Homeschooling Families Threatened by Court Ruling

drmerillat »

Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:25 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

Regarding the alleged abuse of the child in this story, some thngs must be noted. First, the abuse, if any, may have been nothing more than the child having been disciplined. The child reported the parent to the state. Most likely it was the social services department. The child didn't hire a lawyer. The "child's lawyer" was one appointed by the state at the request of the social services department to represent the child's best interests. Or should we say the state department of social services' best interest. All it takes is a child who doesn't want to be disciplined and required to do something he doesn't want to do and the social services is there to represent him. That is why the public schools have so many discipline problems. That is why many parents choose to place their children in private schools or homeschool them. They realize that to be successful in this world requires the development of discipline.

Homeschooling Families Threatened by Court Ruling

drmerillat »

Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:19 am Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

There are two sides to the homeschooling issue. On the one hand, state issued teaching credentials are next to meaningless. I have taught in a private Christian school for 21 years and have never been certified by any state for teaching. My colleagues for the most part have not been certified either. Our graduates are accepted at colleges across the country. Our students score as much as two years ahead of most public school students in their grades. Certification only guarantees that a teacher somehow managed to graduate from college after having taken the proper state required courses for teaching.

On the other hand, homeschooling parents should be required to meet some standards. Every homeschool should be in conjunction with an organized program such as the Sunland Christian School mentioned in the article. This assures that the parents are not just allowing their kids to stay at home and study as they please or not. I have seen students coming from homeschool settings that had not really been given a proper foundation. Of course, I have seen students coming from public schools whose preparation was just as bad.

The states should give their attention to cleaning up their own schools before trying to invade the sanctity of people's homes and the right before God to educate their own children. It is not certification or state supervision that brings a good education. That has been seen clearly in the failures of the public school system. True success is a result of parental involvement and students who want to learn. Homeschoolers who want to learn and have parents that are involved actively in their education have just as much and greater probability for success as any public school student.

My Answer: Those in Heaven Aware of Earth's Happenings

drmerillat »

Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:42 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

The reference to a cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 does not necessarily mean people in Heaven are able to view the activities and suffering on the Earth. It could be referring to all the faithful ones just mentioned in Hebrews 11.

Church Movement Aims to Restore 'Scandal' of Christmas

drmerillat »

Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:04 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

Just because the word Christmas comes from "Christ's mass" and was coined by the Catholic Church doesn't mean that I cannot celebrate the birth of Christ and call it Christmas with a heart of devotion free from the baggage of the past. Amazing Grace is a song that was written to a bar room tune but that doesn't mean I must cease singing Amazing Grace.

I think the idea of keeping our gift giving to relational type gifts and using the money saved to reach out to the needy is a great idea. Perhaps an even better idea would be to use the money saved to support missionaries around the world who are sharing the message of salvation.

Southern Baptist Agency Suspends Trustee

drmerillat »

Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:08 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I'm sorry budger63 but when an individual becomes part of a team and agrees to support that team's decisions whether he agrees individually or not, then he is obligated to follow through. Brother Burleson did not follow through on his word. I don't always agree with everything the Southern Baptist Convention does, but as a Southern Baptist I support my denomination unless they err in a clear biblical command. One of the greatest features of the SBC is the missionary activity. I have a friend who has been trying to raise his missionary support as an independent for several years and is still at only 75%. Had he chosen to be a part of the SBC he would have been on the field spreading the gospel a long time ago.