Conflicting Values
Apr. 28, 2006 at 8:57 AM
Homeschooling
Steve Jacoby of the Boston Globe
When it comes to the education of children, there is always an agenda -- and those who don't share that agenda too often find themselves belittled, marginalized, or ignored.Dr. Jim West, Baptist minister who helped compose a letter in support of the public schools
Appparently,,A theologian of the cross says what a thing is. In contrast, a theologian of glory attempts to avoid offense.
In short, in my estimation, the problem with homeschooling from a theological point of view is that it embodies a "theology of glory" and ignores, or even discounts the "theology of the cross". It fears; it lives in fearfulness, and it has forgotten that "perfect love casts out fear". The theology of homeschooling calls for a withdrawal from society because, at its heart, it does not believe. Not really. Not that God can change people and thereby change society through the Gospel. And finally it supposes that society, social structures, and God ordained offices are evil. Indeed, it calls what God has ordained evil and withdrawal good. It errs in so doing, theologically.
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One understanding".
Proverbs 13:20 states
"He who walks with the wise becomes wiser still but the companion of fools suffers harm."
From Psalm 14:1,
"The fool has set in his heart that there is no God"
Proverbs 22:15,
"foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child."
Luke 11:23
"He who is not with Me is against me and He who does not gather with me scatters."
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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.
Deuteronomy 6:13-14
"Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you."
Mathew 18:6
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
In short, Dr. West we homeschool because we believe the Bible. I do not homeschool out of fear of man but out of love for Christ and His Word. God has ordained his Word and given it to us to follow. It you would like to call that evil and follow after the state schools as good. Then I ask, who is the theologian of the cross and who is the theologian of glory?
11 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by PatriciaWHunter on Apr. 28, 2006 at 9:26 AM
I actually was able to post a comment on Dr. West's blog yesterday, to which he responded, but I have decided to not debate him. A good portion of his blog is dedicated to attacking homeschoolers and I don't believe he cares to be enlightened and I don't have the time to waste. I would LOVE to attend and be part of the SBCHEA summitt at the Southern Baptist Convention (it was actually moi's idea that TOS get involved). We have been attending a SBC for the last 3 1/2 years (though we are more reformed in our theology than most SBs), and are meeting with our pastor (for the first time) this Sunday. I can't wait to hear where he stands - with Dr. West or Dr. Mohler. Patricia
posted by ByHisGraceInColorado on Apr. 28, 2006 at 11:19 AM
If our Christian "motive" for homeschooling isn't understood by the clergy, and our choices and methods are misunderstood by just about everyone else it seems, golly, I am certainly glad there are some folks out there who have it figured out! :)
Your list is so good, because it is the heart and soul of our "why's".
It is fun for me to think, write and debate (mostly with myself) why and how we do this thing called "homeschooling." But when it comes down to brass tacks, we just have to listen to the author and finisher of our faith and life. Great list, thanks for taking the time to share it with everyone!
Thank God for His Word, it is life-giving.
Nancy
posted by SusannahCox on Apr. 28, 2006 at 6:20 PM
I like how you pointed out that withdrawing from public school is not withdrawing from society. That's my argument exactly.
Children who don't attend public school for a significant portion of every day are far more likely to be *engaged* in society! They have more contact with the community than the child who's stuck in a classroom for hours out of the day. Both schooled and homeschooled live in the same community, shop at the same stores, visit the same libraries, post mail at the same post offices, attend the same community events, participate in the same local campaigns...the homeschooled kids just get lots more of it. "Withdrawing" is simply not descriptive of homeschooling.
Great post! Thanks.
posted by gabalot on Apr. 28, 2006 at 8:45 PM
How very, very sad! What ignorance from a man who supposedly leads others spiritually. It would be one thing for him to feel that he would not homeschool others and although it isn't for his family, to each his own. BUT, to attack homeschoolers and to do it from a position such as his is scary. I often feel sorry for those who pronounce such things because to whom much is given, much is expected, and the judgement that might be heaped upon him. As Christians we will disagree on politics, how to discipline, and even their education. I admit that I have a problem with understanding how fellow Christian parents put their children in public schools, but I will not judge them for it, that belongs to the Lord. And from the comment above it would seem as though one would be casting pearls before swine to attempt to reason with this man. I pity him.
posted by Laura A on Apr. 29, 2006 at 7:44 AM
I just read every reference to homeschooling on Jim's website for the month (and checked back two more). I didn't see any comments at all, though I would've liked to have read some well-reasoned ones. But I'm sorry to read that someone called him ugly names--not only was it against Christian teaching, but they just gave him an excuse to close his ears to a fair and kind rebuttal.
As for his blog entries, well, I'm sure we could all give him a good rebuttal on his argument that homeschoolers are withdrawing from society. But the humor award goes to his comparison of our homeschooling laws to those in the "civilized" world. Thank goodness that China has the good sense to agree with him! As for Europe, they've got problems brewing that are going to make a few freedom-loving Christians wanting to teach their children at home look pretty mild by comparison.
posted by spunkyhomeschool on Apr. 29, 2006 at 7:47 AM
Laura,
The comments were made on a few other blogs that referenced him. I didn't link to those because some of those contained vulgar language as well. While his argument is full of holes, the other blogs didn't advance the position of homeschooling much.
posted by Anonymous on Apr. 29, 2006 at 12:02 PM
His definitions of "of the cross" vs "of glory" are a bit odd, IMHO.
I certainly do not homeschool out of fearfulness. I homeschool because, quite frankly, I can do it better. Also, I have 2 kids who are "twice-exceptional"--gifted, yet with severe challenges, as well. I know the schools in my area are not able to meet these needs.
I do not understand what "God ordained offices" are viewed as evil by homeschoolers. "Social structures," maybe, especially when they conflict with God's word. (Would this presume that, since our society approves of immorality, it is therefore a valid "social structure" which we should accept? Thousands of kids live with non-married couples.)
But is public school somehow deemed to be a "God ordained office," and how would he get this idea from Scripture? The only "God ordained" thing I see anywhere in the Bible re. children is that their parents are to be diligent in training them as they should go.
He's making careful and deliberate theological distinctions here, but they do not seem to be based on any theology--just on ideas.
posted by Anonymous on Apr. 29, 2006 at 12:32 PM
I think I figured out the lack of comments. He seems to accept comments, but not publish the comments of others. (I don't know if he is reading them.....)
posted by spunkyhomeschool on Apr. 29, 2006 at 1:56 PM
I think you're right. But he did accept a trackback to my other site.
posted by creativehsmom on May. 3, 2006 at 8:59 AM
Did I read that this man is a theologian and a minister? This is how he is leading? How sad.
posted by Anonymous on May. 11, 2006 at 3:36 PM
I believe that Dr. West is confused between adults who are task with taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and children given to us by God. The parents are to be responsible for their care in a sinful world. I hope the following helps explain. Children cannot care for themselves in an evil world or even discern between good and evil. Us adults have a grave responsibility to bring them up in the nurture of the Lord and teach them about good (God) and evil. (Deut 6:7) The Apostle Paul said that he was in the world but not of the world. Children cannot discern the difference between things of the world and things of God because they are still in a state of growing and developing under adults who train and teach. So if we send our children to the public school system run by adults who are non believers in Christ Jesus and they reject anything Christian, then in reality we are violating God's word and even by our social standards abusing the child. Their mind and emotions literally are feed pagan ideas. Dr. West is also confused about the Great Commission as Jesus gave it to His disciples. Jesus did not give the Great Commission to children. He gave it to adults who were to bring Glory to God through their belief, love and joy in Christ Jesus and their overflow of Great Joy would reach out to people who are in need of redemption. Dr. West, I'm very sorry that you cannot see the difference between children who are to be nurtured by Christian parents and Luther's ideas as presented at Heidleburg. Thanks