For the Sake of the Call

For the Sake of the Call

Mar. 28, 2006 - Is "not homeschooling" a sin?

In response to my first Homeschooling & Fear entry, I received a comment from a very dear friend who takes issue with some things that I wrote and interpreted my post to mean that not homeschooling is a sin.

Ironically, this is a postition I've avoided taking in the past. Here in Virginia we have the option of filing under "Religious Exemption" status for homeschooling. If I were to file Religious Exemption, I wouldn't have to report anything to the state. It's an attractive option, but it requires that you be willing to say that you believe that it would be a sin not to homeschool. As great a conviction as I have about homeschooling, and as much as it grows, day by day, I've never been comfortable with calling not-homeschooling a sin.

I believe that God has called our family to homeschool our children, for now anyway, and if we were to say, "no thanks, we'd rather not!" I think that WOULD be a sin. But, I don't know with certainty that God will continue to lead us to homeschool forever. At this point we're in it for the long haul unless God tells us differently. But I'm not willing to say that it is a sin not to homeschool in general, frankly because I'm not God and I'm just not going to judge someone else's decision and call it sin. I know people who do. So, I file my forms every year and test the kids.

Maybe I can't have it both ways. Maybe my interpretation of Scripture does lead to this conclusion, even if I don't say it.

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 28, 2006 - Wow.

Posted by momofsix

It amazes me that your state gets into your family's business like that. I am amazed that they would demand a statement from you like that, as if they own the children and have a right to make all the decisions for them. It is so disappointing that the states sometimes think they have ownership over our children, similar to creating laws like in Florida where it is illegal to spank. It shouldn't matter if you think it is a sin not to homeschool. The point that those legislators need to remember is that they are your children. It is you God given right to decide how to best meet their needs. It is wrong for the state to push their way into homes and demand anything, after all they didn't carry them and birth them!! God gave them to you all for you to make decisions for them and not the state. I am so sorry that they have put that pressure on you.

Sincerely,
former ps teacher
-M

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Mar. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

A,
I guess what I was getting at, was what you said in your last paragraph-- that your argument leads to the conclusion that it is a sin. At least, that is what I got out of it, that whole thing about Satan tempting Jesus being related to our being tempted and testing God by how we choose to school our kids. Even if you didn't write it expressly, it was the logical outcome of your argument.
Also, thanks for the birthday wishes!! Ed has 2 more weeks away, so we are in the homestretch.
D

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Mar. 28, 2006 - hmmm

Posted by Mileshouse

While I do not view non-homeschoolers as sinners because they don't home educate, I do think Christian parents should make every effort to be the primary educators in all facets of their child's education: spiritually, emotionally, academically, physically. For many, home education is the logical progression one comes to. For all who choose it, it means sacrifice and unselfishness. It means giving oneself over to Christ's authority on every level.
Grant it, there are a few phenominal Christians who don't home educate and their kids are just fine wherever they are. These folks are usually ultra-involved in the aforementioned aspects of their child's growth, and Christ is at the forefront of every decision made. Personally, I'm not capable of taking that road as I want to physically be there during the formative times of their progression to adulthood. I see it as my God-given responsibility to raise them as a family.
I do believe all Christians SHOULD homeschool. Period. In an ideal world, single moms, working moms and those in extreme circumstances should be paired with those who can afford to help them do this.
However, it's not a matter of sin. It's a matter of good, better, best. Public School with intense scrutiny and involvement of parents - Good. Christian school with same intense scrutiny and involvement - Better. Homeschooling with parents - BEST.
Not popular thoughts here, but just my opinion.

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Mar. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by nsremom

You're such a gracious woman! Your friend seemed defensive and a tad harsh. We all can blog our hearts, others need not agree!

One thing that is clear. If God whispers into your heart that you ARE to homeschool your children, you must obey or it is sin. That's cut and dry.

Have a great week.

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Mar. 31, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by CTdittmar

Having just lived in Virginia at our last duty station, we went through this same debate. Sure seemed appealing to file under religious exemption. But we really just couldn't say that it would be a sin for us to ever send our children to school. So we tested too. I don't think it hurts your child, if he or she is bright and handles testing well. I've always made like it's no big deal to my kids.
I got a chuckle from your last post. Pretty funny! I remember listening to Marcie Sings as a little girl.. "Mommy told me something, a little girl should know." And listening to Age to Age as an and whichever was Amy's first big album.

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Apr. 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

A,
Great post!! I think that it gets easier as your kids get older and they can read, color, play video games, etc. to amuse themselves. I like all your tips, and you are amazing to go on those trips alone-- my sister has 4 (almost 5) and braves long car trips as well on her own. It does seem a little "crazy" but, if you have a system that works, that is great. I was always excited to go on our car rides up to NH (8 hours) every summer because of the bonding, games, rest stops(rare McD treat), building anticipation, etc. These road trips will be something your kids will remember forever, and look back on with laughter and nostalgia.
D

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About Me

Philosophical musings from the heart of a home-educating mommy of four and wife of ten years. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14