On Sunday morning I begin a class at church on Christian Parenting. The Bible gives us many examples of parenting, both good and bad, and guidelines for raising our children in the faith. Some questions I want you to respond to is…What sets apart Christian parenting from good moral parenting? Is the only difference the teaching of Christian faith? In terms of educating our kids, is the only safe option to either home school or private school? Do we shelter our kids too much from the “real world” when we do not send them to public school? Finally, what things in our culture create the biggest hurdle for our children to overcome as we raise them in the Lord?
Roger, over and out!
4 comments:
Roger-you updated your blog!
While I have very limited experience in parenting thus far (except telling Jack to stop kicking my insides), it seems to me a large hurdle to overcome is the erosion of the family unit. Much of that probably has to do with changes in attitude towards marriage from a lifelong commitment before God to a relationship that is maintained as long as it's convenient for both parties involved.
Roger, when it comes to school, I don't think there's anything wrong with sending your kids to private school or homeschooling them. I spent twelve years in public schools, and some of the stuff I saw was horrid. If you ask me, the things that happened in kindergarten, second grade, third grade, seventh grade, and ninth grade should never have happened, and they wouldn't have if I hadn't gone to public school.
I know what everyone is going to say: "But, Rebel, you met the girl of your dreams at public school. How can you diss it like that?" I can say that because not only did the girl of my dreams break my heart in early October, but, as some people say, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. Who's to say I wouldn't have found someone even better if I had gone to a private school? All I know is, I'm glad to be out of public school, and I dare say I'm not the only one.
I don't know what has gotten into me but yes you are correct, I've updated my blog.
Kate I agree with you, the erosion (BTW nice enviornmental term) of the family unit is a major hurdle for many to overcome. While there are situations that cannot be helped the idea of a society that embraces "easy divorce" is a shame. I am afraid that we will feel the effects of this for generations to come.
I like the quote I found some years ago that says:
"I wish for my boys to see divorce as something that sprung up out of the hippie movement and then died away."
ROS
I agree that there is nothing wrong with private school or home school. There are many things that go on in public school that are as you say "horrid." You also may be right in saying something may not ever had happened if you had not gone to public school...but then again you maybe would have experienced something equally as bad, who knows?
The great thing is inspite of all you had to go through God has been faithful and made you stronger and wants to use the experience you gained to serve others.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Roger, over and out!
I do believe that good moral parenting is encompassed in Christian parenting (or it should be). Let's face it; there are good moral people that simply believe that Christ was just a good moral man. So the Christian faith might not be the only difference, but it has to be the overwhelming difference. Home schooling and private schools may not be the only safe place, but they are safer. That's just a fact based on what I know happens in the schools my children attended/attend. There's also some truth in the sheltering our kids too much if we don't. But sheltering too much at home or not sheltering them enough by sending them to public schools all have their good and bad influences. The fact is that most of God's children, even most of us Christians, cannot afford the time or the money or to private or home school. You are right Roger, horrid things can happen anywhere. But focusing on those things, we can overlook the good that can come from our children’s and our relationship through our children to public schools. My mom used to comment “son, your school days are your best days”. Perhaps God is offering us opportunities in that arena that we can take advantage of, if only to be an example to those we encounter. God also sends us through all kinds of trials to test us. Whether our children are at home with us, in private school, or in public school, there will be trials for them as children of God. We must have faith as small as a mustard seed and believe with confidence that God will accomplish his will through us and our children. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
The thing that seems to influence children these days is the materialism brought on by everything (TV, Radio, school mates, friends, and yes, parents too). The culture to get more and be on top makes it difficult for us to take our eyes off the world and “do the right thing”, no wonder it is hard for our children. After all, they still get most of their values from us. We must continue to progress towards the goal, Jesus. Trying to be a positive example, not pretending to be perfect, but showing spiritual progress. And doing the best to protect them and teach them the Lord’s ways, whether public, private or home schooled.
Post a Comment