Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] "Christian Homeschoolers"
debi watson
I may have been a bit rambunctious in my 'classroom in the basement-ammo
in the closet'- description of Christian Homeschoolers and it was never
my intent to offend.
Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
in the closet'- description of Christian Homeschoolers and it was never
my intent to offend.
Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Judy
I feel I must take some responsibility if feelings have been hurt with
this thread.
In my glee at finding like minds here
- during the very week all the 'school kids ' were forced to return to
their desks and my children were repeatedly assaulted with the usual
refrains of How is school? Do you like your Teacher? Even had one woman
get in my 9 yo dd's face and demand to know, when my dd said "I don't
'go' to school, I homeschool",
"Well, when do you start LEARNING?!- as if the process could only
legally 'start' on a certain day of the year.-
I may have been a bit rambunctious in my 'classroom in the basement-ammo
in the closet'- description of Christian Homeschoolers and it was never
my intent to offend.
Ironically, I have even had this discussion with my own husband of
late.. We had some homeschooling friends over for dinner and that couple
and I were comparing notes on our mutual failed attempts to join local
homeschool co-ops and field trips due to the fact that, by and large,
those groups are made up of Right Wing Christian Homeschoolers who
actively seek to exclude our children from their activities because
according to them we do not belong to 'a Bible Believing Church'. My
friends are devout Catholics and Deacons in their Parish but that is not
enough for some reason.
My husband considers himself a Christian and took offense to our
generalizations regarding the term.
Now, this guy is utterly brilliant on many levels but .. think absent
-minded professor... to say he is not dynamic, not 'up' on current
events, national trends... well, that would be putting it mildly. We
gently gave him an overview of the last few decades of 'Christian'
agenda in America. We came to an agreement that, yes, it is a very sad
commentary when the term Christian has become associated with such
hideous ( go to the plumbing supply store to buy implements with which
to abuse your babies) behaviors.
My blurb about basement classrooms, etc. was all from personal
experience. We left what should have been a wonderful 'co-op' experience
for my daughter- who was very excited about attending- when it was made
clear to us that we did not 'belong'. My daughter was looking forward to
some craft classes and sewing instruction that was being offered just a
few hours one day a week; it all fit into my 'unschool' way of doing
things. The co-op was billed as non-denominational, no 'commitment of
faith' signatures were required. Yet, there were prayers before every
session, Halloween costumes forbidden, no parent would ever 'allow'
their child to come play at our house...it was there that I was given
the rundown of what ammo their closets contained. It was within that
group that a 6 yo little girl girl related to me how she was 'whipped'
on any day that she she did not ' finish writing all her sentences.'
While generalizations can be detrimental they exist for a reason; there
is an element of truth in even the most general generalizations. It is a
numbers game....'Christian' homeschoolers have purposefully created
their image. 'Christian' homeschoolers do *indeed* have an agenda. They
are, in fact, mostly Republican Right Wing voters with money. And
lawyers. And testing. And an unhealthy notion of 'accountability'.
Despite all the mean spirited, non inclusive actions I believe the
greatest sadness is the fear they habitually instill in their children.
The fear their children spread to others...The "My Mommy says you are
going to Hell because you have a Barbie lunch box", ( direct quote)
mentality. Fear is as abusive as switches and plastic tubing.
If you are reading this and have not personally experienced such
actions, I envy you. It is pervasive throughout most homeschooling
'communities'.
Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman.
Fondly, Judy Hain
Mom to Gabe, 27
Lucas 22
Chelsea 19
Pete 12
Gloria 9
this thread.
In my glee at finding like minds here
- during the very week all the 'school kids ' were forced to return to
their desks and my children were repeatedly assaulted with the usual
refrains of How is school? Do you like your Teacher? Even had one woman
get in my 9 yo dd's face and demand to know, when my dd said "I don't
'go' to school, I homeschool",
"Well, when do you start LEARNING?!- as if the process could only
legally 'start' on a certain day of the year.-
I may have been a bit rambunctious in my 'classroom in the basement-ammo
in the closet'- description of Christian Homeschoolers and it was never
my intent to offend.
Ironically, I have even had this discussion with my own husband of
late.. We had some homeschooling friends over for dinner and that couple
and I were comparing notes on our mutual failed attempts to join local
homeschool co-ops and field trips due to the fact that, by and large,
those groups are made up of Right Wing Christian Homeschoolers who
actively seek to exclude our children from their activities because
according to them we do not belong to 'a Bible Believing Church'. My
friends are devout Catholics and Deacons in their Parish but that is not
enough for some reason.
My husband considers himself a Christian and took offense to our
generalizations regarding the term.
Now, this guy is utterly brilliant on many levels but .. think absent
-minded professor... to say he is not dynamic, not 'up' on current
events, national trends... well, that would be putting it mildly. We
gently gave him an overview of the last few decades of 'Christian'
agenda in America. We came to an agreement that, yes, it is a very sad
commentary when the term Christian has become associated with such
hideous ( go to the plumbing supply store to buy implements with which
to abuse your babies) behaviors.
My blurb about basement classrooms, etc. was all from personal
experience. We left what should have been a wonderful 'co-op' experience
for my daughter- who was very excited about attending- when it was made
clear to us that we did not 'belong'. My daughter was looking forward to
some craft classes and sewing instruction that was being offered just a
few hours one day a week; it all fit into my 'unschool' way of doing
things. The co-op was billed as non-denominational, no 'commitment of
faith' signatures were required. Yet, there were prayers before every
session, Halloween costumes forbidden, no parent would ever 'allow'
their child to come play at our house...it was there that I was given
the rundown of what ammo their closets contained. It was within that
group that a 6 yo little girl girl related to me how she was 'whipped'
on any day that she she did not ' finish writing all her sentences.'
While generalizations can be detrimental they exist for a reason; there
is an element of truth in even the most general generalizations. It is a
numbers game....'Christian' homeschoolers have purposefully created
their image. 'Christian' homeschoolers do *indeed* have an agenda. They
are, in fact, mostly Republican Right Wing voters with money. And
lawyers. And testing. And an unhealthy notion of 'accountability'.
Despite all the mean spirited, non inclusive actions I believe the
greatest sadness is the fear they habitually instill in their children.
The fear their children spread to others...The "My Mommy says you are
going to Hell because you have a Barbie lunch box", ( direct quote)
mentality. Fear is as abusive as switches and plastic tubing.
If you are reading this and have not personally experienced such
actions, I envy you. It is pervasive throughout most homeschooling
'communities'.
Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman.
Fondly, Judy Hain
Mom to Gabe, 27
Lucas 22
Chelsea 19
Pete 12
Gloria 9
debi watson
(Oops -- I had only finished cutting, but had not added my own comments when I accidentally hit "send". Sorry!) My comments are below.
my intent to offend.
Dear Judy, oh, yeah -- because the second description is *so* much more flattering than the first!! ( I am kind of reminded of John Cleese in "Fawlty Towers" where he is trying to welcome the Germans and not at all mention "The War") <Major grin -- I am not yelling, I am giggling> I am Christian, and a homeschooler, and laughing my head off at your description! The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their statement of faith, and I have been elected as one of the presidents of the other homeschool group, referred to as the "Pagan Heathens" (the other presidents are UU and a lapsed Catholic). I have not been offended by anything said on this thread -- I too am appalled at the notion of "caning" my kids. I also realize that I am not your typical, representative Christian (nor would I want to be). I have been challenged at times by statements made here, but it is just a good opportunity for me to firm up exactly what I believe -- to take in other's experiences and opinions, and learn and re-evaluate. I just automatically assume that none of you are out to offend me personally -- you don't even KNOW me, much less my buttons! Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>I may have been a bit rambunctious in my 'classroom in the basement-ammoin the closet'- description of Christian Homeschoolers and it was never
my intent to offend.
>>Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to 'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because Ihomeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman.
Dear Judy, oh, yeah -- because the second description is *so* much more flattering than the first!! ( I am kind of reminded of John Cleese in "Fawlty Towers" where he is trying to welcome the Germans and not at all mention "The War") <Major grin -- I am not yelling, I am giggling> I am Christian, and a homeschooler, and laughing my head off at your description! The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their statement of faith, and I have been elected as one of the presidents of the other homeschool group, referred to as the "Pagan Heathens" (the other presidents are UU and a lapsed Catholic). I have not been offended by anything said on this thread -- I too am appalled at the notion of "caning" my kids. I also realize that I am not your typical, representative Christian (nor would I want to be). I have been challenged at times by statements made here, but it is just a good opportunity for me to firm up exactly what I believe -- to take in other's experiences and opinions, and learn and re-evaluate. I just automatically assume that none of you are out to offend me personally -- you don't even KNOW me, much less my buttons! Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Linda Greene
Hi Debi. It really is nice to hear the voice of reason coming from a Christian. I'm one of those "heathen" types! ;o) Nice to make your aquaintance...even if it is only through e-mail.
Linda
Debi wrote:
Dear Judy, oh, yeah -- because the second description is *so* much more flattering than the first!! ( I am kind of reminded of John Cleese in "Fawlty Towers" where he is trying to welcome the Germans and not at all mention "The War") <Major grin -- I am not yelling, I am giggling> I am Christian, and a homeschooler, and laughing my head off at your description! The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their statement of faith, and I have been elected as one of the presidents of the other homeschool group, referred to as the "Pagan Heathens" (the other presidents are UU and a lapsed Catholic). I have not been offended by anything said on this thread -- I too am appalled at the notion of "caning" my kids. I also realize that I am not your typical, representative Christian (nor would I want to be). I have been challenged at times by statements made here, but it is just a good opportunity for me to firm up exactly what I believe -- to take in other's experiences and opinions, and learn and re-evaluate. I just automatically assume that none of you are out to offend me personally -- you don't even KNOW me, much less my buttons! Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Linda
Debi wrote:
Dear Judy, oh, yeah -- because the second description is *so* much more flattering than the first!! ( I am kind of reminded of John Cleese in "Fawlty Towers" where he is trying to welcome the Germans and not at all mention "The War") <Major grin -- I am not yelling, I am giggling> I am Christian, and a homeschooler, and laughing my head off at your description! The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their statement of faith, and I have been elected as one of the presidents of the other homeschool group, referred to as the "Pagan Heathens" (the other presidents are UU and a lapsed Catholic). I have not been offended by anything said on this thread -- I too am appalled at the notion of "caning" my kids. I also realize that I am not your typical, representative Christian (nor would I want to be). I have been challenged at times by statements made here, but it is just a good opportunity for me to firm up exactly what I believe -- to take in other's experiences and opinions, and learn and re-evaluate. I just automatically assume that none of you are out to offend me personally -- you don't even KNOW me, much less my buttons! Debi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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<< Despite all the mean spirited, non inclusive actions I believe the
greatest sadness is the fear they habitually instill in their children.
The fear their children spread to others...The "My Mommy says you are
going to Hell because you have a Barbie lunch box", ( direct quote)
mentality. Fear is as abusive as switches and plastic tubing. >>
And that's just the little kid version.
It's big and it's awful and many of the moms don't even want to homeschool,
they're doing so in obedience to God and their husbands (and pastors, and
church pressure).
So when I'm criticized sharply for stating simple and proveable fact by
people who don't want to know those facts, it's fascinating for me and
irritating. No number of "Well I'm Christian and I'm not that way" can
make the slightest dent in the lumbering behemoth of Christian Homeschooling.
It's not meanness to tell people what some other homeschoolers are basing
their lives on.
Sandra
greatest sadness is the fear they habitually instill in their children.
The fear their children spread to others...The "My Mommy says you are
going to Hell because you have a Barbie lunch box", ( direct quote)
mentality. Fear is as abusive as switches and plastic tubing. >>
And that's just the little kid version.
It's big and it's awful and many of the moms don't even want to homeschool,
they're doing so in obedience to God and their husbands (and pastors, and
church pressure).
So when I'm criticized sharply for stating simple and proveable fact by
people who don't want to know those facts, it's fascinating for me and
irritating. No number of "Well I'm Christian and I'm not that way" can
make the slightest dent in the lumbering behemoth of Christian Homeschooling.
It's not meanness to tell people what some other homeschoolers are basing
their lives on.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/7/02 2:16:15 PM, debiwatson@... writes:
<< Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman. >>
I am too.
And there ARE people who make that assumption as soon as they hear
"homeschooling." And they make that assumption for real, well-based reasons.
Sandra
<< Just as my husband is offended, rightly so, by derogatory references to
'Christian' so, too, am I offended by those who assume that because I
homeschool I am a 'Christian' -aka , abusing parent, satellite
curriculum subscribing, test administrating, submissive woman. >>
I am too.
And there ARE people who make that assumption as soon as they hear
"homeschooling." And they make that assumption for real, well-based reasons.
Sandra
kayb85
"The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their
statement of faith"
Why?
Sheila
statement of faith"
Why?
Sheila
debi watson
-
"The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their
statement of faith"
Why?
Because I don't fit into their square peg of what a Christian is (Nicean creed, etc.....that kind of stuff is in the archives). Anyway, I am not a Christian homeschooler, but rather a homeschooler who is Christian. Seems like a silly distinction, but there really is a difference! Debi
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
"The Christian homeschoolers in my city won't *let* me sign their
statement of faith"
Why?
Because I don't fit into their square peg of what a Christian is (Nicean creed, etc.....that kind of stuff is in the archives). Anyway, I am not a Christian homeschooler, but rather a homeschooler who is Christian. Seems like a silly distinction, but there really is a difference! Debi
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
~~~~ Don't forget! If you change topics, change the subject line! ~~~~
If you have questions, concerns or problems with this list, please email the moderator, Joyce Fetteroll (fetteroll@...), or the list owner, Helen Hegener (HEM-Editor@...).
To unsubscribe from this group, click on the following link or address an email to:
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Visit the Unschooling website: http://www.unschooling.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]