My family has been homeschooling for many years. While we like the structure that some homeschool communities provide, my husband has made it more than clear that there is no community that is training our kids. We are training our kids.
Any institution outside of the home that seeks to push any particular “method” does not fall in line with the direction for our family. With this in mind, we have been curious why certain homeschool institutions are not spending more time talking about how we can affect our current homeschool laws rather than the alternative. We’re concerned that our kids are observing how not to take a forthright message in this that represents the individual. One that would be suitable in the gates of the marketplace and world of education from the frontlines.
It’s much easier to dictate what is seemingly an upright, yet opposing, message from inside a community that is different from the world’s message, especially to signed on families. However, when there is a community that consists of families from every background, each have different ideas. How can any homeschool group or institution presume to not allow these families a voice, especially one in their own backyard?
Both terms, “educational independence” and “school choice” are luxury terms, mere words in a third world country. These are all elite terms with no real commitment to truth. The essence of the truth is that none of us are independent, and we are never without a choice. Those of us that place a high value on community and homeschool know this.
With the stance against government funding/support, which could turn into rules of a different sort, it’s hard to see how this posititon is not going to affect those families, especially with kids that are called to fighting the laws and influencing these matters from a much larger platform, to be discouraged. And will therefore limit them. It also limits the head of the households ability to move within their God-given purpose to provide for his family. (This requires an open discussion rather that pontification.)
While we are dead set against the government dictating to us how to school our kids, the same is true for any organization seeking to take away the authority of the parent. It’s ultimately the parent’s decision. With that being said, money accepted from any source does not have power in and of itself, nor does the institution providing it have the authority over a believer’s heart. For money to have this power the person accepting it has to love it. For an institution to have this power, the person receiving things from this institution has to have placed it as an idol.
This perceived power is often implemented by red tape, laws, referendums, ultimatums, which we believe some even some homeschool and private communities are adopting, unfortunately. These being based on the ideas of educational independence and/or school choice. Pick your term. It looks like another effort to control families that simply want to homeschool their children.
We are urging these institutions to take a second look at this. Ask around. Look at additional scripture that’s relevant to this and do not shy away from candid discussions:
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. -Romans 14:13-23
Find the AI version of this post on Venture Kids Club here.
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