Still going:
The same struggles and influences are to be found in Christian schools as are in public schools (yes, possibly to a lesser degree, and with diminished regularity). But there is no guarantee that this is the case.
Obviously there is no guarantee of anything, but there is at least an increased probability. Since all these kinds of decisions are based on probabilities, why would one not go with the best odds?
Yes, but it’s silent in matters of mathematics, grammar, and biology. The fact is that these subjects (though grounded in the Living God) are not particularly or exclusively Spiritual, and the Scriptures are silent regarding them.
On the contrary; I think every subject is related to God in some way. What makes mathematical truths, true? How does eternity relate to time? What are the purposes of living things? Where did they come from?(!) What is the best way to use one’s words? Further, given what God says about the purpose and nature of children, what pedagogical methodologies for teaching these subjects would be best? Answer any of these questions, and eventually God is related. And further, nothing in the Deuteronomy text limits the education to “Spiritual” matters. Even if it did, the question would be: what parts of the world is the Holy Spirit not related to?
Of course, it’s not as if every word coming out of the instructor’s mouth must be “God” or a quotation of scripture. But I think the previous point is true, notwithstanding.
Perhaps the best odds, depending on what kind of protection your kids actually need (last time I checked, public schools were not brothels or crack houses), and what rank that priority has in accordance with what risks you perceive. You’re right: it’s all so relative.
Yes. But you don’t need a Bible or Christian teacher to show you how to do long division….
Sitting with your kid while they do homework can accomplish these things, and is probably better advised since, again, the Scriptures indicate that Spiritual education is the responsibility of the parents.
The passage talks about remembering God, His character, His laws, etc. Yes, these truths are to permeate our entire lives. The passage indicates that this is to be ongoing and continuing (not unlike the exhortation to pray without ceasing).
We have to remember the goals of the Scriptures: Godly living, and that, unto Christ. It is not concerned with what car we should buy, whether I should get my business cards printed on matte or glossy stock, or whether I go to Disney World or Paris for family vacation. Yes, our hearts and intentions matter through all these choices, but it is impractical and unrealistic to think that at every turn and in every aspect of our lives, a Spiritually teachable moment is called for.
At the root yes. But again, the pure subject matter (this is a noun, that a verb) is a-spiritual.
Again, to each their own. This really is a personal choice — my big point has been that the Christian school option is not a clear winner. There are factors that can make it a worse option, for your kids, in your neighbourhood, etc.
“(last time I checked, public schools were not brothels or crack houses)”
They’re not moving in the opposite direction, anyway…
“Sitting with your kid while they do homework can accomplish these things, and is probably better advised since, again, the Scriptures indicate that Spiritual education is the responsibility of the parents.”
Well, I think it’s probably more efficient to be teaching them such things the first time around, but perhaps we disagree here…
“Yes, our hearts and intentions matter through all these choices, but it is impractical and unrealistic to think that at every turn and in every aspect of our lives, a Spiritually teachable moment is called for.”
I think that’s exactly what the passage is implying; at least, that every moment contains a potential for teaching about and glorifying God.
“This really is a personal choice — my big point has been that the Christian school option is not a clear winner.”
Right; I guess I think in principle or prima facie, it is the best idea. I grant that in practice it might not always be. But I suppose we will have to agree to disagree.