I wrote this in response to a question posted on a forum that I frequently read:
Because I don't trust my own words, I will give you some scripture to consider:
Matthew 7:6-11
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
My children are certainly my pearls, and as the previous post says, I will not render my children unto “Caesar.” I also believe that this verse is telling us that God *will* supply our needs, especially when it comes to His little children.
People make choices. I know of several families who hardly have any money, yet they CHOOSE for the mother to stay home and homeschool the children. They do without two vehicles, a fancy house, cable television, etc. They CHOOSE what is important to them!
It is not the government's business to educate our children. EVER! God has given that responsibility to us as parents.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
How can this be accomplished when the children are sitting in a public school room where none of this is allowed.
Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The commentary of this verse says: Train children, not in the way they would go, that of their corrupt hearts, but in the way they should go; in which, if you love them, you would have them go. As soon as possible every child should be led to the knowledge of the Saviour.
When the children are gone to PS for so much of the day, where is the training taking place? I have a friend who puts her kids on the bus at 7am, they get off at 3pm, do homework, eat dinner, bathe, and go to bed by 7pm. Where is the time for much training at home? Most of the “training” is taking place at school.
One more little comment, then I will stop for now. I took the kids to hear a lady who had gone to Africa with a missionary team. She said that she couldn't believe that there was no public education! She was amazed and shocked. The only educational institutions were run by churches. I believe this is as it should be.
If the PS system failed due to the Christians all pulling their children out, I believe that the demand for church schools would rise, and that the tuition would be lowered for those who want to hand over the responsibility of training their children to others, and we would see an amazing transformation in our nation. Not to mention the fact that if we didn't have to pay so much in our taxes for education, everyone COULD afford to homeschool (not that it has to cost that much!), or send them to a Christian school.
I hope I haven't offended anyone, but have given you all something to think about.