SRT: Book #2 - When You Rise Up

As part of Katrina's Spring Reading Thing, I committed to read four books. This was not one of them, however. LOL (I mentioned in my first SRT post that I reserve the right to change my list at will! *wink*) But, since Kari so graciously gave it to me on loan from her online Lending Library a while ago, I felt that I needed to get it done.

But, where to begin? LOL Kari was right that this book, When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr., was different than any other book I'd read on homeschooling. We are currently in the process of deciding whether to begin this process with Flicka in 2 short years. This book leaves no equivocation. There's no missing how the author feels: "...because there can't be a rational, coherent argument against homeschooling." And, again when he says "...the most grievous error we can make is to send them off to school where Jesus is not plainly, fully, and publicly honored. In that great name may we all hasten the day when no parent at the same time claims to serve the King and yet allows his child to be trained by those who will not name that King."

This book brought out a real love/hate reaction in me that will be difficult to explain. He gave a clear (although repetitive) explanation of how Deuteronomy 6 calls parents to raise up their child in the fear and admonition of the Lord and how he feels that means it is a mandate from God that all parents (since believers are equipped for every good work and what could be more "good"than caring and teaching the babies God gave ya') are to homeschool. He asks the question - which is more important? Godly kids or smart kids? My question: why can't I have both?

He gave a solid explanation of the difference between "state schools", "school at home", and true homeschooling. His argument is if you are just doing a state school curriculum and running around taking your kids to all the state-school-activities-geared-now-for-homeschoolers then you are not really homeschooling - you are doing school-at-home.

He argues that a true homeschool following Deuteronomy 6 should have a curriculum that singularly begins and ends with the Bible and what he calls "The Three G's": Who is God? What has God done? What does God require?

Now, he also mentions that his children (all 6 of them, including one who is special needs) are learning Latin, philosophy, and many things considered a "classical" education. But, he also discusses with his children (in hopefully an age-appropriate way) that it is very possible that a time may come very shortly that they could be martyred for their faith.

What unsettled me the most was his discussion about different curriculum for boys and girls. Now, being a state certified teacher, I have seen much of the recent research about gender differences in learning, single sex classroom pros and cons, etc. And, I am all for God's plan of submission to Him, my husband, and child-to-parents. But, I have some concern with Sproul's plan to withhold parts of the curriculum from his daughters because their role "in the war" is to keep the home fires safe, peaceful, and burning.

"We raise our daughter to be warriors for the kingdom by raising them to be keepers at home...I'm not suggesting that the goal is to have ignorant daughters. I am, however, arguing that we are to train them to be keepers at homes...(in the family) we have one general, one king, and that is the husband. But our daughters are a part of that work, with the central focus on keeping the (home). They should be taught how to be careful stewards of God's provisions in their homes. To bring it down to earth a bit more, they need to learn how to bake bread. They need to know how to sew dresses..."

Now, my pre-saved single working woman attitude was absolutely screaming at this point. But, I'm trying to balance it from a Biblical viewpoint as well. Then, I thought I got to choose to stay home so why shouldn't Flicka? Can one be in Biblical submission and still be learned and working out of the home? Can a young girl be taught Biblical womanhood and its virtues of modesty, a quiet spirit, etc. and still daily be "in the world"? Perhaps you can see my dilemma. LOL

Anyway, the best thing I took away from this book was a chapter of absolutely excellent responses to those who are questioning our interest in homeschooling Flicka and Pojke.

He feels "the number one objection to homeschooling is the one that is never spoken out loud. I believe the reason people begin rejecting homeschool is that they are convinced it is too big a responsibility." He then speaks about the whole "you're not qualified to teach" argument.

He then discusses the "efficiency" argument - isn't it more efficient to teach all same-age kids the same way in the same classroom? He also spends a few paragraphs on the "it's too expensive" argument as well.

He then spends several pages on the "it's the well-being of the child" argument. "I can't teach (pick your subject) and in today's fast-paced economy everybody needs to know (that subject)." He also rails against parents who pick state schools because of their athletic opportunities or extracurricular activities. "If I homeschool, my baby will never get to work on the yearbook, go to prom, be the homecoming queen, etc." Then, "one of the most compelling arguments I've ever heard FOR homeschooling is the one given against it: 'my child will rebel if I homeschool him'." And, the classic objection: the socialization question.

Finally, he discusses the objection that often comes from within the church -that our children are to be light and salt so send them out to state schools. Sproul says (basically) if you are so concerned about reaching the lost, then send your child into a crack house or a brothel. Those people are just as lost. And, at least "those people don't have the authority to make our children sit and listen to their worldview being taught seven hours a day."

This book brought up A LOT of conversation between Da Hubby and I. We've also discussed it with another couple we go to church with. We are slowly digesting it, figuring out what it meant to us and our decision. But, if you are considering homeschooling as well, I'd say read this, let it shake you up and challenge you so you know *exactly* why you will be homeschooling!