Gospel Prism

Sadly, far too many Christians believe homeschooling is the only Godly choice in educating children. While I do think Homeschooling has great benefit, it is certainly not the only means by which a child can pursue God. The reality is, what all parents are called to do is to intentionally lead their children to love the Lord and serve Him only. The homeschooled child needs to be taught about the Gospel. The public school child needs to be taught about the Gospel. I think Greg Harris has some wise words regarding educational choices. Given the fact that he has fathered kids who were homeschooled (Josh Harris being one of them), and given the fact that he speaks regularly at homeschool conferences, his words are very important for homeschoolers who tend to be legalistic about hosmechooling. He writes on Josh’s blog:

Educational choices have always been a matter of parental responsibility, not of some extra-biblical standard. Every householder should make an informed decision before God. All should research their local schools, public and private and become fully convinced in the way in which he (or she) decides to use his God-given liberty under the Lordship of Christ to bear the best and most abundant fruit he can for the glory of God.

The only moral issue at stake is whether we are willing to walk in the obedience of our faith in God and His will as we understand it from the Scriptures. Though wisdom and foolishness are called into play, there is no moral superiority to be found in any one educational option. Though dilligence is required of all three options, only our labor in Christ will not be in vain. Then, as the relative fruit of each option is put on display in time, may we all be humble enough to change our ways as needed in order to bear even better fruit for God.

Not all options seem to be equally fruitful thus far. But as a long-time home-schooling father and Christian home-schooling advocate I can honestly say that every option, including home schooling has its problems (as you well know). So, pick your problems, and by the grace of God deal with those problems as they arise.