“Why do people who believe in and teach their children about God at home and in church put them in government schools that often undermine those beliefs? If parents would not put their children in a religious environment that does not reflect their faith, why do they send them into a school system in which faith and secularism so often collide, often to the detriment of faith?” – Cal Thomas
A few days ago this quote appeared on a Facebook wall. It drew a heated discussion about Christian parents who send their children to school.
Some of the responses that are particularly harsh are listed below:
Because they are God haters and they hate their children.
Because working and making money are more important than their children’s souls.
Hence the reason I homeschool and will continue.
Amen amen and amen
I have to tell you that as a Christian homeschooling mom I am shamed by these critical and harsh statements. The judgment that one is a God hater or hates their children if they send them to school is sickening. The idea that Christians who work and send their children to school are materialistic parents who would rather drive an expensive car then care for their children’s souls is preposterous. The agreement for such thoughts are valid makes me cringe. I do not find the responses “Christian like” in any fashion. Please homeschoolers, let us not judge the hearts and motivations of those who do not homeschool. God is not glorified when His children fight.
Oddly enough, I agree with the quote and do not find it offensive or harsh. I have asked myself that question numerous times and it is part of the reason I homeschool. I would not allow my children to attend religious services that directly conflict with our family’s beliefs. I would not allow my child to attend a school run by a cult. Secular humanism is just as harmful and perhaps more powerful because it seems like the “norm.” What I do not agree with is judging parents who do not share this view. We may be passionate about our beliefs and I applaud those who are bold but cruel is not the same.