Comment: It seems to me that homeschoolers are homeschooling out of FEAR of what they may be indoctrinated with more so than out of "this is what the Lord has called us to".
Response: First of all, I do not believe that homeschoolers (at least not ones who follow the verses below) homeschool "out of FEAR." If following the warnings in the Bible is viewed as fear, then I guess we should reject all wisdom and knowledge found in Scripture and live as our hearts tell us is right; as everyone else does; as what is acceptable in the Church, RATHER than what is SCRIPTURAL.
I, for one, believe that the Bible is full of commandments, warnings, blessings and insight into every area of our lives. The Bible speaks clearly and is applicable for every season under the sun! I want to know what the Bible says on every matter, so that I can stand before Jesus and say that I held true Job 23:11-12 "My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." THAT is my utmost goal, and homeschooling is merely obeying the command, heeding the warnings and seeking growth THROUGH obeying God's Word.
If fear reigns in our decision to homeschool, it is a righteous fear of not obeying God and heading the Biblical warnings. It is a fear of suffering "harm" from being a "companion of fools" [Proverbs 13:20]. It is a fear that I will miss a blessing because allowed my children to "walk in the counsel of the wicked " and "stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." [Psalm 1:1]. It is a fear that my children might stray from the path of righteousness (and become one of the 70-88% of those who reject the faith) becoming "fully trained like his teacher" [Luke 6:39, 40]. It is a fear of not obeying Deuteronomy 6:6-9, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 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." That Scripture was given to PARENTS to carry out and I cannot follow that Scripture if I send my children to school for 8+ hours every day. RIGHT THERE is what EVERY CHRISTIAN PARENT was called to do. How can one say that they are not "called" to do that when Scripture speaks so clearly? And how can one do this unless they are homeschooling? I don't understand.
Secondly, I do not see where you are using Scripture to back the argument you are making that we SHOULD send our children out to be salt and light, and this concerns me. If you can show me where in Scripture we are to hand over the education of our children to a non-Christian, and place our children (no matter HOW godly they may be) under sinners, please do show me! The only command I have seen is TO PARENTS for the education of their children 24/7.
Lastly, I do not believe that the Bible is contradictory. I do not see why Christians hold on to what has been permitted/promoted for the last century or so in Christian circles, yet deny what the Bible so clearly presents regarding the education of our children. Again, I must ask this...Why can't both Matthew 5:13-16 AND Deuteronomy 6:6-9 be used in conjunction with each other, instead of in conflict? Can we not minister as a family to those who are unchurched or unsaved - still being salt and light - while teaching them the Lord's commands while we sit down, stand up, walk along the way, etc.? Why is there a need to let children go out on their own, with the tendency to be foolish or to "lose their flavor", when there are wonderful and Scriptural alternatives to sending them out not fully spiritually mature? I have been warned in SCRIPTURE of the risks I will take by placing myself or my children under the teaching of one who mocks God, and I do not want to risk that outcome with my "not fully trained" seedlings (children).
God's Word is clear that all Scripture pertains to life. Let us all, from this point forward, keep all human opinions and such aside and focus on what GOD has said in His Word in regards to homeschooling. That is the only thing we can base our decisions on, no matter how unpopular they might be in someone's eyes. Be like the Bareans (in Acts) and hold every action against God's Word. Search and find the truth and present it to the rest of the believers in love.
Let's refocus and make these discussions about homeschooling fruitful discussions among Believers and get BACK to Scripture, and Scripture alone!
Lisa Metzger
Posted by
Fruitfulvine2 
Oct. 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment