Steve has a great discussion post regarding the Christian's role in Public School. I happen to agree with Spunky and her arguments in the debate with Dr Tony Beam. The crux of my agreement:

Spunky writes...

“This is not a retreat from the culture. But the best armies do not train their soldiers on the battlefield.”

I am in agreement, but from a different slant. We’re probably all familiar with Psalms 127 and its description of children as arrows in our quiver. However, do we ever think about how arrows were made back then? Today, we go to a store & buy hi-tech aluminum arrows, but how did David make them? If my history sources are accurate, here’s my understanding: a young, near-straight branch was selected and cut off the tree. Its bark was stripped, and the wood submersed in water until it was water-logged. Then, to dry, it was suspended with a stone tied to the end. The weight of the stone straightened the wet wood, creating an arrow that would fly true when released. Only after the wood was properly prepared was it used in battle.

I think the analogy is obvious. If our children are arrows, to be sent out with purpose toward a target, they must be properly prepared before they can be effective. It’s our job as parents, arrow-crafters, to properly prepare those arrows for their intended purposes, and to not release them prematurely. An arrow shot before it’s straight & dry will not shoot true; an unprepared child will not be able to hit their target, either.

I think Dr Beam is confusing the role of parents/adults with that of children. I agree with him in his post completely, if viewed through the filter of the role of an adult. None of the battles he describes-PTA, government, culture, school board-are roles for children. All are battles for adults.

Comments?

cheers

russ