So Undecided – can I do this?

In my time of homeschooling I have come across quite a few books that have a spin to them in favor of one religion or in some cases denigrating a religion.  It does not totally put me off the book if the book is worthwhile, but I do explain to my children that there are people with differing views and that sometimes people can be rather strident in their opinions and their views.  So for example if we are reading a book with something rather disturbing about Cathololicism then we will discuss it and say, that it is being written by someone who has a rather narrow minded view point and that really we should be loving one another and not tearing each other down.  I am not Catholic, but I have seen some pretty horrrific and untrue things written about that particular religion among others.  We have taught our girls to be respectful of all religions and faiths and it is important to me that they do not get into the habit of thinking they are better than anyone else.   It is a controversial subject, but I think that if you are strong in your own faith then you can move forward with any book and correct any injustice you come across.  In England in my school years we have religious instruction where we studied all the faiths, what they believed, customs and so on – I found that immensely valuable and fascinating and as such have grown up with a broad view of religion.  I base my own faith on the ten commandments from a Protestant worldview – and the actual denomination is less important to me – though I cannot bring myself to attend a church where other faiths are denigrated.    We are all different and I think it is important to recognise that we are all entitled to believe what we want and not to believe at all if that is our wish.  The world would be a far nicer place if everyone could respect each other and not tear each other down.  So Suzukimom, do not worry about what others write, say or think – be strong in your own belief, raise your children in the way you see fit, and correct the things that you read that may be false in your mind.  The world is big enough for all – and tolerance is what we should be aiming for, not playing the unpleasant game of my faith is better than yours – that is unbecoming of anyone in any faith.  I admire all people who have the courage to walk with God, no matter what denomination and I take what I like from all books, and I am also not afraid to look at my own beliefs and see that it is not perfect either – there is no perfect religion or faith, or people – there are just believers and we all are entitled to respect.   So do not worry, or be upset by people who do not agree with you or your faith – there is room for everyone – I respect your faith as much as any other, all have merit.  Linda

You have a lot of great advice here already.  I really second what Linda has written – every last bit of it. 

We have a Mennonite background, although we are not practicing Mennonites, and we do attend a biblical Protestant church.  Knowing more about the history of the Mennonites that many, I have been slightly disturbed by their misrepresentation at times, sometimes in history, sometimes by people face to face, but it usually stems from ignorance or narrow mindedness (or both).

I really think it’s just how it is when you follow a minority belief system.  And the majority of general history resources are not going to cater to that belief system.  You could just leave out the chapter(s) in question, and deal with majority viewpoints versus your viewpoint when they’re old enough to understand. 

Obviously if the entire book is bad, throw it out.  But if it is mostly good with an off chapter or two, is it really worth the trouble of trying to find something new?  Perhaps yes, perhaps no.  I haven’t read the book in question, so I can’t comment. 

Blessings and God’s wisdom be upon you as you seek the path He has for your homeschool,

Gaeleen

Reading things like this makes me grateful that someone in the school system in my day in the UK thought that Religious Instruction was a valid subject – not only did we study the Bible but we studied the other faiths and were exposed to their books too.  I remember having different religious leaders coming and talking to us and it was very interesting and without that, I may not perhaps have had such an open mind about other view points.  I think we can teach our children about other faiths and denominations without sacrificing our own beliefs and I certainly think we can and should teach respect for others no matter what they believe.  Do unto others rings true here as much as anything else.  I do not believe we can be Christ like if we are hateful or dismissive of others who have differing views.  Respect and  tolerance are two of the most important words in the dictionary.  Religion can be very polarising, and that should never be, sadly man makes it so.  Linda

Gaeleen I did not find anything wrong with what you wrote, I think everything has been written very politely and that is good, it is the way it should be.  Blessings, Linda

I’m not over on the AO boards so I’ll just give my 2 cents on what I gather are your worries.

First, if you are uncomfortable on the AO boards, but like using many of the curricula recommendations then just stop using their message boards.  I’ve had a few boards I’ve dropped in the past because of the “feel”. 

Second, you can totally teach children to be independent learners while still keeping everyone in the same time period!  We keep all the kids (ages 9 down to baby) together for history and everything we can.  My plan this year for history, for an example, will have a family read aloud in the time period, books I will read to my middle ones at their level in the time period, and my 5th grader will have her own extra books in the time period to read and report back to me on.  She’ll be encouraged to choose topics to go deeper on that catch her interest and I’ll facilitate that but put her in charge of the learning.  I’m using the SCM Middle Ages Handbook for the book lists and schedule by the way – Module 4.  I’ll tweak a bit and add some more books here and there, but that’s my spine.

((HUGS))