Responding To Your Feedback: Part 4

Every so often I receive comments on my blog posts and emails from readers who want to share their input on what I have written. Although many are supportive and friendly, plenty of others are critical, mean-spirited, inaccurate, or some combination of those attributes. On occasion, I do not respond to emails or approve comments because I don’t see how the exchange could be edifying. All that said, I would like to acknowledge some of these comments and emails when it seems appropriate. “Responding to your feedback” posts will be written directly to the author, but I will keep the individual anonymous by assigning him/her a nickname.

The Comment For Today

The comment I’m responding to today is in reference to my post, “Jen Wilkin Is Wrong About Public School.” I wrote that post after watching the dreadfully painful episode of The Gospel Coalition’s Good Faith Debates. The episode in question was between Dr. Jonathan Pennington (professor) who was in support of homeschool and Jen Wilkin (Lifeway darling) supporting pubic school.

My response to Jen Wilkin’s argument that Christians should do everything they can to send their children to public school was… Well, how do I say it? Negative. Yes, that’s it. Actually, I was appalled, and I believe her messaging is dangerous for your average Christian family.

Unsurprisingly, some folks don’t like the generally negative view I hold of public school (the system, not the individuals working in it). I am, however, unmoved and remain solid in my stance. Nevertheless, the conversation is valid and worth having. So, I chose a comment that addressed many of the criticisms I have received about my everyone-should-homeschool mentality. I hope you find this public exchange helpful or at least entertaining.

I will be referring to our author as “Rose-Colored Glasses.”

*I am presenting the comment with no editing.* (She swears once at the end.)

Here’s What You Had To Say…

“I actually think a lot of what you’ve said here is insightful while simultaneously naive. I live and taught public school in the same community as Jen. It’s not common, but we do have an uncanny load of Christians in public school and I believe it’s why our little section of the world has such great public schools. As a teacher from public school, who’s taught this curriculum, I know first hand that there’s not as much government agenda thrown in as you think. It should also be noted that we live in Texas, a notably more conservative state where Christianity is not only prominent, but bold. In addition to teaching in public school, I’ve taught in private school and my two youngest are in a UMS. The smaller class sizes and nature of their learning is why we made the switch, not because we believed we were unChristian for being public school. Jen, in many of her interviews, makes a nod to the thousands of families who cannot homeschool, even if they wanted to. Having taught in public school, I did more praying with and over families in parent/teacher conferences than I have done in my life. There are so many families that don’t have the luxury or choice and they’re doing the best they can. My little Christian babies in my class were strong and confident in their faith and they were the ones inviting their classmates to church. It was inspiring. That’s Jesus. Seeing my public school students bring Story of the World and the Action Bible as their reading choices to school- that’s discipling. As the year went on, those books showed up more and more. Jen’s defense of public school should be talked about more rather than judged by those outside of this schooling. We are Christians called to love and live like Jesus. We don’t vehemently defend to a point of being judge and juror. We stand on Truth, we love as Jesus did- we don’t tolerate sin, but we don’t judge and stand high above those living in it. We find ways to come close, with the prayer that those living outside of God may see Him in us and want to know more so that HE alone may change their hearts. After years in public AND private schools, teaching and raising 4 kids, I advocate for all forms of schooling because I know God is in them all and know sin is in them all. I’ve seen it. I also own a company that advocates for teachers – all kinds from public to homeschool mamas because I know how hard it is to teach, even your own sometimes. But if there’s one thing being immersed in education has taught me- it’s that it is a battlefield. And the battle is not against people and it’s damn sure not against another believer. Public school desperately needs our prayers and our influence. And each of us plays a different role in that. Standing on the outside casting judgement and ridicule is definitely a role the enemy would like us to fill, and sadly many many Christians are doing just that.”

Responding To Your Feedback

Dear Rose-Colored Glasses,

Thank you for your response. I can tell that you thought through your points, have experience in various settings, and clearly care about students. The same can be said about me. Yet, we’ve landed on two very different sides of the argument. I see your approach as dangerous and ultimately harmful to children, especially to those in Christian homes. But I have no doubt that you believe your views are best for kids, and I do not think you are ill-intentioned.

I suspect from your comment that you think I am extreme, uneducated, and too separated from the community. (As a homeschool mom, that last one is something I have to actively work against.) Perhaps you think I sit in my ivory tower and look down upon the rest of society. I don’t know. Maybe you just think I’m a legalist. Whatever you think, though, I would like to clarify where I’m coming from. I want to give the next generation the best available education, and I don’t want to compromise when it comes to God. You see, we may come to different conclusions, but I firmly believe you and I are motivated by love for God and young people.

Of course, now that I’ve said that I’m going to disagree with you nonstop. Sorry about that.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 1

“I actually think a lot of what you’ve said here is insightful while simultaneously naive.”

We’re really starting out with a bang! I had to read this to myself several times because it didn’t make sense. It felt like someone was telling me that it is sweltering outside but simultaneously freezing. Huh?

So, I want to set the record straight. What you said is literally impossible. I can’t be insightful and naïve about the same topic.

Insightful: having or showing an accurate and deep understanding ; perceptive

Naïve: lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment

I’d like to thank you for attempting to compliment me before attacking my arguments, but let’s just stick to honesty, OK? You think I’m naïve. Maybe you think I sound relatively intelligent, but the rest of your comment makes it clear that you think I’m out of my depth.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 2

“I live and taught public school in the same community as Jen. It’s not common, but we do have an uncanny load of Christians in public school and I believe it’s why our little section of the world has such great public schools.”

This statement is jam-packed with things to discuss.

First, I suspect you are overapplying the term Christian. Your schools have people who call themselves Christian, but are they all really born-again believers? Like, are some of these folks Catholic, or are they the sort who dust off their Bible on Sunday morning to go to their community center church? I’m just saying that a lot of people, especially in the Southern United States, identify as Christian when it is actually just a cultural thing rather than a born-again reality as a new creature in Christ.

Also, are you including the kids as Christians? Certainly, children can be saved. Amen to that! On the other hand, how many are attributing their church attendance and family upbringing as the evidence of a Christian faith? I’m not making accusations here. Legitimately, I’m wondering because false conversion and cultural Christianity are real things, and it is not wise to say someone is a Christian because they carry a Bible, you know?

What’s The Worldview?

Second, what is the prevalent worldview among these supposed Christians? How are they living out their faith? Have you read Faithfully Different by Natasha Crain? She dives deep into the lack of Christian worldview among self-proclaimed Christians. Crain’s book and all the studies that she references should make us question how solid a Christian is if her worldview is not in line with Scripture. In fact, we might reconsider allowing Christians to educate our children and have a significant influence in their lives when they reject a biblical worldview.

Third, do these Christians who fill your schools’ hallways and classrooms write the curriculum? Are they creating the state and national standards? Christian children need a Christian education. Even if the curriculum has nothing questionable in it, which I highly doubt, then it is still secular. Public schools at their “best” are meant to educate with no religious influence at all. Why on Earth would I want my children to spend their days being filled with a Godless education? Why would you?

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 3

“As a teacher from public school, who’s taught this curriculum, I know first hand that there’s not as much government agenda thrown in as you think.”

“This curriculum?” I’d like to point out for anyone reading that there is not just one curriculum handed down from the government to each school. Various curricula have been written to meet government standards, and those in leadership positions in the districts choose which curriculum to buy. So, even if your school is not sold out to “the woke message,” there’s no way to claim that is true everywhere else. Or anywhere else for that matter!

Rose-Colored Glasses, you said in your feedback that there is not as much government agenda as I think. Well, how much government agenda, pray tell, should I tolerate in my children’s education? As I said before, the absence of agenda doesn’t negate the fact that the curriculum is inherently not Christian. Agenda or not, that remains a problem for me. Friend, there is no knowledge or wisdom without God.

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 2:6

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

Psalm 111:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7

Do you despise wisdom and wish to withhold it from our students so much that you would remove the true source of wisdom and knowledge from their education? I doubt you want that, but that’s what a secular education accomplishes.

I’m Not A Public-School Outsider

By the way, my husband was a schoolteacher until four years ago, and I was a worldly, unsaved young woman who attended some of the “best” public schools. I went on to earn a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in schools. Later, I practiced social work in the public-school setting, and it was up to me to help push the agenda you are minimizing. That was fifteen years ago, and the anti-Christian “woke” agenda was prevalent, Friend. I know because part of my job was to teach it, enforce it, and support it. It has only gotten worse.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 4

“It should also be noted that we live in Texas, a notably more conservative state where Christianity is not only prominent, but bold.”

Allow me to challenge you again about your broad application of the term “Christian.” How are Texans in your community particularly bold with their Christianity? If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last several years about boldness coming from self-professed Christians, it’s that being loud and socially conservative does not a believer make. You know what I mean?

Conservativism is great to see in a community. Actually, I would expect it in this Christian Utopia you describe. Nevertheless, conservative means so many things nowadays, even liberal. Some conservatives are pro-choice. Others are pushing for significantly more government involvement in education by supporting school choice. Aww man, don’t get me started on school choice legislation!

What The Numbers Say

Why don’t we look at the statistics coming out of Texas instead? Pew Research shared a religious landscape study of adults in Texas. Here are some of the more notable numbers, Rose-Colored Glasses.

• 77% of Texans identify as Christian
• 69% of Texans are fully certain God exists
• 63% of Texans say religion is “very important” to them
• 42% of Texans attend church at least once a week
• 30% of Texans attend prayer meetings or Bible study at least once a week
• 34% of Texans believe in clear standards for right and wrong
• 39% of Texans believe the Bible should be taken literally
• 39% of Texans consider themselves conservative

I don’t want to step on any toes here, but those numbers give me a bit of pause before declaring from the rooftops about how fit the public schools are to educate my children when I am seeking a truly Christian education. Looking at those statistics should be a good reminder that worldview matters when we discuss faith. Saying, “I’m Christian” doesn’t mean anything to me when you don’t attend church regularly, don’t take the Bible literally, and can’t see the difference between right and wrong.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 5

“In addition to teaching in public school, I’ve taught in private school and my two youngest are in a UMS. The smaller class sizes and nature of their learning is why we made the switch, not because we believed we were unChristian for being public school.”

It sounds like you are insinuating that I think people are “unchristian” for sending their children to public school. I don’t. That is just your impression because you, along with many other Christians, feel attacked and/or offended when I say the best way for Christians to educate their children is to homeschool them. I guess that’s a bold thing to say, but it seems kind of obvious to me.

It’s like with what you serve for dinner. I can pick up McDonald’s and everyone will receive the bare minimum requirements for a meal. They will be full and have enough calories to sustain them. Was it the best choice, though? Obviously not. I could make a similar meal at home for less money, and it would be far more nourishing. Not to mention, there is a sacrificial love element in the cooking. It requires my time and energy to prepare rather than a couple minutes in the drive-through while I scroll on Facebook. Does anyone really disagree that McDonald’s is not as good for my children as a home cooked meal? So, why are you and others so offended when I say an education firmly rooted in God and His Word through the parents’ influence is the better choice?

I’m not saying kids don’t receive an education in public school. I’m just saying it isn’t the best education.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 6

“Jen, in many of her interviews, makes a nod to the thousands of families who cannot homeschool, even if they wanted to. Having taught in public school, I did more praying with and over families in parent/teacher conferences than I have done in my life. There are so many families that don’t have the luxury or choice and they’re doing the best they can.”

Just because some people “can’t homeschool” doesn’t mean we should pander to them by denying the truth about public school. I find the word “luxury” pretty hilarious in this conversation. I don’t know a single family who homeschools that could relate to that word. They scrimp and save. They deny themselves things most people assume everyone has or does. Homeschool families say “no” to a million big and little things in order to say “yes” to the one thing that matters.

Before you say it, yes, some homeschoolers are rich. Not all of them, though. Not nearly! Most of us are making daily sacrifices to give our children what we believe is God’s best for them. Are some families in a situation that eliminates the homeschool option? You betcha. However, let’s help people by telling them how to plan for homeschooling, how to get into a position to homeschool, and why it’s so important. It might be too late for some families to switch over, but let’s help parents who have a chance to make the needed changes.

Wilkin’s Meaningless Nod

As for Jen’s willingness to make a nod to the wish-we-could-homeschool community, it’s meaningless in this conversation. My blog post referred to the debate she had to defend public school, and she was clear that she sees it as the superior option. Wilkin literally said Christians should send their kids to public school if at all possible. She used the debate to turn public education into a virtue signaling opportunity for Christians. Wilkin spoke as if public education participation made one a better Christian while I would argue it makes one’s children more polluted Christians.

Polluted? How could that be possible? What about all that praying you did for your students and their families? Well, as beautiful as I think that is, it is an anecdote from your personal life. It’s not as if all public-school children have teachers who pray for them. Not to mention, your lack of issue with the curriculum leads me to believe that you weren’t praying against the secular and ungodly teachings with which you presented them in class. That’s worrisome.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 7

“My little Christian babies in my class were strong and confident in their faith and they were the ones inviting their classmates to church. It was inspiring. That’s Jesus. Seeing my public school students bring Story of the World and the Action Bible as their reading choices to school- that’s discipling. As the year went on, those books showed up more and more.”

Students inviting other students to church and reading the Bible is wonderful. I can’t complain about that. Simultaneously, I can’t really take that to mean a whole lot about the students and their spiritual well-being. Rose-Colored Glasses, I think you’re telling me this to illustrate how safe the public schools in your area are for Christians. As I’ve said multiple times now, these outward behaviors, though encouraging, are not a guarantee that these young people are saved and/or unaffected by the secular influence of the classroom.

I’ve known children and teens who we might say were “on fire for the Lord,” but they later walked completely away from the faith. They seemed like Christians to everyone who knew them. Those students said and did all the right things, but the culture and public-school influence eventually pulled them away.

I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means

You said, “that’s discipling.” What is? Are you suggesting that inviting someone to church and personally reading the Bible and other Christian books is discipling? To disciple is to teach, guide, and mentor others in their spiritual growth. At most, what you described it evangelizing. I don’t want to split hairs, but when someone wants me to believe her public school district is influenced by Christians but can’t tell the difference between friendship evangelism and discipleship… I’m not convinced.

Before I move on, I want to reiterate that I think kids bringing their Bibles to school and inviting other students to church is great. I just don’t think it replaces the benefits of homeschooling.

The spiritual condition of public school remains unchanged, Rose-Colored Glasses, despite your church-going students. I’m not happy to say that, but it’s an unfortunate truth.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 8

“Jen’s defense of public school should be talked about more rather than judged by those outside of this schooling.”

Do you honestly think that the public-school defense is absent from society? I’m sorry, but that’s bonkers. I rarely encounter someone who doesn’t vehemently defend public schools. Even Christians who homeschool often pull their punches in mixed company because they are afraid to offend.

For the record, I am not in the public school system, but my husband and I are not ignorant of that form of education as I mentioned previously. Even if we had no experience in public schools at all, though, we still have every right to judge the public education system. Public schools are intended for my children, and I should determine whether or not it is appropriate for us. What’s more, we have a responsibility to warn others if there is a risk to students. Shouldn’t we advocate for better? Shouldn’t we warn about trusted teachers who are advocating for things that are bad for kids?

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 9

“We are Christians called to love and live like Jesus. We don’t vehemently defend to a point of being judge and juror. We stand on Truth, we love as Jesus did- we don’t tolerate sin, but we don’t judge and stand high above those living in it. We find ways to come close, with the prayer that those living outside of God may see Him in us and want to know more so that HE alone may change their hearts.”

This is a common problem I run into when people disagree with me. You’re getting emotional. Somewhere along the line, I think you took what I said in my blog post to heart and saw it as a personal attack. Please, don’t let your emotions take over. That won’t help you or me.

I’m not trying to be “judge and juror.” I’m not condemning people. Simply, I’m observing the negative effects public school has on our Christian students and warning others that Jen Wilkin’s take on public school is wrong. I’m giving out my opinion, not a prison sentence.

Love gets brought up whenever one Christian disagrees with another. Suddenly, a woman like me is unloving. Do you know what Christian love is, Rose-Colored Glasses? It isn’t walking alongside someone in a dangerous situation while keeping quiet. Warning parents with kids in public school about the traps and risks within it is loving.

Love ≠ Affirmation

You say other people should see Jesus in us. I couldn’t agree more. I ask you this. What is more like Jesus: warning parents against a place that will seek to deny the Father and poison children’s minds against their families or validating the educational system that draws students away from Him?

It isn’t difficult to see. It’s just uncomfortable. You say we need to stand on the Truth. I am, Sister. That’s why I advocate for an education rooted in Truth rather than one rooted in secular humanism.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 10

“After years in public AND private schools, teaching and raising 4 kids, I advocate for all forms of schooling because I know God is in them all and know sin is in them all. I’ve seen it. I also own a company that advocates for teachers – all kinds from public to homeschool mamas because I know how hard it is to teach, even your own sometimes. But if there’s one thing being immersed in education has taught me- it’s that it is a battlefield.”

Rose-Colored Glasses, you buried the lead! You’re an advocate for all forms of education. Sharing that information is how you ought to start a conversation like this. I’m kidding, of course, but your comment makes a lot more sense after finding this out.

You’re right. Teaching is difficult. You couldn’t pay me enough to teach a classroom of other people’s kids. I’ve substituted a couple of times and taught social-emotional learning classes in public school, and that isn’t for me. That’s all right, though. It seems like plenty of other people enjoy it.

I can’t agree with you more. Sin is in all of it. Sin touches everything in this fallen world. No educational approach is sinless, perfect, or a guaranteed success. Thankfully, God can be a blessing to us in any of these circumstances. However, I disagree with the idea that God is inherently in all forms of education. Secular education removes God by its very nature. That’s the whole point. The Lord can work within the public school system, but it’s an error to say God is in it.

Responding To Your Feedback: Point 11

“And the battle is not against people and it’s damn sure not against another believer. Public school desperately needs our prayers and our influence. And each of us plays a different role in that. Standing on the outside casting judgement and ridicule is definitely a role the enemy would like us to fill, and sadly many many Christians are doing just that.”

The educational battle for Christians is against public education itself. I’m not trying to fight with any believers, but I’m not about to look the other way when someone with Jen Wilkin’s influence talks about homeschool as if it is the lesser choice when pitted against public school.

Christians in public school battle against Satan’s influence (as they do everywhere), the state government, the national government, teacher bias and influence, the secular/anti-Christian curriculum, negative peer influence, and sometimes a subpar education. Sadly, because of Christians like Jen Wilkin (and you), Rose-Colored Glasses, too many Christians don’t know what they’re facing in public education. They send their children to school with optimistic and unrealistic expectations and realize things aren’t what they seemed once they begin to lose children to the world.

Sure, pray for public school, and don’t forget those Christian teachers who are in the trenches trying to make a difference. But the influence the public schools need is not going to come from my children, and it shouldn’t be coming from any of our children. We, as Christian parents, are tasked with raising our children and teaching them about the Lord. Important verses I shared in my post about Jen Wilkin still apply – Psalm 1; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:7-9; 1 Corinthians 15:33; and Luke 6:40.

Satan Isn’t On My Side

Let me end this section with this thought. You apparently are one of those Christians-don’t-judge people because you seem to keep mentioning judgment like it’s a bad word. And here you are pairing judgment with the Enemy. Do you think Satan is behind people like me who speak out against public school? Do you honestly believe my urging Christians to sincerely consider homeschooling is demonically inspired?

If that’s the case, then you’ve got it twisted. Wouldn’t the Enemy be far more satisfied knowing Christians are willingly sending their children to secular schools for an anti-Christian education? Men and women like me are much more likely to be annoyances to Satan rather than co-conspirators.

Final Thought

Rose-Colored Glasses, I can tell you love students and want what is best for children. I’m really glad there are people like you in the world caring for our youth, and I appreciate your feedback. Nonetheless, I would ask you to put some more thought into how you help students. Support and affirmation are important things to have in our lives, but sometimes we need to tell people hard things.

Jen Wilkin may have meant well, but she used her platform to make public school sound like the most Christian way to educate our children. She also downplayed the significant spiritual risks children face in the public education system. Rose-Colored Glasses, you’re doing the same thing. Take a step back and look at the big picture. The eternal picture. How many children from Christian homes must we send to Caesar for you to be satisfied? Respectfully, I think it’s you and Wilkin who are naïve on this subject.

Am I saying we should ostracize Christians who teach in public schools or send their children there? Not at all. I say we should be a help to them.

But I won’t stop banging this drum because I believe our children’s spiritual well-being is on the line.

Ladies, it’s time to put in your two cents. Where do you fall in this debate? Homeschool, public school, or both?

Image courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash.