09-3-2007

Fulfilling the Purpose of Education, Reason 4 of Why I Homeschool

By Renae

Van Gogh, Still Life with Bible, 1885

In Reason 3 I discussed the purpose of education. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary education does the following:

  • Enlightens the understanding
  • Corrects the temper
  • Forms the manners and habits of youth
  • Fits [students] for usefulness in their future stations

If this is the purpose of education, how is it accomplished? I think that Noah Webster had something in mind. Compare the use of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

  • Profitable for teaching
  • For reproof, for correction
  • For training in righteousness
  • So the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work

Both of these lists address mind, will, character, and destiny. The decisions made today affect tomorrow. Our children are being formed right now. What are they thinking? What is shaping their character?

The most important things take place internally. Character cannot be forced upon anyone. Consequences motivate, but unless a child learns to reason he will not be prepared for a destiny full of freedom to accomplish all the useful, good works he can. He will be dependent upon someone telling him what to do or fearful of making the wrong decisions instead of pursuing his dreams. Instructing children using biblical principles of conscience, liberty, and love will lay a foundation of faith so they will know what is appropriate, no matter the hardships, no matter the accolades.

Teaching the value of individuals created in the image of God inspires love. Reading stories of biblical heroes reveals how imperfect people can be used in mighty ways. History is filled with providence as liberty takes root and spreads. The heart beats faster observing shining stars in endless space. Studying the flow of sap in a flower amazes. By applying the Word of God to life the motivation for learning becomes loving the creator and knowing his creation. Education then becomes inwardly inspired instead of externally compelled.

To give children a good education in manners, arts, and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties. Webster’s 1828 definition of education

Complete series:

1. Safe and Smart
2. Who is Responsible for Education
3. No Degree Required
4. Fulfilling the Purpose of Education
5. Freedom’s Future

Related posts:

  1. No Degree Required, Reason 3 Why I Homeschool
  2. Who is Responsible for Education? Reason 2 of Why I Homeschool
  3. Safe and Smart, Reason 1 of Why I Homeschool

Filed under Homeschool, Philosophy | Trackback | Comments RSS | Add Comment

Previous: Carnival of Homeschooling #87 & #88
Next: Desperation

14 Comments

  1. Slevi 09-3-2007, 12:26 pm

    Mmm, America I suppose? It’s just so surreal to read as reasons to home school the dangers which are involved on school with the use of bulletproof or anything related to that within the same sentence. It’s so hard to even realize how school would be there, all over the net whenever it’s a US student or parent talking about high school it involves guns, knives, students being killed, whatever more.

    I guess I can quite understand that as a pretty valid reason to want to home school your children although the ages at which homeschooling is feasible are ages during which those dangers probably aren’t present anyways. After an age of 9 home schooling in my opinion will only slow most kids which are fully home schooled down, private schools would probably be a better option although they’re extremely pricey in the US from what I’ve heard.

    As for the last reason involving religion I personally don’t see the point, it probably is since I’m not religious but when looking at an academic level of education here the amount of people which are religious are minimal. Compared to science, linguistic skills and general knowledge religion falls into nothing and has a little place in most academics. Of course just like everything in the US appears to be about the complete opposite of here that might be the case as well, but I have my doubts.

  2. tribeofautodidacts 09-3-2007, 3:23 pm

    “Teaching the value of individuals created in the image of God inspires love.”

    What a beautiful line! I have been enjoying your reflections on learning and faith.

  3. Renae 09-4-2007, 10:57 am

    Slevi,
    I know that not everyone agrees with me so your comment is appreciated.

    Yes, I am in America. I noted that you are from the Netherlands. The ability to read thoughts from individuals in other countries with just a click of a mouse still amazes me.

    I am not exactly sure what you mean by children over age nine being slowed down by home school. I assume that you mean they will not learn as much as other students or do poorly on standardized tests. The opposite is true. Home schoolers consistently score well on such tests. Here is an article I found from The Journal of College Admissions: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3955/is_200404/ai_n9383889

    As to your question of religion being unimportant I propose that it is because of the scholarship and dedication of faith-filled people our world has many freedoms and advancements. One example is William Wilberforce who spent his life attempting to abolish slavery in Britain. His motivation was the value of each individual. He believed that everyone was created in the image of God. History is filled with men and women who accomplished great things because they studied the Bible and applied its principles.

  4. Renae 09-4-2007, 11:07 am

    Tribeofautodidacts,
    Thank you for your kind comment. It has been good for me to write down my thoughts and I’m glad they are encouraging.

  5. Slevi 09-4-2007, 4:11 pm

    After hearing similar stories with as location just a single country it becomes easier than reading thoughts with the click of a button :).

    As for the results I didn’t know that, guess that was a thing which we didn’t get taught at regular school. Most of the stuff related to home schooling which actually reaches publicity in some way tends to be more negative than positive, so I guess a certain image just has been formed by that. I guess the fact that homeschooling here happens mainly in “the edge of society” somewhat plays a role in that, for the others which live here legally there’s a requirement by law to attend school and homeschooling isn’t even possible.

    As for the religious aspect I know that there’s many great figures which followed the bible, but there’s also many which didn’t and the conflict of that is still noticeable today, in example the theory of evolution. Where as to the theory of evolution is something you’ll find back in various studies in the medical field, veterinarian, biology, etcetera the view of creationism is rare in most academic studies.

    For many religious schools here that poses a great conflict, but since the teaching in evolutionary theory is mandatory by law they have no other choice. When homeschooling though doesn’t such a subject which is so controversial to the other and possibly against your believes pose an issue or do you have no problems with that?

    The items from the bible or pretty much any religious book for that matter on the value of each individual, respect and general morals are items though which definitely are good to make someone familiar with :).

  6. Renae 09-5-2007, 12:15 pm

    Slevi,
    Thank you for the conversation. I appreciate your openness as we discuss these ideas.

    Yes, there are many negative stereotypes of home education. In your country they are probably even more prevalent. Hopefully I can help change a few of those images and not add to them. :)

    Many foundations of academic study have roots in Christianity. Whether scientists are religious or not the ideas that lead their quest are often derived from biblical principles. I did a quick search and found this link that might be of interest: http://creationsafaris.com/wgcs_toc.htm
    (This is actually an online book and I haven’t read it all, but the table of contents gives an overview of many scientists throughout history with the ideas that motivated them.)

    I will teach both theories of evolution and creationism to my children. Neither can be scientifically proven to be the origin of life. My children can choose what they believe to be more probable.

    As for all religious books teaching the value of the individual I’m not so sure about that.

  7. Mandi 09-5-2007, 2:30 pm

    Amen Renae! I love how Mr. Webster’s definition evidences his use of this scripture in defining education - again it is about a heart education and God is the great heart educator! ( :

    Blessings,
    Mandi

  8. Renae 09-6-2007, 9:59 pm

    Mandi,
    Thank you for your faithfulness to leave remarks about my efforts to express what God has put in my heart. It is nice to know that at least one other person besides my husband and possibly my son read this blog. :)

  9. Shawna 09-6-2007, 10:45 pm

    I have enjoyed all of your reasons thus far, especially enjoyed Reason #2! Something in the writing and something in what was said–simply put, it was moving :-)

  10. Andrea 09-7-2007, 6:30 am

    Hey, I read too. :)

  11. Renae 09-7-2007, 1:52 pm

    Shawna,
    Thank you. These posts have been the hardest for me to write but it has been good to stretch my brain around these concepts.

    Andrea,
    How do you do it all? All I can say is that I appreciate you and this wonderful homeschooljournal you have created. Thanks for reading and commenting and managing and supporting and downloading and tweaking and improving…

  12. Andrea 09-7-2007, 3:36 pm

    Heh, you should see my house… it’s kinda messy and lived in. :D
    You are very welcome - I get warm fuzzies from the place too.

  13. Diary of 1 » Christian Carnival 189: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Edition 09-12-2007, 6:37 am

    […] presents Fulfilling the Purpose of Education, Reason 4 of Why I Home School posted at Life Nurturing Education. Renae is certainly in good company with Paula Bonhoeffer! This […]

  14. Laura 09-19-2007, 7:07 pm

    I’ve just come across your blog and will be back to read some more soon. I am enjoying your insight. I too have been writing a “Why we homeschool” series on our site. I’m glad to find some more like-minded folks.

Add a Comment