Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidius  Quote: |
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. .” Deuteronomy 6:4-7
| Why do people keep insisting that this passage proves that the sole responsibility of teaching children math, science, history, economics, languages, etc. lies with their parents? The only subject mentioned in this passage is "these words, which I command thee this day."
By the way, I will add that the argument proves too much for some, because many who use this passage to necessitate homeschooling allow for private schooling. Where's that in the passage? Is it only the parents or isn't it? Is the verse talking about math or "these words"?
All the passage proves is that parents have a responsibility to make a habit of speaking with their children about God and His commandments. To say that it has anything to do with the question of government mandates or the legitimacy of public schooling is to make a huge jump.  |
David,
The point is not that Deut 6 is talking about mathematics. The point is that if education is every given to
anyone (and it is), it is given exclusively to the father and mother. The book of Proverbs deals with broader areas of instruction in wisdom and knowledge, of which the principal point is the fear of Jehovah. The state is never commanded to teach anyone anything. The National Socialist / Hegelian, or Marxist idea of the state is that it is man's family, and therefore supercedes the lawful authority of the family. This is the basis for collectivist or socialized education. That is the point of bringing up Deut 6.
I agree with your assessment of "private schools" however. If families want to cooperate, fine. But, to "drop off" the kids at school is, in my estimation, a problem.
Cheers,