WHY
by Patch Blakey

There is a relatively small, but slowly growing number of families, both Christian and non-Christian, who are opting to remove their children from what we commonly refer to as the public school system. These families are resorting to homeschooling, private schooling, and tutorial services, either over the internet or in person, to help educate their children. Yet there are still a large number of Christian families who eagerly and ardently support the public school system. Why? Why is it that even a growing contingent of non-believers see a need to remove their children from the public school system, yet there remain so many Christian parents in our country who are adamant about having their children educated in this system?

Admittedly, this question is a cause of no little resentment, anger, and strained feelings among some of those Christians who willingly support the public school system and those that don't. As much agitation as the question may cause, it still needs to be raised and discussed. Among the followers of Christ, it should be discussed in a gracious but direct manner that gives glory to God, and reflects the conduct that the Apostle Paul commanded the church in Colosse when he wrote, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies" (Col. 3:12), and to the church in Ephesus when he stated that they must endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

RETURN TO ARTICLES INDEX