ve been bombarded by bill boards that have been surprising conversation starters.
- Pray and read your Bible as a family. Time in God’s Word is essential for dynamic family life. It will also establish your children with a solid heart for ministry–the ministry of daily life.
- Remember Jesus. As a young boy, Jesus stepped out into ministry at the temple. When his parents found him, he was sent home to “grow in wisdom and stature.” We don’t hear from Jesus again until he was a man, after years with his family, ready to step out into public ministry. {Luke 2:39-52}
In the homeschooling lifestyle you are able to focus on your Christ-centered living daily, as a family. Engage in long conversations while working through the joys and hiccups of the day. In other words, discipleship, which takes time. I love the quote from Disciple Like Jesus, “Jesus didn’t send his disciples away for training, he did the job himself.” Further, the ministry of Disciple Like Jesus makes the powerful point that the disciples were grown men whom were sent out two-by-two, not little children sent out under a prayer covering by themselves. We need to disciple like Jesus.
I’m not the only voice on this subject. If you’re looking for further information on why you should homeschool your children and the dangers of government controlled education, please look into the following resources:
E-Book: Are Public Schools an Option for Christian Kids? {FREE eBook}
Nine Reasons for Not Using Public Schools {Article: @ Nehemiah Institute }
James Dobson Again Calls For Parents To Pull Kids Out {Article}
*Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America {DVD}
Why We Homeschool: Public Schools @ RaisingOlives
What about Public Schools? Brochure @The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
The History of Public Education {The untold history of public schools.} @Sam Blumenfeld
¹. Dr. Brian D. Ray, PhD, Homeschoolers Grown Up, 2004.
*Indoctrination is my Amazon affiliate link. If you buy this movie through my link I will make a small % and it costs you nothing additional. Thank you in advance for blessing our ministry.
Indoctrination: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America
More Christian leaders who “get it.”
Thanks for this. Currently my husband teaches at a Private k-12 Christian School and we have been blessed with our oldest starting their this year. If ever we were out of this situation I could not muster sending her to public school. I work at a “Christian” College and do side work at public high schools and it is scary out there and so much different than just 11/12 years ago when I was there.
That’s what many parents in their 30′s think…”it was o.k. when I went.” I barely made it out of there alive, as a Christian, with my Bible in my book bag. I cannot fathom the current state of affairs. Thanks for reading!
Amen!!! I’ve shared things like this as well with people who ask me why Christians shouldn’t stay in school to be the “salt and the light” – they aren’t ready yet, nor is it the place for it! I love your bar analogy! Great post!!
I’m glad you found humor in the bar joke. I kind’a thought it was funny…and true–sad, but true!
Thank you for this post I am going to share it on face book and I think in my own blog…the parental rights.org video kinda freaks me out…my husband is always asking why I worry so much about what others think…and well basically that is why…at the drop of the hat if someone decides that I am doing the wrong thing for my kid the government can decide that a 3rd party witness is a better judge of what my kid needs then what I know he needs!!!
We tried so hard to have kids and the thought of having him ripped out from under me scares me to death!
Missy, God will cover you! It is a faith walk. If you don’t feel comfortable being bold at this point it’s OK. The Lord puts me in so many “fire” situations {beyond this blog too
}, but it has taken years of walking through the fire to be able to share with boldness. Pray for what God would have you share! Some people get to blog about craft projects and cupcakes. I love reading those blogs too! 
Wow, what a powerful post! I have yet to see all of the clips you posted but I agree with your argument here. I especially think the Luke 2 passage is telling- that Jesus was sent back home to grow and mature. Well-said!
Thank you Christine for your prayers. Yes, there are lots of clips. Many leaders smarter than me who have already fought this battle. Thank you, friend!
Thank you so much for this! Praying for it to bless many people! I just couldn’t agree more with everything you have written here!
I agree!!! I used to buy into this argument (when my oldest was in public school)… and then (in the second grade) a tough little boy in her class told her if she wouldn’t be his friend he was gonna kill her and all her family. Can you imagine? Also in the same week my daughter came home and was asking my husband what a “pole dancer” was. It took God literally BANGING me on the head and we removed her from that situation – and this was a “good” public school.
I am going to reshare your article. Thank you for tackling the hard stuff.
Thank you for sharing your story Mary. Wow, pole dancing….and people wonder why I wrote this, lol.
I went to one of the best public schools in the country. It was living hell.
LOVE LOVE this topic and think it needs to be talked about MORE! Thanks for taking a stand of boldness!!! There is another Documentary to consider called “The Agenda”, it breaks down what the government has been up to since the 60′s. This is why I homeschool as well. Our home is the teaching grounds and where everything starts. If we as parents are NOT taking the time to nurture the relationships then we are SETTING OUR KIDS UP FOR FAILURE!!! I believe this with all my heart. I was a working mom at one time, I even had a work at home business thinking I could work and be wife/mom, NOT. I personally do not believe working outside the home we can effectively raise our kids the way God intended. There is TOO many things {enemy}that are pulling us away from our families!
Very Bold Stand Jamerrill! Way to be obediant to what God has laid on your heart even when it will bring some confrontation from other believers! I want to homeschool – My son is in Kindergarten and daughter in pre-k and one right behind them. My husband is not a believer and will not at this point allow me. God will change his mind when it’s time for me to homeschool!! Until then I know He will protect them and honor that I teach them His Word Daily.
Sarah, I totally agree with you. I couldn’t tackle all the points in one article; yes you have to honor your hubby. I’m believing with you 1) for your husbands salvation 2) for God to make a way for your family to homeschool. Blessings to you!
thanks!
Amen Sister! My kids were the public school kids sent out to minister to others. Then, Jesus said enough and taught me I needed to bring them home! Never again will they go back! Passing is on to help others!
Thank you for sharing this! I’m thankful that Christians who tried to send their children “to minister” have been shown another way by the Lord.
Oh my goodness, you are so much braver than me to stick your neck out and say this! I fear the hate comments! Lol.
LOL, yeah “Wild Thing,” this is my “wild momma cry” happening here today; crying out with God’s heart for His babies. I was “broke in good” to hate comments from Christians when I posted about Halloween.
Salt & light baby, salt & light. {You can say a wild prayer for me too…I can’t stop w/ the wild analogies}
Love it! I just recently watched the “IndoctriNation” documentary. As if I wasn’t already set on homeschooling my children, this just added to my resolve. I agree with you. I posted this on my Facebook wall (shared the documentary) and got some fluff.
We are to teach our children, and yes give them a firm foundation in the Word. Things are only getting worse in schools. I’m not sure a child at the age of 16 can go in and be ‘salt and light’ to their peers, even if they’ve been home for those years! Thank you for braving this subject!!!! 
Blessings! Gail
IndoctriNation should be required watching for every Christian. Really. Thanks!
Some can be, as I have seen it, but it certainly depends upon the child. It is certainly a decision families should not make lightly.
I read this article to my husband this morning and for such a peace and confirmation that we are doing the right thing. You know some days we have doubt. Lol. While our older ones went to public school and got good educations they had stepped away from God. They are slowly coming back but what a battle it has been for all of us. They know right from wrong but are still caught up in the world. I thank God now that I am close enough to them to be a guidance to them a adults. As for our younger homeschooled children there is nothing greater then starting our school day with Bible. Thank you for being such an amazing person. I wake up every morning looking forward to your posts on Facebook.
It is worth the battle to get your babies back! And yes, starting the school day with the Bible is powerful.
Absolutely excellent information and viewpoints. Amen!!
Thank you Susan!
Thank you for stepping out and discussing this! Honestly I think private schools are not far behind!! Even private “Christian” schools! We’ve been there…seen them…and know from experience!!! The best place for children nowadays is HOME!!
Jen, my experience with private Christian schools wasn’t great either. Parents need to raise their children. The end.
Jamerrill, thank you for stepping out and stepping up!!! I LOVE this truth-filled post and appreciate it greatly!
You’re welcome Rebecca. This has been on my heart for some time. If I didn’t share this than I wouldn’t be true to who God made me to be. All for His glory, friend!
While I agree homeschooling is the BEST option – I can’t knock those that do put their kids into public schools. I came out of a home where I went to public school, and I am thankful I had that experience. I was able to see how much better I had it in my home. I was able to be a witness to my friends and YES, even in Kindergarten! I asked my mom to come with me to school when sex education was taught, and very thankful that I did. I truly believe God calls special homes and their children to the public school system for a reason and a purpose. I considered sending my son to public school this next year, as he turns 4 years old, so I tested God and that wasn’t what God wanted for us… and I know it’s because He is preparing us for full-time mission work and public school just won’t allow us to be able to do that – so homeschool it is.
I survived public school too, an witnessed…but it’s increasingly getting worse; and I was nearly lost in the process. Yes, parents are accountable to God for what they choose. Personally, I know many Christian parents who are not hearing this teaching anywhere else. This is my “salt & light” here.
Thanks for your thoughts, truly!
I too went through public school as a Christian and believe it was a good experience overall. I knew my beliefs were not shared by all (or even most), but I also believe that helped me to realize to a greater degree the needs that were out there. My children are in public school and I absolutely believe that is in obedience to God. I was saddened by the hard-line that I felt your post takes. To me it feels like you are trying to make a doctrine out of schooling and that sounds very much like what people did in the old testament, always trying to add to laws. I pray God blesses you, your children and all of your readers. I pray we can all act in love one toward another as we each endeavor to walk in obedience to our Lord!
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 6:6-7).
In my opinion Tina, I cannot train my children diligently, if I’m handing them over to an institution which does not care for their souls. An establishment in which pole dancing is common knowledge for 7-year old, and the religion of secular humanism is taught daily.
God’s grace does fill every situation. And, no I’m not making another law or noose. The God ordained job of training our children in the way they should go is being lost. There are many families who want and need to hear this message, this post is for them. Don’t hand your children over to the world. Period.
Thank you, Tina for your thoughts! God’s blessings upon you as well!
Excellent post, Girl. I’ve always been amazed that parents had the nerve to use this as an excuse. Unfortunately, my oldest son (now 24 and married) has had public, christian, and homeschool experiences. He will tell you in a heartbeat that the Christian school was way worse than the public school. My stand? Keep your children at HOME mammas. If at all possible, God gave them to YOU to raise, not someone else.
I had an equally worse time in private Christian school. xoxo
Great article!
A few other resources: Dumbing Us Down (John Taylor Gatto), The Right Choice (Chris Klicka), The Underground History of American Education (Gatto), The Harsh Truth about Public Schools (Bruce Shortt), and Weapons of Mass Instruction (Gatto). (BTW, Gatto was the NY State Teacher of the Year)
You are a brave woman, indeed! Thank you for being the voice for those of us who cannot find the courage to say this aloud, much less on our personal blog spaces! I am a product of public schools and was a very confused child. Although I attended mass weekly, and received all of my sacraments, it wasn’t until five years ago that I truly understood God’s gift to us. Pitiful, huh? I never heard the term, homeschooling, until I met a mother at our private kindergarten class. Never did I think that I’d be doing it! Alas, I painfully watched my oldest daughter in the local elementary school morph into a girl I no longer recognized (and frankly didn’t like). I brought all my chicks home in 2010 and while it’s been an enormous learning curve (and unlearning the institutional schooling standards), I praise God for whispering to me and being patient with me. I’ve never looked back! My heart breaks for all those precious souls in the big yellow buses. Thank you, Jamerrill.
Carrie, I think the “unlearning the institutional schooling standards” is the hardest part when you first start homeschooling. You’re doing great!
Great article! You are welcome to add mine, if you would like: http://inchristalonemom.com/2012/01/05/public-school-foolish-choice/
Out of all the things happening in the public schools, I have more concern about the safety of the children due to bullies and violence than I am about the education or diversity of religions represented by the children. I don’t know of any other religion that teaches their kids to be vocal about their faith in public school than Christianity. I’m a Christian, and I am in agreement with Jamerrill in many areas but right now I’d like to focus on one issue. When parents make their children become religious leaders WHILE they are kids, in a unstable environment for such religious discussion. To claim our children “need” to go to public school in order that THEY (the kids) can be the “light and salt” to the public school kids, is in my opinion, a form of religious pressure and can become down right frightening for a child. They aren’t trained missionaries, they are small impressionable children who need an academic education. I don’t feel children should be pressured to be little evangelists in their schools.
However, I’m not against people who do send their kids to public school. I have a Christian optometrist who went to public school and I’m thankful for the eye care he provides for our family. Each family has their own path to take in raising their children and they need to have the same freedom on which school path to choose just as we have the freedom to choose to homeschool. Sometimes I wonder if we push each other to only have one option then we are indeed stepping into the realm of limiting another person’s freedom by Christian peer pressure. And should we be pressured to homeschool out of fear or shall we place this decision into prayer and humbly seek the Lord’s guidance without the pressure of mankind?
You brought up many points that could probably be a whole series, digging into each point one at a time.
But when it all comes down to it, grace….
I totally agree that we should not put ‘Christian peer pressure” on one another. I also feel that we shouldn’t be wishy-washy and so middle-of-the-road, that we loose our identity/beliefs while accommodating everyone else. Yes, grace, grace and more grace. God knows everyone’s heart, and only He can judge. I don’t want to force anyone to homeschool, just as I don’t want to be forced to send my children to public school. I love you Sisterlisa and all of your thoughtful considerations.
I’m a public school educator commenting on a homeschooling blog, so this feels a little strange already. But I’m also the mother of four children (ages 12-18) who attend public schools now, as they have since kindergarten. Obviously, I come from a very different perspective.
My heart stays broken for the students I encounter in my every-day profession here in the schools who need the love of Jesus. So many of them come to school to escape the horror of their lives at home, which I realize is largely what makes public education so unappealing in the Christian community. While far from every professional at my school is Christian, many are and we welcome the opportunity to shine His light. We consider this not just a job, but a calling.
As for my own children, while I know I can’t plop them right down into a ministry they neither asked for nor are equipped yet to handle, it’s still an opportunity for them to learn how to not just survive, but flourish and grow as a Christian in this secular world. I do not believe they will lose their faith after graduation. In fact, I claim the opposite because I see evidence of the Lord’s hand upon them every day of their lives already. They are all four shining lights among their peers (all by the grace of God, and I thank Him for it every day).
Sure, I’d love to be home with my kids every day, but I am widowed and the sole source of income for my family. I don’t have options for Christian private schools or homeschooling. But not only are we as Christians called to different ministries (sometimes even at young ages), but we are called to handle very different life circumstances. I refuse to think that my childen are bent toward a life of faithlessness and destruction just because we have no option other than public schools.
I know there are two sides to every issue and many degrees between the two spectrums. And I know your platform is different than mine. But many factors play into the decisions families make. And most importantly, we (especially I) have to remember that God takes care of His children no matter where they are.
I totally get what you’re saying Mary, and I love the Jesus in you! My mother is a widow as well & did the best she could w/ what God gave her to work with. Blessings to you all!
Amy,
My heart breaks for you. Because here’s the real deal… If the Church was doing it’s job properly, you should be taken care of by the church. 1 Timothy 5:16
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Unfortunately the church isn’t doing it’s job 100%.
Blessings to you~
Great point Carrie, the Church does need to wake up. I see so much of “the world” in the church…it’s so sad.
I have been doing a personal study on the Amish Faith and people group. I do not believe in all of their doctrine and beliefs; but I really love their strong faith, deep sense of community and family, hard work ethic, and their one room school house curriculum. Homeschooling is not always easy; but it is so rewarding. My kids are my best friends (apart from my husband) and I generally enjoy being with them. I think I would not feel the same way if I believed like many of my christian friends; “I cannot wait to send them off each day”. Those statements make my heart sad. I think that by homeschooling God has shaped my character so that I have more patience, kindness, peace, and forgiveness. Because I choose to homeschool God has had the opportunity daily to lead me where He wants me. Even if it seems foreign to my selfish flesh.
Great blog and links! Thanks for the bold confidence to share with others.
all things voddie baucham are great for backing up homeschooling for all christians as well. thanks for the post!
Agreed, Love me some Voddie!!!!
You go girl!!!
It’s about time someone said this. I’m so tired of hearing this line from Christians who should clearly know better. If you get any negative comments be encouraged that you’re on the right track.
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it’s own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19 Don’t you just love how Jesus spoke. We as Christians get so wrapped up with not offending people and fitting in that we forget God expects us to be radically different!
Thank you, Alice. I never fit in anyway
I’m proud of you. Your ability to put satin and his fear behind you is so inspiring to watch. My friend I have had the joy of watching you walk towards the life that God has called for you. I see in your victories the ability to keep fighting my own battles. You often inspire, confuse,infuriate, guilt and cheer me. I know that the road you are walking is beautiful and that stones cause stumbles but thank you for all the emotions you evoke. Even if I don’t always agree, I love the challenge of seeking out why. Your “truth” has helped shine lights on mine. Thank you for the 17 + years of being my cheerleader. I so look forward to what is next.
In the wake of whatever others throw at you just be proud that you are helping others look at what God wants for them.
Thanks for letting me sit at the lunch table w/ you
One of the best choices I ever made!
Thank you thank you thank you!
That’s one of the biggest arguments I hear for why we SHOULDN’T home school. Jesus trained for 33 years for a 3 year ministry! Our children need to be trained, at home, before going out into the world. They are not equipped at 6 years old or 13 years old.
You don’t have to convince me but I give you kudos my friend for braving a very controversial topic among Christians and holding to Truth. It is not easy, but I see the same thing you do happening in public schools.
YES —–>>> “Jesus trained for 33 years for a 3 year ministry!”
Fantastic post! My wife and I have four children with a fifth on the way. We home school. Information like this confirms in our heart and in the hearts of others that we have made the right decision. God bless.
Amen! I totally agree and I can’t understand how any Christian could put their child in today’s public schools that counts God as irrelevant 6-7 hours a day. Godless history, Godless science – just a few of the lies being taught, how could you place your child under false teaching? I would rather mold my child’s mind during the best hours of her day with God-filled education. I can’t see Jesus standing outside a public school with a sign saying “Send your children here to learn truth!” God isn’t a public school advocate, but Satan is.
Hello
What a great post. Here’s another point: Salt’n'light is wheeled out as a tag phrase, with no understanding of the chapter or book from which it comes. Salt’n'vinegar is a flavour of crisp, not a way to live.
Also, go into school and teach if you’re so bothered about the kids. Don’t send your kids to do it for you.
I love this post. Thank you for saying it! Many Christian women I know argue that their 4 or 6 year olds are needed in public schools to share Jesus: Jesus isn’t allowed there! If they were actually evangelizing in the lunchroom they’d get suspended… but they aren’t evangelizing, they’re being subjected to secular nonsense and theories that completely deny the Creator. I wish wish wish more mothers would desire time with their babies and less of what the world tells them they need. A second income provides more “stuff”, but time at home allows me the blessing of watching them grow, and facilitating that growth. Living with “less” we live in true abundance ~ that’s what the stay-at-home path has shown me.
Beautiful, Jenny.
Ha ha, I’ve just realised that you need a translator for my British English. Crisps are chips, and salt and vinegar is a popular flavour for our chips in the UK, since that’s what we put on our chips — er, fries. I hope you are all keeping up, since there will be a test later (!)
Thank you for this post. Those statistics on the percentage of kids who maintain their faith when homeschooled vs going to public school is startling. I’ve always wanted to homeschool because I wanted to be with my children, but the more I learn about public schools, the more it has become a conviction rather than just something I want to do… I now feel like I MUST!
AGREE!! 100% with you.. Thanks for giving it straight!!!!
God, the LORD is one.[a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Duet. 6:4-8… I”m pretty sure for the Christian it doesn’t get any clearer then the above.
You are one brave girl Jamerrill!! WOOT!!! I’m saying a prayer for you now sister!! Good job! Keep it up, you’re an inspiration to the rest of us! Speak truth!!!
Speak the truth in love, right?
I just pray that those who need this truth read it, receive it, and are blessed by it.
I couldn’t agree more. However, I work in Sp Ed at a public HS and my children have all (but my last one–she’s a junior) graduated from this same school. We’re a ministry family and when God called us here the only choice was Catholic or Public school and since I worked at the HS it would have been a little difficult to leave my kids home alone everyday to “teach” themselves. We chose to join the school system.
Now, it’s not my biggest regret. But if I had young kids now—I wouldn’t put them into the school system. From the 10 years that I’ve lived in this small community (which is heavily low income) I’ve watched it morph into a pretty pathetic system. Students are able to get away with pretty much anything and schools are tied up “legally” unable to enforce typical courteous behavior. It’s a shame!
My own kids have done well in public school. Mainly because they live a different life than many of their classmates. All three of my kids are SOULED OUT to Christ and live Christlike lives in front of the world. While they recognized sin and crummy behavior—they weren’t swayed to follow. Which is another point–all three of them are LEADERS not followers. It would have been a tougher story had I experienced kids who dabbled in the stuff of the world.
I can’t change what route my family had to travel (educationally) but I’m thankful for all the Christian teachers & staff that have influenced my children along the way. Believe me, there are FOLLOWERS teaching in schools that live their faith out in their jobs. I happen to be one of them.
PS
I never used the MY KIDS ARE THE CHRISTIANS God needs in public school thing! I simply had to trust God that He would protect and care for them in that setting. Also, I was in all their business and knew every single educator that taught them. Parents have a responsibility to support and teach their kids the truth. I’m confident that my kids have not been indoctrinated (schools don’t have complete power over what you do within your family). I simply feel that homeschooling isn’t always an option.
Great post. I bet you’ve thought about this a little bit. Haha!
I want to read more of your blog!
Wanda, I was really blessed by your prospective.
Thanks for reading and sharing your family’s story.
They took God out of schools? They can do that??? In all seriousness, I serve a BIG and MIGHTY God. He is bigger than any public school or government. He has equipped my children (and all his children of this generation) with His Holy Spirit and might tools to combat darkness around them. My children see God every day in their public school. They are learning to love and reach out to everyone, not just those who seem “like us.” What does the worldly person think when they see us to scared to let our children and families shine in darkness? In my life, I have typically found that fear is not from God. This verse gives me hope for the life God has called my family to live:
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Is. 41:10
We do not walk in fear, but wisdom. Wisdom that we are accountable to God for our children. Wisdom that children are our minstry as parents. Handing our children over to a godless system for 40-hrs per week is foolish. Many, many innocent children are damaged by the lies of the public schools that teach homosexuality, promiscuity, and the religion of humanism. Children can be taught to reach the world within the family unit. They don’t have to be handed over to strangers for training. I choose to Disciple like Jesus.
Nancy,
You are right ~ God tells us to “fear not”. However, homeschooling and the strong, God-given conviction to do so does not come from fear, it comes from the Divine ordination to teach our children “in the way they should go” and not hand them over to be taught by a godless institution for the majority of their young days.
I understand a person’s instnct to defend their stance, but I fail to appreciate the snarky, haughty undertones. It would work better to approach the topic in love… then the stance would seem less a defense of hurt pride and, possibly, more justifiable.
Sincerely,
Jenny
I apologize that I sounded snarky and haughty …that was not my intention. I hate that this issue can be so divisive among those of us who love Jesus…I do not want at all to contribute to those divisions and I do apologize to you. I just wanted to be the voice of a family who God has called to do something different than what God has obviously called you to do. Again, our God is big and He lovingly calls us to different paths so that He can be glorified and His love can be shared with this world. This world keeps spinning because people need to hear and see and experience the love of God. Our children are dear gifts given to each of us and God has unique and beautiful plans for each one of them. Discerning God’s plans and will for my life is a life-long and intimate process.
I’ve had a rough few days of getting back in the swing of thngs after the holidays.
Days like this make me wonder if it is worth it…or if I’m really able to do it.
This was just want I needed to hear. Even on my worst days…My little ones are here at home with me. That’s what matters~
Thank you so very much!
Carla <
My heart exactly, Carla. Pull those little ones close. Blessings to you!
We are each called to different piurposes and given different gifts to fulfill those purposes. What works for one may not work for another. I personally applaude anyone who can homeschool their children. However, I do not believe I am wrong for not doing so. I, personally, have not felt God calling me to homeschool. I think we should all obey God’s call for our lives and to use the talents He has given us in the way we believe He wants. I, also, do not think we should say a person is wrong or that their children are going to fall away simply because we chose a different way. My children ARE a witness in their schools. They have good Godly friends in their schools. While every situation has its struggles, it also opens doors for communication and to emphasize the Biblical principles that we strive every day to achieve. Again, I applaude your choice for your family, but one of the fundamental tenants of our faith is the freedom of choice that God has given each one of us for our lives.
Hubby and I went through public schools. While in it, I thought that this wasn’t so bad. I made it out ok, but I really didn’t. I was fed so many humanistic lies by the teachers and my peers. I was teased mercilessly. I was taught things that stole my innocents and shaped my thinking in ways that hurt me as I entered adulthood. I learned how to pass tests and please teachers for good grades, rather than actually getting an education.
I think back now to all the things my parents didn’t even know about that happened to me in the public school system. A boy put his hand down my pants when I was 12 during an assembly for a volleyball competition. I was forcibly dragged into the boy’s bathroom when I was in 8th grade. Girls flashed their near naked bodies to construction workers out the window of the locker room in 9th grade. In 9th grade, I also was with a group of girls who helped talk a boy out of suicide during a school dance because his girlfriend broke up with him. I was slammed for my stand on abortion by a girl who had one at 15. She also scoffed at me when I asked her why she was still heavily sexually active after going through with that. In 10th grade, I was teased at a volleyball game in another school while a girl showed off the condom she carried in her purse. I thought it was gum. My social studies teacher told me my father should have defected to Canada instead of being allowed to be drafted. The same teacher taught every major world religion in great detail, but refused to say much of anything about Christianity. My science teachers weren’t much better. They went in great detail about evolution, teaching it as a fact, but wouldn’t touch creationism other than just mentioning that “some people believe that a higher being created everything.” I had to be excused from certain classes because of the movies and videos they showed. In 9th grade, we were to spend our study halls watching Schindler’s List. The teachers were supposed to edit out the sex and nudity. However, my teacher just left the room and one of the boys in the class kept rewinding the video to watch the sex scene over and over again. My french classroom had magazines from France with ads of full female nudity in them. Couples made out in the hallways. Fights broke out. Students sent threats that would close the whole school. Students would sneak weapons on campus just to show them off. Humanistic agendas. Homemaking, and raising a family were looked down upon severely. Students bragged about the sexual escapades and drug/drinking parties. The list goes on and on!
This was my “mission field.” Believe me, I tried to minister and be a witness, but it was impossible. Teachers often put me in groups of the “bad” kids to help them be better. At best, I did all the work and they left me alone. I was not only severely out numbered and unsupported, but I had to base. No meat and potatoes of the scripture because my Christian education through church was nothing more than silly puppet shows about being a nice person to the unpopular girl in school.
I swore I’d homeschool my children. Thankfully, hubby agrees since his public school days weren’t great, either.
Katie, thank you so much for taking time to share your story. My public school days were very similar to yours. God is good though to use our “public school hell,” to bless our children’s generation.
Thank you so much for sharing this in an articulate, organized manner! The debate on this subject can get very messy and very angry quickly – it’s nice to see someone handle it so well.
Thank you Jamie. Of course this is all “bathed in prayer.” There have been some awful, vulgar comments…but those never see the light of day.
Thank you so much for this post. I am a stay-at-home mother to three children ages 14, 11 and 8. I would love to be able to homeschool them but I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 30. I barely made it through high school myself and usually can’t help my kids with the homework they have. Routines are also something that are very hard for me to stick to. Do you have any suggestions on how I might possibly be able to teach my children? I am so fed up with the public school system!
I am so glad I visited your blog! It is a breath of fresh air to find someone who feels as strongly as I do on homeschooling our kids. I am surrounded by people who disagree with my husband’s and my decision to homeschool, but I know that the Lord is pleased with our decision. Thank you for your ministry.
Kelli, I’m so glad that you found encouragement here. This post was for you
I must say that I do not agree with you 100%. Although homeschooling is “best” for the Christian community, I cannot help but notice that the absence of Christians in a public school setting would only be crippling. The public schools NEED the Christian influence…where else are they going to get it?? I for one thrived in a public school setting growing up. Being a ministers child I was always taught the importance of what was right and wrong, holy and unhloy. If your child is trained in the ways they ought to be then they will be strong advocates for the Christian community. Yes, I don’t condone homeschooling. In fact I have a sister who home schools her children. However, he reasoning for doing so is fear. I for one do not live in fear. I know God took care of me and will take care of my daughter when she is old enough to start school as well.
The Indoctrination movie does a fabulous job of laying out the facts of Christian children in public schools. I highly recommend it.