Homeschooling is extremely flexible. There are many ways to teach our children, which is wonderful! I love that some of us are classical educators, some are unschoolers, some purchase big box curriculum, and some are more ecclectic. And I don’t think that following any of these methods makes one homeschool superior to the others.
The one place in which I will never compromise, however, is that I will always homeschool my boys with a Christian perspective.
Most of the time when people leave comments on my website or contact me, they are extremely kind and gracious. Thank-you, by the way! In the past few years, however, I’ve noticed a trend where when I post an overtly Christian theme, I will usually receive a negative comment or two. These comments go something like this:
- You didn’t take into account the LGBT community with your post.
- Your newsletter is irrelevant. I prefer reading posts from many other secular bloggers.
- You are a misogynist.
- Why do you throw Christian themes into your posts when they aren’t needed?
I just want to make this clear. I am a Christian! If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time then you should know that. If you are a new reader, then you might not realize it. But I am a Christian and I write from a Christian perspective. All are welcome here. But I won’t hide my Christianity or try to go into stealth mode with it in order to gain more readers.
Similarly, I will always teach my boys from a Christian perspective. In my mind, this is one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling. My boys aren’t subjected to a myriad of evolutionary concepts throughout their school day. They aren’t told that God is irrelevant or that He shouldn’t be talked about while learning. They don’t think that religion is something for Sundays and not for the rest of the week.
I’ve taught my boys Bible lessons right along with all of our other subjects and they know how important it is to learn the Word of God and to hear what God has to say to us. Christian homeschooling is a priority for our family.
We’ve used many different resources in order to learn Bible concepts throughout the years including the following:
- Teach Me About God: Hands-On Bible Lessons for Active Preschoolers
- Bible Truths materials from Bob Jones University
- Awana Club materials
- What We Believe series from Apologia Press
- How to Study the Bible for Yourself and other books from the Inductive Bible Studies for Kids series by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt
- Lightbearers Middle School Curriculum by Summit Ministries
- Missionary biographies such as the Heroes of the Faith series by Janet and Geoff Benge
- Missionary biographies such as the Trailblazer series
- Various resources and studies from Rightnow.org
- Books by Lamplighter Publishing
- Materials by Answers in Genesis
I’ve also tried to instill in my boys a regular habit of spending quality time talking with God each day, of attending church regularly, and of reading God’s word. In my mind, the time they spend doing these things is just as valuable as the time they spend reading about history or science. It’s just as important as mastering tough math concepts. The time we spend learning about God and what He wants us to do with our lives is priceless!
Matthew 16:26a says, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” If our goal is to give our kids an exemplary education so that they will gain great success intellectually or financially in this world, then we are missing the mark.
Not only do we spend time learning about God, I also make it a point to weave God into our other studies as well. I can’t imagine trying to learn about history without looking at the events of the past with a Christian worldview. All of history is His Story, after all. And it’s fascinating to try to look back and see how God has been working throughout the course of time.
The same is true with science and all of our other school subjects as well. I feel that it is important to teach all of these subjects from a Christian perspective. I appreciate how Apologia Science textbooks teach not only what Creationists believe – but they also teach what Evolutionists believe and the struggles with proving both points of view. Learning these concepts will help our children to be able to have intelligent conversations with people of all faiths. And make no mistake about it – people who believe in evolution have to have just as much faith, if not more so, than Christians.
No matter how irrelevant or unnecessary some may view it, I will always teach my sons about God and will strive to help them understand how to best obey Him… and to love Him.
Do you also think it’s important to teach your children from a Christian perspective? Have you found any other resources which have helped your kids to learn more about God and His Word? Please leave a comment below.
I agree. If the ultimate goal is to get to heaven, then why would you not have God in every aspect of your homeschooling! Another great resource for Bible study is Bible Study Guide for All Ages. My boys really enjoy these lessons and I am learning a lot also!
Thanks, Chris! I haven’t heard of Bible Study Guide for All Ages before. I’ll definitely check that one out!
Amen! Amen! And Amen!! We use Abeka Christian curriculum for this very reason. This is also the main reason that I routinely read and enjoy your blog! I know your articles are safe and consistent with what our family believes and how we are raising and teaching our boys. And I have no problem referring you to other homeschoolers that are just starting out or need encouragement Keep up the awesome work and godly example!
That’s so good to know, Dana. And thank-you for referring me to others! I really appreciate that. 🙂
Thank you for standing up for truth and not letting others compromise your convictions. We have enjoyed Rod and Staff curriculum for pre-k and K. I love that it re-enforces the morals and character training that we try and teach daily. My son was fond fond of the Bible story book with coloring book to go with. He was so sad when we finished it because he loved it so much. The book is on the shelf and can be read for years to come.
Thank-you for your kind words… and for the recommendation!
I have never understood why people feel the need to comment (and usually negatively at that!) when something doesn’t apply/resonante/pertain to them. No one is going to have to same perspective as another! When you post an overtly Christian blog I may choose not to read it because its not pertinent to me (I’m not Christian) but I never feel the need to comment negatively or find fault. There’s still often valuable things to be learned too! I’m not interested in the Mechanic magazine at the bookstore either, but I don’t fault to bookstore for carrying it for those who are interested! I move on. Idk why people don’t do that any more! You keep doing you Michelle!
Thank-you, Mickey! I completely agree with you. I don’t go around leaving negative comments on blogs where I don’t agree with people, either. I’m not sure what value that would add??? Thank-you for your kind comment. I really appreciate it. And I hope people are always able to find value on my site no matter what their beliefs are. Take care and have a wonderful day! 🙂
Thank you Mickey for sharing. I so agree with your views on this even though I do teach my children from a Christian perspective and am thrilled to see my older girls and their husbands teaching my grandchildren from a Christian perspective. Our house is filled (almost overflowing) with good books from a Christian perspective and others from a factual base.
Thank you for standing firm on your faith surrounding OUR God! He IS the reason Christians should homeschool. Your blogs have always been tasteful God centered blogs. You’ve never singled any one group out. I’m standing with you, We Will Not Remove Our God from another thing!!!! Oh praise Him that the story has already been written. We know the end of the story! Glory be to God on the highest. We use Apologia.
No, I would never try to single anyone out. My goal is to encourage parents who are homeschooling their children in the best way that they are able… not to run anyone down. Thank-you for your support!
That’s silly. Relevant is all about perspective and since it is your blog….
The point of blogs is to read and garner what is relevant to you and leave the rest. If someone post something about learning letters and numbers, I’m not going to dismiss because my boys are older. If you are part of the LBGT community, you may need to make material relevant to you. My son’s are diagnosed with Autism, so I need to apply things a bit differently in our case. We are also Christian, so many of the things on this blog apply to us. My sons love of board games flourished after I used the posts on here to buy some games we had never heard of! Also, I was able to feel better about using abridged books with them because of a book post here. These aren’t specifically Christian things. I would think (or at least hope)that these comments are from new homeschoolers making their way around the blog world and trying to apply politically correct thinking to everyone else’s work. Just my LONG two cents Lol Thanks Michelle for all your post. God Bless!
Yes, I completely agree. Take the nuggets that are valuable to you and let go of the rest. I’m so glad to hear that you’ve gleaned some helpful things from my blog posts. I hope you’ll get even more good stuff as time goes by. Thank-you so much!
All are welcome here as Michelle said. As a Christian, my hope is for everyone to experience the love that Michelle has offered in her sound advice over the years. However, we as Christians are forced into other people’s views on a daily basis. I go to this website because it has a Christian view and has never hidden that. Anyone can homeschool and teach their children from their viewpoint. This includes the Christian families. Some of us have chosen to not take part in the public school system so that we can avoid the endless agendas of a few squeaky wheels. We have as many rights as any other group of people and we will not shy away from those rights. Anyone who posts negative comments should consider if they enjoy their opinions being challenged about how they raise their families. Thank you, Michelle, for not watering down your message to please everyone. God bless you and may we all feel the love that God so freely gives to all who accept it.
Thank-you so much! Yes, it isn’t always easy to stand our ground. And I have to admit that reading negative comments and emails can cause me to swallow hard. I appreciate your kind words and your support! 🙂
At a time when, for the first time in history really, people are more and more denying the existence of Christ it is so refreshing to know there are other moms out there committed to rearing their children with strong values and a true Christian spirit. We need our boys, and girls, to be especially strong in this crazy world. It is BEACAUSE you are Christian that I enjoy reading your blog. I know it is not easy, but thank you so much for your time and effort.
Thanks so much! It is nice to know that we aren’t alone, isn’t it?!? It makes me think of when God and Elijah were talking in 1 Kings 19 and Elijah was lamenting that he was the only faithful one left… but God told him that he had reserved 7,000 in Israel who hadn’t bowed the knee to Baal. We aren’t alone. We just need to be willing to speak out and support each other. Thank-you for your support and your kind words. They are much appreciated!
All are welcome to read….but not all views will be catered to. This is a very relevant Christian website. Christian themes are needed in these posts and are the very reason I read them!! If you prefer other more secular posts….that’s o.k. Read them as much as you want. I will choose to read these posts and I promise not to post negative comments onto the secular posts that you like. Michelle never shows hatred or dislike for any gender. None of her posts show discrimination against any gender. I have never experienced a post that shows belittling of women, nor has any post ever promoted violence against women. I would never continuously read a post that I felt even a hint of sexual objectification of women….or men for that matter. Being a mom of all boys, I certainly would not want to raise my sons to be any of those things or portray any of those behaviors. The Bible clearly speaks against it and as far as I can see this blog has always given sound biblical advice. Keep it up, Michelle. Thank you for remaining true to your high standards and loving all people despite their opposing viewpoints. Again, all should be welcome to read anything they like, but not all views have to be represented in the material you choose to read!!! That is why it is a choice. “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
Wow, Julie, thank-you so much for such a caring and supportive comment. I can’t tell you how much your words mean to me. I will be reading this over and over again for encouragement in the weeks and months to come!
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. II Corin. 13:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thess. 5:11
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Hebrews 3:12-14
Thank you for your Christian viewpoint. God is the reason we live and the main reason we homeschool. He is the one I want my children to know and follow. May God bless you and guide you always. We have also enjoyed the names of God study from Children Desiring God and Progeny Press studies of the books we are studying. Bible studies together as a family are truly life changing for the better.
Yes, you’re so right! And thank-you for the suggestions. I’ll definitely check those out as well.
Thank you for sharing! It’s dire in these days that we share our beliefs in everything we do so that we do the work God called us to do. His word will not return void! ( Isaiah 55:11)
Thank-you for that reminder, Candace. I really appreciate that!
I agree! The main reason my husband and I homeschool our kids is to disciple them in the Christian faith. Thank you for writing this. I love your blog!
Oh, that’s so sweet of you, Janelle. I really appreciate it! And that is the main reason my husband and I homeschool our boys as well. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
I love your blog Michelle and I appreciate everything you choose to write about. My Husband and I chose to pull our children out of school and homeschool them for the remainder of their education, it is our journey. We are Christians also and we know without a doubt God called us to do this to raise up our boys to be strong Christian men, strong in their faith. We believe we could not do this as effectively if they stayed in school where almost everything is against our beliefs. Although we have had great support from family and friends, I don’t expect everyone to agree or understand, but neither do I worry what they think because this is our journey, our family, and we will live according to what we believe. It is the same with you and your family and your homeschooling journey and blog, it is yours and you are free to create a beautiful Christian blog to support and encourage other Mums. Keep doing what you are doing Michelle, God will honour and bless you for it.
Fiona
NZ
Michelle, thank you for sharing your homeschooling journey and your testimony with us.
Matthew 5:11-12
I love to leave comments when I disagree with what someone has said and likewise love it when others disagree with me. The beauty of open dialogue and an open mind is the ability to learn from and teach others.
Leaving negative remarks or remarks intended to force someone to change or curtail their beliefs that aren’t hurting anyone is another matter entirely. The Social Justice Warriors are hiding behind every corner just waiting for a chance to twist your arm about religion and strong arm you about radical feminism.
I’m new to this blog and have enjoyed what I’ve read so far and it’s great to read that you’re not letting SJWs drain the life out of you or your blog. Keep on keeping on!
Well said! Keep up the good work that God has called you to do.
Thanks for these convicting thoughts here. Keep striving for discipling your boys with a biblical worldview. It is imperative for such a time as this. I wrote about my boys recently too and am glad I was able to read your viewpoint here as well. God bless you and yours! Will share your post!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fighting-for-our-sons-in-a-culture-that-seeks-to-destroy_us_57ca5f1de4b0b9c5b738a30e?
Thanks, Erendira! I really appreciate that. I read your post as well and it was wonderful. I completely agree and have just shared it on my social media as well. FYI – You might also appreciate this post that I wrote called Do Hard Things – 11 Ways to Help Our Boys Become Responsible Men
Yes to all of this! A large part of why we homeschool is so we can teach from a Christian perspective. Thank you for standing firm and thank you for sharing your heart here- it is encouraging❤
You’re welcome. And thank-you, Rebecca, for your support!
Thank you for staying true to what God has called you to do and keeping God as central in your family. So many people expect for Christians to have to bend to fit what they want and that is the opposite of what God calls us to do. I feel encouraged reading your story
Thank-you, Shelley! I’m so glad I was able to encourage you!!!
Love this! I really appreciate you expressing this – it is SO important! ( I would only say – Christianity isn’t “just as” important as math – it’s MORE important. I think you meant that, tho : )