how many of the pro-homeschool regulars here are secular?

Question

and how many are involved in a homeschooling group, or have found that they're incompatible with homeschooling groups because of their different beliefs?

I don't mind at all that Christians chose to answer, but I fail to see how my question is judgemental or tries to dictate to anyone how to educate their child.
I tried to use language as neutral as possible, but some people seem to find a way to feel persecuted no matter what.

And the thumbs down is just ridiculous. Non-believers have just as much right here to seek opinions, and I couldn't care less what someone else thinks of my philosophy.

Answer 1

I chose to homeschool my children, not because of religous beliefs (although we are Christians), but because of academic concerns in a city where the schools dumbed everything down. Additionally, my younger daughter has learning disabilities that were not being addressed and she was frustrated. One on one teaching can be very helpful for learning disabled children, and the schools cannot provide that.

In our local area, there are both religious and secular support groups. I get along with either and have no problems. The secular group is all-inclusive and I see a need for that for homeschoolers.

Parents have a right to raise their children in their own way and to choose how their children are educated. What I chose for my children was not "Christian enough" for some people and "too Christian" for others. Oh, well. With some people who stand in judgement, nothing will ever be good enough.

There are many reasons people homeschool. Even religious people often do it for academic and safety (see school shootings news!), rather than religous. Some people do it for religous reasons. Whatever their reasons, it is not for another person to stand in judgement. This is America and we just do not have that right.

Sue

Answer 2

We're secular and do have problems with Christian Fundamentalist groups that we have been in...(NOT ALL Christians are like this, we just happen to always stumble into ultra fundies, i.e...out of 30 children in my sons once a week public school class only 3 could participate in Halloween). They are all nice to you at the group but when your children make friends, and they come to your secular home and see "Harry Potter" on the shelves or find out that you are an Ex-Christian (due to the typical God talk) that is that. I cannot tell you how many times my dd has had her heart-broken by the intolerance of fundamentalists in my area. It is fine and dandy for them to scare you with the scary hell doctrine and for their children to try and bring you to Jesus but during their proseltyzing efforts, you bring up the "why" of "why you dont believe"...that is that as well. It's because they haven't got a chance at converting you, and although they are no holds barred on their witnessing, they do not want their children to hear the other side...at least not from the mouth of an unbeliever...typical hypocrisy. I've never seen a secularist try and convert others to secularism, I sure don't but at the same time, if THEY bring up hell and crap like that, why should we who don't believe "have to" listen to it without saying a thing in defense?

I've made flyers for my area in order to start a group. Since the Fundamentalists pretty much have the control, I had no problem putting on the fliers that we are a secular but "all-inclusive" group of home educators who accept religious and non, accept those of varying home school philosphies and also alternative lifestyles.

I have Christian friends, my mother, father and grandparents are Christians...I love them all dearly but sometimes, people live in areas of ultra fundamentalism and it is heartbreaking for children like my son and daughter who love and embrace others despite religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Answer 3

We are secular and we are part of several groups. The only time I have ever felt out of place was with one group who looked at me funny for giving my kids a 7-Up and some cookies at snack time. Apparently the group was vegan and all into organic food. The cookies didn't bother them so much, other than they were (very obviously) inorganic Oreo's.

I haven't come across any ultra religious homeschoolers, but I have been careful to only frequent secular outings.

Answer 4

I'm christian. And the groups I am involved in are a bit of everything. The funny thing I find is that the "secular believers" tend to be more segregationist than those that have a faith. Most of my groups run along fairly smooth until someone realizes "oh, you're a christian --- maybe I'm in the wrong place??!!".

It does help to group together with people that are likeminded in the things that matter the most to you. So, yes, people do have incompatibilities -- and that is okay as long as we are kind to one another.

The material that we study for academics is not christian in and of itself although it is very christian-friendly. It doesn't offer stuff that will challenge one's faith. Many 'secular' people use it too. Math is not exactly "christian" except for the fact that I believe that God created all things and therefore numbers belong to him..... same goes for writing and reading....

Just a few thoughts.

Answer 5

The only homeschooling group they have is 45 minutes away and is rather large. I also do what they consider Unschooling which is frowned upon in this group. It is sad that they can't accept different ways of homeschooling, but oh well. Homeschooling in our town is almost unheard of anyways so we are kind out on our own here with the exception of my sister in laws girls.

Answer 6

We are. There is friction between some extremly religious homeschoolers and my family at times, but after 2 1/2 years in this area, there are several of us, of very varied religious paths that are friends.
I would suggest calling your local Unitarian Universalist church to see if there are any secular or UU groups in your area. I know it seems weird to suggest a church to someone looking for a secular group, but UU's are not your typical church. Humanists, Atheists, Pagans, Buddhists, etc all show up at UU meetings.
Check out yahoo groups. I started one for our local area, and that is what our little group of friends that does park days, mom's night out, field trips, etc has come out of.
check out Home Education Magazine's list of groups in different states. I don't know why it is so hard for us to find each other. B ut we are out there.
Good luck finding a group you fit in with. it's taken me a couple of years here to find that, but it's been worth the wait.

Answer 7

I'm not secular, but I'm a member of two secular homeschool support groups.

Answer 8

I am teaching my son things he will need to live his life.We are Christians and we maintain a Christan life style but we keep his home schooling strictly educational.Home school groups in my area seem to be a clique and don't welcome newcomers.

Answer 9

I have distanced myself and child from the home school groups because they are all religious based. I want my child to learn, to have an education in things that will help him in life, not religion.
My child does very well studying his subjects without adding a religious twist to them.

Answer 10

me :)