Homeschooling is Not In the Bible
“The Bible doesn’t say to homeschool.” This is the response of many a parent when the subject of education arises. And it’s true. It’s not there. It’s not even a translation issue; the word homeschool just doesn’t appear anywhere in Scripture.
But let’s be honest: this argument is a shallow, knee-jerk reaction to the ever-increasing admonitions that the children of Christian parents should be educated at home. I understand. We don’t like to be told that we should do anything, do we? It’s irritating and judgey.
So, if “thou shalt homeschool” was left out of the Ten Commandments, why are some Christians so adamant?
There are several reasons for this. Parents who are paying attention know that the government school system is not neutral. They are learning, day by day, that when children spend up to eight hours daily under the teachings of a secular humanist system for 13 years, they are slowly (and firmly) indoctrinated to think opposite God’s word.
In public education, children are increasingly sexualized at a young age. Parents are kept in the dark about the choices their kids make. History is updated to match culturally acceptable norms. Even without official sanction, Critical Race Theory is already saturating the curriculum. Socialization by peers is increasingly dangerous and destructive. The problems are varied and widespread.
“The ideological revolution has been even more damaging than the political change. Those who set educational policy are now overwhelmingly committed to a radically naturalistic and evolutionistic worldview that sees the schools as engines of social revolution. The classrooms are being transformed rapidly into laboratories for ideological experimentation and indoctrination. The great engines for Americanization are now forces for the radicalization of everything from human sexuality to postmodern understandings of truth and the meaning of texts. Compulsory sex education, the creation of “comprehensive health clinics,” revisionist understandings of American history, Darwinian understandings of science and humanity, and a host of other ideological developments now shape the norm in the public school experience. If these developments have not come to your local school, they almost surely will soon.” (R. Albert Mohler, Jr.)[1]
This is why Christians increasingly say things like, “Get your kids out now,” and “The public school system is no place for your children.”
Homeschooling isn’t necessarily about preferences and locations. It’s not just about “the best education.” It’s not about prayer in school or having a Bible class each day. It’s not just about teaching American history or phonics. It’s all of that and so much more. It’s about a completely alternative upbringing for Christian children in a post-Christian world.
And on this subject, God is not silent.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)
The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Corinthians 3:19)
He who walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your hearts. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind to do those things which are not fitting, being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgement of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
God has given us the ability to think critically. He has also given us the Scriptures, which are full of wisdom. Wouldn’t it be great if the Bible was written as a categorical list of issues, with sermons addressing each possible decision that a human would have to make? How handy that would be for parents!
There are many modern words that we don’t find in Scripture, but that doesn’t make them invalid. We know that abortion is murder, whether that exact term is found in the Bible. We use the internet, despite its absence in Scripture. A Republic is a superior form of government, even though Moses and Jesus didn’t mention it. We also don’t find pants, cars, smartphones, or government schools in the Bible, but here we are.
This is why knowing the Word of God is imperative. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” That last part is important: God’s Word is full of instruction in righteousness. These instructions are for everyone. Adults are to live by these instructions, and parents are to teach them to their children.
If the public school curriculum and the public school atmosphere include unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness, haters of God, violence, pride, inventors of evil things, and disobedience to parents, isn’t it clear that our children do not belong there?
The public school system is not what it once was. Gone are the days of quaint Americana. We are witnessing the complete indoctrination of our precious children with the very list of sins Paul warned adults about two thousand years ago. How can we answer to God for allowing our children to be daily exposed to such evil?
Homeschooling is not in the Bible, but instruction in holiness is addressed throughout. If we are to live holy lives, how much more should we train our children to do so?
Heed the desperate warnings. You really should get your kids out of public education. Don’t wait until the damage has been done to your child’s hearts. Don’t make excuses. Look for answers. Trust God’s way. It is the best way to raise your children.
If you’re interested in a deeper look at what God’s word has to say about education, check out Israel Wayne’s excellent book, Education: Does God Have an Opinion? available at FamilyRenewal.org.
References:
[1] https://answersingenesis.org/public-school/is-public-school-an-option