I reported a couple a weeks ago about the resolution introduced to the southern baptist convention for All Baptist leaders and congregation to remove thier kids from public school.
I have finally formed an opinion on the subject, so now I will elaborate.
As a Christian, a homeschooler, and former Southern Baptist, I do not feel they have a right to make such a request of thier parishioners.
Firstly though homeschooling is an excellent way to educate a child, no one should feel forced to do it. For a parent to be able to homeschool happily they have to be willing and able.... I take that back... they must be eager to homeschool.
Telling a parent that they are negelecting their Christian duties does not make them eager to homeschool, as a matter of fact it can make them downright unhappy and resentful. Going into it under such circumstances will make it a horrible experience for both the adult and child.
In addition, homeschooling will become known as a chore vs a productive, flexible, and relaxed way of life as it is now. It will change the reputation of homeschooling and homeschoolers as we know it.
I realize the resolution says homeschooling or Christian schooling, but it only offers Christian schooling as an alternative... And what about the thousands of Southern Baptists who teach in these schools.
I do not disagree with the point that public school is not a good place for christians. They are absolutely right on that point. But say that all baptists do pull out of the schools and 50 years down the road schools are improved... will they be welcome back in with open arms?
In my opinion instead of forcing people through guilt out of public shools, I think the Southern Baptists should offer an affordable alternative. At the last Southern Baptist school I attended the prices for the private school there was cost prohibitive..... very cost prohibitive... It was as much as a car payment.. and not just any car... an Audi! Who can afford that kind of tuition?
I say that if they want all southern Baptist kids out of public schools then they need to provide a place for them and the Southern Baptist teachers to go.
In other words, put your money where your mouth is.
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