A Good Idea
I'm always eager to share education perspectives that are in keeping with the Scriptures. A pastor I know shared with me the philosophy of education he and his wife have pursued with his sons whom they had homeschooled.
- Andrea G. Schwartz
I'm always eager to share education perspectives that are in keeping with the Scriptures. A pastor I know shared with me the philosophy of education he and his wife have pursued with his sons whom they had homeschooled. He said,
Among the Jews every young man learned the trade of his father, meaning that every Jewish male was able to provide for his family (this training was a part of the young man's prep for life and family) as well as carry on the family heritage. Thus Paul was a tent maker, Peter a fisherman, etc, and in Paul's case his trade enhanced his ministry, for he was 'self sufficient' in terms of his ability to earn. Wisdom would dictate this is a good practice. And so, why not adopt this practice?
Our reasoning is that with a trade AND college, our sons will have a good foundation for whatever the Lord may have for them whether a career based on college or on a trade; and even if they never use their trade as employment, they will always benefit from knowing it; and will have less limitations than if they only attended college. In fact, the trade side is the best side because tradesmen always have work and often at a better wage while many a college grad does not work in the field they studied for, and often makes less. In addition, with a trade our sons will have a skill to pass on to their sons, should the Lord so bless them.
Seems like a good idea, don't you think?
- Andrea G. Schwartz
Andrea Schwartz is Chalcedon’s family and Christian education advocate, and the author of eight books including: A House for God: Building a Kingdom-Driven Family, The Biblical Trustee Family: Understanding God’s Purpose for Your Household, Empowered: Developing Strong Women for Kingdom Service, Woman of the House: A Mother’s Role in Building a Christian Culture, and The Homeschool Life: Discovering God’s Way to Family-Based Education. She’s also the co-host of the Out of the Question podcast, the Chalcedon podcast, and has an active teaching schedule with women and high schooled students.. She can be reached at [email protected].