I'm a product of the public education system, my lovely bride is a product of private, Christian education. When the issue of educating our kids came up we 'compromised'.
I'm not a big fan of isolation; I don't find it in scriptural instruction. We hear constantly that we are to 'be in the world, but not of it', or the ever miss interpretation of 'be holy because I am holy'...in other words, 'get out of close proximity and leave these, those sinners to themselves'.
Holiness is revealed in close proximity to people, sinners just like me and you. The holiness factor is to love as God would love, that's His kingdom come principal.
As you spend time 'self-feeding', challenge your thoughts, your adopted beliefs. As Paul would say, "put your thoughts on trial" (renew your mind and theology) and consider the rote 'traditional separative theology' you've been lead to believe. Does this type of instruction really sound like Jesus?
Our instructions are to take our grace delivered relationship with Jesus', and his love that rests within us, and apply it by relationships to others...yes, even those who are 'in the world'.
I consider our determined thoughts of "isolation" as self centered - a selfish type of self righteous love. If you think about it, to isolate is another method of the self-centered, self consumed love...of me. Sure does look like the world's method of love; "I will love you, only if you agree with me, or love me back the same".
Recently the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) reiterated their desire to spend more money and build more private schools. The countries largest denomination also suggested that all members should withdrawal their children, students, from the public education system. I totally disagree with this exit strategy mandate.
Why are we trying so hard to withdraw from today's culture and marketplace? Isolation and separation is not a kingdom principal.
Now listen to me, I not against private Christian education, it is a parental choice issue. We as parents we should know our kids and make decisions accordingly, but to have a large denomination state that "it's time to leave the public educational system because it is anti-Christian", is juxtaposed to our mission. What a terrible message to send to the world, let alone your own discipled 'gang of followers' of Jesus.
Tammy (my lovely wife) and I decided to send our two daughters to private schooling for their first six years of their educational process. I was the one who had to be convinced at first. In the end we both realized there is no perfect educational situation outside of the home.
We then committed to our strategic decision, that if the girls were 'ready' at grade seven they would be ejected into the marketplace. We, and they, could be happier for that decision.
My brother and sister-in-law have three great kids. They are a relevant Christian family, and they too decided to refuse the propaganda, fear mongering and isolation elitism that develops.
They 'compromised' and sent their kids through public education. One is attending college, studying to be a special education teacher, their oldest son is entering college this year to prepare for full time ministry. Both educated inside of today's evil public education system.
There is no solid rule; each child, situation and school, private or not, are 'not' the same. When people bring this 'our children should be removed from public and placed in private education' debate up in conversation, I always carry with me the 'ace card'.
Tammy went to private (Christian) school with a young man named Bryan Warner. You're saying, "So who is Bryan Warner?"
Well, you might know him by his stage name Marilyn Manson. That's right, due to no fault of Tammy's wonderful Christian High School, Bryan became Marilyn, and the rest is progressive rock history as they say.
