Spunky Homeschool

"Stop Judging Me!"

May. 31, 2006 at 11:34 PM

Homeschooling

I've been hearing that a lot lately.   So, I have to say this, just for the record if nothing else.

I have strong opinions and convictions about education. Surprise! Surprise! And here's another news bulletin: I use my blog to share them. However, I'm not looking to convince anyone else to homeschool because of what I believe. Nor do I judge family for the choices they make. But I have to ask; why is it that someone with strong convictions cannot share them without others feeling judged?    When did strong opinions become illegal and banned from public discourse? If you disagree with me, I'm okay with that.    I have read over my past posts. I have never said "You must blah blah blah..." or "You're going to hell if you blah blah blah...."

I hope we can have a discussion about one of the most important decisions a family will make without accusing  someone of "judging" the other. I don't make anyone read my blog. If you visit here, you know you're going to get strong opinions. And in the event you missed it in my daily briefings, I said it straight up in my bio.
I believe I am totally right about just about everything I believe. Otherwise I wouldn't believe it. And if you think about it...you do too.
I'm confident but not arrogant. I share what I believe and why. I hope it encourages and challenges people to further thought. Could I possibly be wrong about what I believe? Sure. I expose my beliefs to challenge myself as well. Patrick Henry said,
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.
If someone makes a compelling argument backed by Truth then I'm willing to examine my own beliefs in light of what they share. It's humbling to admit when I'm wrong, but in the long run I'm better for it. I want to be on the side of Truth, not being right.

I also read a variety of blogs. I read the blogs of those that believe in public education with their whole heart. I read the blogs of liberals, conservatives, Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, atheists, and even a few morons. (No Daryl, that last one wasn't a reference to you!) They all hold strong opinions. It can be helpful to read well written ideas that present a reasonable argument on a given topic. I don't feel judged by any of them. I read what they have to say to get a different perspective and gain clarity on my thoughts. I don't feel threatened by them. I learn what I can and move on.

Aristotle said,
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Blogs seem to be one of the few places that people can candidly share what they believe without being sanitized by "tolerance". But for that to continue, we need to accept that we're not always going to agree on every issue. I hope that we can have mature discusssions and not cry foul or demand retractions simply because someone holds a strong opinion.

By the way, this post isn't directed at anyone in particular. But it's been building in me for quite sometime and I needed to finally get it out.

Thanks for listening.
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8 Comments and Trackbacks

posted by AcceptanceWithJoy on May. 31, 2006 at 11:52 PM

Actually, I agree with almost everything you blog! And when I don't agree, I think I am totally right too. I come by being right honestly, I inherited that from my dad! So ~ Keep up the good work.

I actually think the value of being involved in the blogging community is that it forces us to examine our assumptions and articulate our beliefs in light of God's word.

posted by sagerats on Jun. 1, 2006 at 1:11 AM

Keep it up Spunky! I agree with you, so you MUST be right!

In truth I don't always agree with you, happens rarely, but it has happened. I never felt threatened. I've thought, "Hmm, that's interesting...idiotic, but interesting."

I love the way you write, it's what keeps me coming back. You are real, and educated, and concise. You base your feelings on facts, not stupidity.

Abiding in the Vine!

posted by Anonymous on Jun. 1, 2006 at 1:49 AM

Just wanted to post a quick encouragement. Be convicted. Be courageous. God has created you and is directing your paths - no apologies for following Him. I have linked your blog to my own and deeply appreciate your perspective. Your words are a lamp to me right now as we grapple with the decision making in our own children's lives. Bless you...

posted by Lachen on Jun. 1, 2006 at 1:50 AM

I am new to this posting system and did not mean to leave my comment anonymously: my blog is here: www.1starfish.blogspot.com.

posted by bgatley on Jun. 1, 2006 at 2:24 AM

For the short time that I have been reading your blog, I enjoy what you have to share.

I will, however, question your premise for "Stop Judging Me!". I completely agree that you are free to express your convictions and beliefs, but to do so WITHOUT the expectation of being judged is unfounded and I would probably go as far to say... unbiblical.

Consider 1 Cr 6:3 and other scripture that I don't have on the tip of my tongue right now. God has given his people the ability (through the Holy Spirit) to judge and discern right from wrong. When one speaks we should be judging what is said to be consistent with truth. There is a point, however, where foolish arguing goes beyond what we are called to do as Christians. However, we are called to judge and to discern truth.

Each and every Christian reading your blog should be judging and discerning truth from what you write. I have not detected yet in your writing that you hold your word up to be superior and/or additional to God's word, but rather humble clarification and expression of truth consistent with God's word. IF you go off on a foolish path, those reading your blog should be the first to JUDGE that you have taken a wayward path and express truth in the situation.

Instead of "Stop Judging Me!" you should be crying "Judge Me According to God's Word!" We should not be afraid to contend for the truth...IN CHARITY.

Granted, non-Christians read your blog also and their "judgment" may not be in love, but that is not the standard by which you live and should not be a concern of yours. Since you are fairly strong and opinionated, I doubt you are concerned about judgment based on the world's standards.

If, however, you want everyone to "just get along" and not contend for the truth, then maybe I misunderstand your ambition and intention for blogging.

posted by spunkyhomeschool on Jun. 1, 2006 at 6:20 AM

I don't expect to do it without others examining my words. That's the point of the portion of the post about Patrick Henry. I want my words to be examined in light of the Truth. And as I said, it's painful to admit when I'm wrong bu in the long run I'm better for it. This isn't my premise, it is what others are saying I am doing to them. I put the title in quotes and slightly changed to intro to make that more clear.

posted by bgatley on Jun. 1, 2006 at 9:11 AM

I misunderstood and it now makes a whole lot more sense.

Keep up the excellent writing.

posted by KayinMaine on Jun. 1, 2006 at 9:16 PM

Well said, Spunky! I admire your ability to clearly articulate your views. And most of the time, I think you're right!

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