Jen Wilkin Is Wrong About Public School

*Someone did not like my stance. Check out Responding To Your Feedback: Part 4 to read the exchange.*

The Internet blew up in Christian circles last week when The Gospel Coalition (TGC) released a new episode of a series called Good Faith Debates between Jen Wilkin and Dr. Jonathan Pennington (professor, author, preacher) discussing whether or not Christians should send their children to public school. Y’all, it was painful to watch. I’m not sure Jen Wilkin said anything of real substance, but I am certain she was out of her depth in this conversation. Wilkin was completely wrong about public school, but we need to know how to respond to her arguments because nearly all homeschoolers will eventually encounter these in their personal lives.

Getting To Know Jen Wilkin

Whenever we hear someone speak on any topic, we should first consider who the person is and if she is a trustworthy source. Jen Wilkin’s information is easy to come by because she is an evangelical darling. She’s an author and Bible teacher who is commonly featured guest on podcasts and is often a speaker at conferences.

Overall, I’ve not given Jen Wilkin too much consideration. She certainly never seemed to be heretical, but she wasn’t much of a draw for me, either.

A Few Concerns

Jen Wilkin came under some scrutiny a few years back after speaking at an event for pastors about what church leaders need to know about women. Among other things, she said that menstruation is a parable of the crucifixion. Wilkin claimed that women see the gospel differently because of their monthly bodily function, and men can’t experience God’s Word the same way because “men only bleed when something is wrong.”

I’ll give Jen Wilkin this. She really owned that hot take as something substantial and insightful.

Another thing to note about Wilkin is her growing relationship with TGC. This ministry has become increasingly focused on social justice, CRT, and all the woke language people can dream up.

Finally, she is one of the Lifeway ladies, and I don’t recommend much of anything that comes out of Lifeway. When a publisher recognizes Beth Moore as its headliner, then I know it isn’t concerned with discerning good teaching from bad. How can I trust anything coming from such a company?

So, what do we do with Jen Wilkin? Is she a trustworthy source? My suggestion is that we carefully listen to her words and view her teachings in light of the Scriptures. Essentially, proceed with caution.

Jen Wilkin And Public School: Where She’s Coming From

As a homeschooler, I like to know where someone is coming from when I tell them why I homeschool my children, and I also want to know the person’s background if they are trying to convince me why public school is best. In the debate, Wilkin gave the audience some insight on her starting point, and I believe her comments on where she’s coming from concerning education can help illuminate the whole picture when we investigate her thoughts on public school.

This good faith biblical debate was not rooted in much Bible.

Jen Wilkin called her perspective “heavily biographical.” This made her talking points based on “my situation” and “my opinion is…” The specific biographical points included her family being made up of several public school employees, her personal experience as a public school student, and the “success” she had sending her own children to public school.

She chose public school out of conviction.

I’m not sure what she meant by this because she didn’t offer biblical support for her choice. I wonder which sections of the Word convinced her government education was what was best for her children.

Jen Wilkin admits she isn’t sure she could handle homeschooling.

Wilkin joked in her debate that she may have committed homicide had she been responsible for homeschooling her children. Although I’m in on the joke (homeschooling is difficult and frustrating work), this statement tells me she never realistically considered homeschool.

Christian school comes with baggage.

Although Wilkin didn’t get into the specifics (a pattern in this debate), she mentioned that her mom worked at a Christian school and had a bad experience with it. Because of her mother’s poor experience, Jen Wilkin said she didn’t think she could have ever chosen Christian school as an option.

Jen Wilkin thinks choosing to avoid public school is a fear-based decision.

Wilkin created a false dichotomy by insinuating that choosing public school is an educated decision and steering clear is a fear-based decision. The idea behind this is that people see what is happening at other schools and don’t want to risk encountering them in their own school. She calls that fear. I call it wisdom.

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”

Proverbs 22:3

Wilkin believes her local public schools are “excellent.”

For the record, no public school is excellent. Even if the academics are rigorous and all students move on to top-level universities, the school isn’t excellent. Public schools are rife with ungodly teachings and a complete rejection of Christianity. That alone excludes any public school from excellence.

But then there are accounts like this one from Voddie Baucham in his blog post entitled, Top Five Reasons NOT to Send Your Kids Back to Public School.

“One of our elders taught honors math at one of the ‘best schools’ in one of the ‘best school districts’ in Texas (you know, one of those schools people lie and cheat to get their children into so that they can get a ‘better education’).  His advanced geometry class was filled with a bunch of imbeciles who could barely do basic arithmetic.  As a result, most of them failed their first major test.  You know what happened next?  The principal called him into the office and told him to make things right.  One of the things he was told was to employ a grading technique called “Square root times ten.”  Thus, a student who made a 49 on a test ended up with a 70 in the grade book (for those of you who went to government schools like me, that’s the square root of 49 times ten).”

Voddie Baucham, Top Five Reasons NOT to Send Your Kids Back to Public School

Disclaimer

About Mrs. Wilkin: I feel like I just need to start with this. I don’t have a personal problem with Jen Wilkin. She seems very nice, and I would not be surprised to find out she is a great wife, mother, and friend. Thinking she seems like a great woman, though, doesn’t mean I agree with her.

About you: If you don’t homeschool, I don’t have a problem with you. I’m not judging you. You know your personal circumstances, and I am not here to make you feel bad. In contrast, if you do homeschool, I don’t think that instantly makes you a wonderful Christian. I agree with that one decision. The end. Educating our children is only one aspect of many in parenting and our Christian walk.

But…I do believe that God is clear that we are in charge of our children’s education, and we should seek to put God first in it. For today, my goal is to explain why Jen Wilkin’s arguments for public school education are faulty and not even biblical. Let’s move forward.

How Jen Wilkin Gets Public School All Wrong

1. Jen Wilkin believes Christians should send their children to public school, if at all possible.

That was the most shocking thing Wilkin said, in my opinion. This statement strongly suggests public school is the best option, and weirdly, I can’t help but think she is trying to imply that Christians struggle to choose public school. Um, there isn’t any easier option. Without any effort at all, children end up in public school. It’s the default setting in American education.

She supported her claim that public school is the best option for Christian students with three main points.

First, Wilken believes education is a right. The Constitution doesn’t explicitly address education, but most agree the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause is extended to education. Therefore, the government must provide equal opportunities for education to all children.

Wilken’s insistence that Christians ought to send their children to public school suggests we don’t have the right to provide a superior education if we so choose. It’s as if the government’s responsibility to all children is now on me as a Christian mother, and I must limit opportunities for my children to ensure equity in this right to education.

Second, Wilken said we need education for “human flourishing.” Let’s ignore the vague and flowery nature of that wording for a moment, and unpack what she is really saying. If education is the key to human flourishing, then parents should feel free to seek education is whatever manner suits them best. However, to make this assertion as a support for public school indicates that “flourishing” can only happen in the public school domain.

Third, Mrs. Wilkin believes education is the “mark of civilization.” All right. Again, though, what is she trying to say? Are the families who choose to homeschool or send their children to private school uncivilized? Perhaps, she means that the children in public school cannot be civilized unless most Christian families are involved in government education, as well? I would argue her point has nothing to do with where we educate.

Sum It Up

This first argument is a picture of Jen Wilkin’s entire approach. Her language is unspecific and filled with buzz words. She throws out a litany of thoughts which are only vaguely on topic, hoping to say enough words that her audience can’t counter her points.

In summary, Wilkin thinks Christians should send their kids to public school whenever possible because education is a right, necessary for human flourishing, and the mark of a civilization. So far, none of this has anything to do with why a Christian would choose public school over other options. Instead, it’s a defense for why children should receive education.

She has no disagreement from me there.

2. Jen Wilkin believes worldview comes from the home for public school students.

Wilkin said in her debate that public school parents believe worldview comes from the home, and they don’t get credit for that belief enough. Statements like that make me wonder if she’s ever actually spoken to Christian homeschoolers. No one would argue against that point. Of course, public school parents think this! Otherwise, they wouldn’t send their children to public school. The issue is simply that they’re wrong. Their children’s worldview is not just coming from the home.

As with everything else Jen Wilkin said, her defense for her belief was based on her personal experience. She claimed to have talked about “everything” her children were learning at school with her kids.  Everything. Additionally, she thinks she and her husband were able to fill in any academic gaps because they are “nerds” and love to learn.

Jen Wilkin “welcomed” the social aspect of public school. She explained in the debate that it was good for her children to develop relationships with all kinds of people and could talk away the bad influences, I guess…

Did she really talk about everything? What about what’s happening now in schools? She acknowledged “emerging issues” in schools could be a possible challenge for some families, but she refrained from identifying what any of those could be and how common they are in public school.

Sum It Up

Jen Wilkin wrongly assumes that the influence kids get from teachers, students, and curricula for seven hours a day (excluding extracurriculars) throughout the school year won’t impact them. She also wrongly assumes that children will tell parents everything they encountered that day. Frankly, who’s to say the kids know when they’re being taught something problematic if it happens in a relaxed conversation or through seeing things normalized in the classroom? This is called indoctrination, Jen.

Even if a parent could combat the negative influences of public school, why would a Christian parent opt to add a challenge to a Christian upbringing if she could help it? The last thing I need is another challenge in parenting, thank you very much.

3. Jen Wilkin thinks public school exposure to diversity is good for kids.

Wilkin was very concerned about the well-being of other people’s children in her debate. Diversity was one area in which she camped our for a bit. Public school is undoubtedly filled with kids from all kinds of backgrounds, races, and abilities. Jen Wilkin argued her children, being in public school, didn’t just learn about different kinds of people in theory. Instead, exposure to those people “humanized” them.

So, I suppose the transgender teacher who insists on reading LGBTQ+ books and saying the pledge to the pride flag is just a great way for my kids to learn about transgenderism. You know…while they learn under that teacher as a trustworthy authority figure and source of information…

Jen Wilkin really showed her hand when she said this because her implication was that private school students and homeschoolers couldn’t possibly meet people who are different from them. I have the strong impression she believes we all live in the Christian bubble unless we send our kids to public school.

In another nonchalant swipe at Christians, Jen Wilkin positively described public school as a place where “no one is really pretending.” What is she saying about homeschoolers and private schoolers? I hear a criticism that we hide our true selves in those environments, and she would prefer her children be surrounded by those who openly reject Christ and wear their sin with pride.

Sum It Up

Jen Wilkin is encouraging Christians to surround their children with diverse influences out of parental oversight and managed by secular leaders. It appears that diversity can only occur in a public school in her mind. Meanwhile, homeschoolers across the country work hard to provide varied experiences, perspectives, and relationships for their children in a safe environment. Jen Wilkin seriously couldn’t have a less charitable view of homeschoolers on this topic.

4. Jen Wilkin believes Christians should send their children to public school if they love their neighbors.

This is the comment that received the most attention because, well, it’s asinine. Jen Wilkin suggests that Christians should reconsider putting their families first because we ought to think of others. Her biblical support? Philippians.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. “

Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

This verse is in the context of interacting with others with selflessness and humility, but rejecting public school is not selfish and arrogant. In many cases, it displays wisdom and a desire to seek after God. Jen Wilkin, however, used the debate as a platform to shame homeschool and private school families for potential negative effects on public school when families opt out.

It’s not Christians’ responsibility to prop up the government’s poorly executed public education system. Christian parents, on the other hand, are responsible for the well-being and discipleship of their own children.

What Does The Bible Say?

Below are some verses which indicate the wisdom of leaving public school, not participating in it. I would encourage every Christian to consider these verses in light of education and what is best for our children.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” (emphasis mine)

Psalm 1:1-4

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

“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. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” (emphasis mine)

Deuteronomy 6:7-9

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

Luke 6:40 (ESV)

Sum It Up

Jen Wilkin has one verse to fall back on to support her stance on public school, and at best, it’s an overapplication of the command. Yes, think of others before yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can never think of yourself and your family, either. Besides, if her concern is neighbors, then who are the closest neighbors we have? Our nuclear family!

Jen Wilkin knows this, too. In 2015, her article, Your Child is Your Neighbor, was shared on the TGC website. She concludes her article with these words. “Mom and Dad, use each ‘beautiful day in the neighborhood’ to show preferential love to the neighbors who share your roof.” Eight years ago Jen Wilkin believed parents should show preferential love to their children. Why can she not see that providing the best education possible is a great way to do that, even if it doesn’t help other children?

5. Jen Wilkin doesn’t think the best education is from the Bible.

Wilkin wanted her audience to know that she didn’t send her children to be missionaries to the public school system, but rather, for a good education. I’d argue she sent them for what she believes is the best education.

In the debate, Jen Wilkin said her kids received a “world-class” education. What education was she focused on with her children? Like any mom, she’s proud of her children’s accomplishments, and she listed them out during the debate. Her kids went on to get educations at a top university and have since gone into STEM careers. She glowed with pride as she described her children’s success.

Listen, I’m not opposed to education, academic excellence, or careers outside of ministry. I hope her kids grew into adults who love the Lord and serve in a local church in some capacity. But is the degree, G.P.A., university, or career supposed to be the focus of our education? Are the teachers we send our children to meant to be secular? Can education be neutral?

Jen Wilkin’s priorities were off if she believed sacrificing a Christian education for the world’s idea of success was a wise exchange. Many of the verses I shared in the section above make my point for me. The focus of education is to be on God. Everything, as Creator, is about Him. Math, science, language, art, etc. relate back to the God who made everything. If a sacrifice must be made, then let it be the “impressive” school not the Lord’s teachings.

An Insulting Viewpoint

I thought perhaps I was being too harsh in my interpretation of her approach to education. But…then she said there are examples of times a Christian may not be able to send children to public school. I waited to hear about gang, LGBTQ+, or CRT concerns. Nah. She gave an example of someone she knows who lives in a rural community who couldn’t possibly use the public schools there.

Wow! I guess us overall-wearing, toothpick-gnawing, farming, backwater conservatives ain’t do larnin’ no good.

Jen Wilkin said all she needed to about education in that assessment of rural schools. If there isn’t a bunch of money, city influence, and impressive extras in classrooms, then the school doesn’t have anything to offer.

Sum It Up

Jen Wilkin is a Bible teacher, and she seems to love the Word of God. Amen! Sadly, she appears to approach education as if the Bible is just one of many subjects to cover. I imagine she would deny this, but actions really do speak louder than words. If the Bible was central to her children’s education, then she would not have sent them to a secular school system for a “world-class” education.

How Jen Wilkin Combated The Negatives Of Public School

In the TGC debate, Wilkin admitted there could be some things to overcome when sending kids to public school. Although, she did deny that schools had as many problems as others say. Here were her main points concerning dealing with issues as they came about.

Protect Time With Family

Jen Wilkin discussed the importance of family time. She admitted that this time was especially important with everyone gone during the day. I couldn’t agree more. In fact, the significance of time with family played a large role in my husband and I choosing to homeschool.

Wilkin and I approach extracurriculars in a similar way. We see a reason to limit activities outside of the school day. My family tries not to have our children flying in a million directions each week while we hemorrhage money for an endless array of busyness and hardly have any opportunities to enjoy time together.

Wilkin went as far as to limit each child to one activity. What makes this fact about the Wilkin family interesting is that church activities were also potentially on the cutting room floor. In an attempt to get her children to bed on time for their early school day (homeschool lets you create your own schedule…), she pulled her children from a Scripture memory group that met on Wednesday nights. Jen Wilkin told this anecdote as a joke, but I think it, again, shows a secular prioritization of influences on her children.

“My Kids Did That, Too.”

Anytime her debate opponent pushed back at all about a weakness in public school, she would come back with something along the lines of, “Well, we made sure our kids did that, too” Whether it was music lessons, fostering a hobby, or spending meaningful time with siblings, Jen Wilkin’s response was that she had covered that.

So, the takeaway for families thinking about sending their children to public school is to think of everything that could make raising them more difficult because of your choice and fix it in your many free hours of the day. Reasonable, right?

Jen Wilkin Just Reframes Things

One of the funniest moments in the TGC debate was when her opponent, Dr. Pennington, brought up all the wasted time in public school. I have to agree with him on this point. People are frequently surprised to learn I’m usually done with school by lunch because kids in the local public school are still in class. But we move through our day faster because the teacher to student ratio is pretty low in my home, and we don’t need to wait for other students.

Jen Wilkin’s take on this was perfect.

She claimed the time is not being wasted because that is an opportunity for children to study human nature. Wilkin suggested while they waited for other students to be ready to move on to the next task or lesson, her children learned about how not everyone wants to pitch in and work hard. I don’t know about you, ladies, but my kids display this aspect of human nature without public school.

Jen Wilkin Had Insider Information

I don’t have any commentary here. Simply, Wilkin said she had relationships with people in the district who provided her with curriculum information and gave her insight into what was going on in the public schools her children attended.

Meanwhile, a mother in Rhode Island was sued by the teachers union, NEA, for persistently asking for information about her child’s curriculum.

Final Thought

Jen Wilkin is clearly an intelligent woman, and I am inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt when she says she is interested in what is best for the people around her. If you follow Jen Wilkin, her take on public schools is not enough reason for me to suggest you leave her studies behind. On the other hand, personally, she is too social justice friendly and progressive in her language for me to turn to her for biblical teaching.

Let me be clear on this subject, though. Wilkin has missed the mark on public schools. Her focus is on doing all she can do for the good of everyone else’s children. What about her own? What about yours? The best thing any Christian parent can do is provide as much of a Christian education as possible. In all likelihood, the best version of this is homeschool. If that can’t happen, and I know there are reasons it cannot, then a Christian school could do a decent job. Finally, a parent can send her kids to public school and fight an uphill battle to instill her children with Christian character and a meaningful understanding of God.

Jen Wilkin doesn’t know what she’s talking about when it comes to public school and Christian education. It’s a mystery to me, but somehow she missed all the Scripture pointing away from secular education. I would implore you to take conversations like this with a grain of salt and discern the messaging carefully. Is what Jen Wilkin said really in line with the Bible?

Did you watch the debate? Check it out, and let me know what you think.

More Reading On Homeschool

My Honest And Unfiltered Reasons For Homeschooling

Are Your Reasons To Not Homeschool Actually Excuses?

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Homeschooling

Homeschool Doubt: An Annual Tradition

Reviewing Ken Ham’s Family Homeschool Experience

Large Family Homeschooling: How I Do It

What To Do When Homeschool Gets Hard

Homeschoolers Should Reject “School Choice”

Image courtesy of Kenny Eliason via Unsplash.