Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Stricter Judgement
Every once in a while, I read an online article about homeschooling that annoys me.
Because articles like this one pop up every couple of months or so, (and frankly, because I doubt that they are written by anyone who is actually qualified to talk), I'm not going to do any linking, quoting or copying. However, allow me to attempt to paraphrase the thesis statement:
"Homeschooling your children is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a lot of work, and it will completely change your lifestyle. Not everyone is cut out to homeschool, but if you are one of those amazing parents who 'has what it takes', congratulations to you and good luck!"
Why does this annoy me, you ask? Shouldn't parents "count to cost" before they build?
Of course, educating our children at home requires some forethought and planning. I won't dispute that. However, I think for a lot of people, there is a "mystique" about teaching that makes them believe that education is something that is best left to the "trained professionals".
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers,
for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
James 3:1
for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
James 3:1
I've heard Christians use this passage to argue that not everyone is equipped to be a teacher, and that some people just don't belong doing it.
Maybe so, but there's one small problem with this line of thinking...
If you are a parent, you are already called to be a teacher, whether you like it or not.
Ouch.
Ouch.
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
You. That means parents.
Notice that Moses didn't give the people the option of sending their children off to a trained Rabbi if they didn't have the "gift of teaching". Nowhere does God institute a school system where the Hebrew children can get together for grade level instruction in the Book of the Law.
Notice that Moses didn't give the people the option of sending their children off to a trained Rabbi if they didn't have the "gift of teaching". Nowhere does God institute a school system where the Hebrew children can get together for grade level instruction in the Book of the Law.
It was the parents' job. Period.
It's a lot like the professional ball player a few years back who told us all that he didn't think he was a role model and didn't want to be a role model.
Sorry. Too bad. You already are a role model...now, what are you going to do about it?
What am I going to do about it? Well, the only thing I know to do about it is to homeschool my kids, endeavoring to give them as close to a biblical education as possible.
But, maybe that's just me.
What am I going to do about it? Well, the only thing I know to do about it is to homeschool my kids, endeavoring to give them as close to a biblical education as possible.
But, maybe that's just me.
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About Me
- Tiana
- I'm a Stay-at-Home, Christian, "crunchy" mama. I have been blessed with the calling to be a godly wife and mother. I am passionate about bringing up my children in the discipline and instruction of the LORD, through home education and discipleship. Helpmeet to my best friend and soulmate, Christopher since 1/29/2000, and mama to four little blessings, including a tiny, precious, newborn baby girl.
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6 comments:
Absolutely, right on, you nailed it. Indisputable. Thanks, for speaking truth with courage & conviction, Tiana.
I agree completely. Just HAVING children is "a lot of work, and will completely change your lifestyle." Homeschooling improves your life in the same way that having children does, I've found. We started out with public school, and I am so glad we ended up homeschooling instead! It was a reaction at the beginning, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.
Well said! My sentiments exactly. Thanks for standing up for what you believe in and sharing the truth.
I agree 100% I just wish more parents felt like us.
Great post. Exactly how I feel about it.
I wish I could copy your whole post and send it to some of my "schooling" friends. I get so sick of hearing how they could never do what I do. It's not that they "can't" or "aren't called," it is simply that they don't WANT to take the responsibility that already belongs to them!
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