kalphs Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 If I couldn't wrap my and my kiddos mind around it that way...then "no!" We wouldn't either....and I am a christian (although a secular homeschooler right now) :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 I must the weird one out. I have NEVER had a "Christian" ignore me, walk away from, steer clear of my children, etc etc etc. I have. And I lost what I thought was a good friend because I voted the wrong way. I never ran into this type of Christian until we started homeschooling - didn't even know they existed. Thankfully I know not all Christians are like that, but it was quite a shock to me to learn that ANY are. Be glad that they listed all that up front. Imagine if you had joined hoping to fit in somehow and 'slide under the radar' about being different, then left under stressful circumstances. :iagree: That's what we tried to do and it was a disaster. First, someone told ds (who was 6 at the time) that our whole family was going to hell because we watch Harry Potter. Then I lost the above mentioned "friend" because of my voting choices. There were other issues, but those were the two biggest. I realized it wasn't a good idea to teach ds to hide who he really is. He should not have to hide his atheism just to be accepted by others. I would rather a group state their beliefs up front so I never have to find myself in a situation like that again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 I would only participate in a Christian coop or program if no statement of faith was required, and I had confirmed that non-Christian families are welcome as long as we are respectful of other members' beliefs. I would not want to put us in a situation in which I felt like we might be kicked out if we accidentally "outed" ourselves as being non-religious. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and I do not want our kids to feel like it is something they need to hide, pretend, or lie about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 I'm not secular...but even I wouldn't join that co-op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poke Salad Annie Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 LEGO & ROBOTICS: Robotics (I & II) You listed this ^ in your original post. I recently found out that my local 4-H club offers this, and it's free. It might be worth checking in to. And I do agree, the list sounds awesome! Are there other groups anywhere in your vicinity? I don't know how to go about starting a new group at all, but I've wondered myself about doing just this. I have no idea how to *round up* all those home-schoolers around here, though. Wish I did, as I have lots of ideas rumbling around in my head I'd like to share with some like-minded people in my area. Just hasn't really happened yet, but I'm not giving up hope... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 I have. And I lost what I thought was a good friend because I voted the wrong way. I never ran into this type of Christian until we started homeschooling - didn't even know they existed. Thankfully I know not all Christians are like that, but it was quite a shock to me to learn that ANY are. Back when my mom was caught up in a much more legalistic sect... this happened within our family. My parents were very conservative, my aunt & uncle were very liberal. Neither side would "respect" the other. It was a very, very bitter divide. Fast-forward 30 years, and both sides have mellowed quite a bit. Oh, one side is still conservative, and the other is still liberal, but they have both learned that our actual goals and beliefs about what the CHURCH should be doing are actually the same. We had our first family gathering this past fall -- it was wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akmommy Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 (edited) No! I'm agnostic with leanings towards a creator and want my children exposed to a variety beliefs. Until you added your second edit I would probably have given the group a try as long as i was not required to sign a statement of faith. The information you added with your second edit though is disturbing to say the least and definitely not in line with our families values. Edited January 26, 2011 by akmommy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 No. No way. Absolutely not! I have been part of a religious coop in the past, but it did not have a statement of faith or anything similar to what you posted in your ETA. I would never join any group that required that I or my family submit to the doctrine of their church. Even the more relaxed group we were in didn't work out in the end because there was no common ground between us and the other families. They were nice enough, but ds was never invited for play dates or anything, and many of the children thought the answer to everything was that god made it that way (this especially bothered me in the science class). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 ETA: I don't want to start a debate. I just want to know what you, as a secular homeschooler, would do. Why would any secular hser consider the co-op (not that most here would), when the SOF seems to specifically exclude that group? That's why the Statement of Faith was created. Their co-op, their choice. It seems like the call for respect is a one-way street. Posters complain about the lack of respect the co-op has for others' beliefs, but those posters are not willing to respect the co-op's right to its beliefs, and the right to exclude those who don't agree. (And no, I don't belong to a group with a similar SOF.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 As for this one, the submission thing would freak me out. It sounds like they want all members to believe hook, line, and sinker:ack2: What about goodwill to other homeschoolers? Are they too afraid to be exposed to other worldviews? Agreed. I have two daughters and the last thing I want is for them to hear that in order to be good Christians, they need to be submissive to men. And yes, some people simply are afraid to expose their children to other worldviews and this is a large part of why they homeschool. What other purpose would such a statement of faith serve? This isn't a situation where they're saying "This is the perspective that we teach from so please be aware of that". This is a situation where anyone who doesn't agree isn't welcome. To the original poster, I'm a Christian, but no, I wouldn't join this coop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Why would any secular hser consider the co-op (not that most here would), when the SOF seems to specifically exclude that group? That's why the Statement of Faith was created. Their co-op, their choice. It seems like the call for respect is a one-way street. Posters complain about the lack of respect the co-op has for others' beliefs, but those posters are not willing to respect the co-op's right to its beliefs, and the right to exclude those who don't agree. (And no, I don't belong to a group with a similar SOF.) In some areas, there are very limited options. My area, for instance, is very conservative. Parents who don't agree are looking for whatever opportunities they can find. When the only opportunities that exist are like this, surely you can see how disheartening that might be. Besides, I don't think it's disrespectful to join a group that you might not agree with if you aren't there to create waves and start arguments about everything you disagree with. You simply join, make friends, participate, then chat with your kids quietly at home about where your beliefs differ. How is that disrespectful to the coop? And yeah, the coop has the right to exclude people for whatever reason, but that doesn't make it right. :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 No, I wouldn't join, I couldn't sign that SOF. An SOF is useful for some groups to explain their beliefs and what influences/directs their teaching. If you can't honestly agree to and sign the SOF then you would most likely be unhappy there in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karis Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Not necessarily afraid, just desiring to fortify their kids' Christian worldview prior to exposure to others... I'm with most of the other posters...If I were in your shoes, I would respect their wishes to have the kind of co-op they want (and that they've clearly defined up front), and seek out a co-op that better suits your specific needs and desires :001_smile: they're looking for like-minded members, period. Christianity is full of nominal Christians and those who can't agree what biblical/ non-biblical means so... to avoid the "riff raff" they put this out there. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Agreed. I have two daughters and the last thing I want is for them to hear that in order to be good Christians, they need to be submissive to men. And yes, some people simply are afraid to expose their children to other worldviews and this is a large part of why they homeschool. What other purpose would such a statement of faith serve? This isn't a situation where they're saying "This is the perspective that we teach from so please be aware of that". This is a situation where anyone who doesn't agree isn't welcome. To the original poster, I'm a Christian, but no, I wouldn't join this coop. :iagree: I would not have a problem (even though I would not prefer) with a statement of faith that in essence says: This is our perspective and where our co-op comes from and we ask that it be respected and not debated. I have taught my ds not to debate and be respectful in those kind of settings. This co-op OTOH is asking that member submit to all of the beliefs word for word. Where is the room for a conscious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 No. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepymommy Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 No. I'm Hindu and am part of a Christian co-op, but there is no statement of faith required unless you teach there. The classes ds6 is in don't really have a whole lot to do with religion. There is prayer in one class, but it ds6 doesn't even think twice about it. Another class learned a poem about Jesus, another made clay Jesus and Mary figurines during the holidays. (Ds6 showed them to me and said they were some superheroe names and then said 'but they are supposed to me Jesus and Mary.) One class mentioned something young earth related, but it just went over ds6's head. None of those teachings bother me, when I was growing up in the South it was pretty typical of what my public school would do. Most at the co-op are polite towards me, I've had a few questions about my faith but once they found out I wasn't Christian their small talk time with me dwindled. I'm happy that this co-op allows those that are not Christian to join. My son has made friends, the teachers are wonderful and it's been a very positive experience for him. I can understand a co-ops desire to be exclusive, but I think just letting it be known that there will be christian content in the classes is enough to "ward off" those that wouldn't want that kind of influence on their child. Then it would be known that those who are not christian but are tolerant towards Christian worldviews would be the ones taking the class and there wouldn't be any conflict. The description you've given of this co-op seems to me like they are very intolerant towards anyone (Christian or otherwise) that does not conform to their specific beliefs. I personally would not want MY child in that environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 As others have said....yes, but not that one. We do have a Christian classical part time school that is run by homeschoolers, and I was very interested till I saw how much religion and indoctrination was involved- I also knew my kids wouldn't go for it. SO...ideally,yes. I would under normal circumstances be open to my kids goign to a private Christian school, if that were an option and they were going to school. I wen to a classical Christian school and feel the education was excellent. But there is a limit and the co-op you are looking at steps over my line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted January 26, 2011 Author Share Posted January 26, 2011 In some areas, there are very limited options. My area, for instance, is very conservative. Parents who don't agree are looking for whatever opportunities they can find. When the only opportunities that exist are like this, surely you can see how disheartening that might be. Besides, I don't think it's disrespectful to join a group that you might not agree with if you aren't there to create waves and start arguments about everything you disagree with. You simply join, make friends, participate, then chat with your kids quietly at home about where your beliefs differ. How is that disrespectful to the coop? And yeah, the coop has the right to exclude people for whatever reason, but that doesn't make it right. :p This. There are indeed very few options for classical homeschoolers in our area. And yes, disheartening is the word I would choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 This. There are indeed very few options for classical homeschoolers in our area. And yes, disheartening is the word I would choose. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocelotmom Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Does anyone else find the idea of a super-conservative Christian Lego & Robotics class highly amusing? Given the ETA conditions, I wouldn't do it, either. I wouldn't have any problem joining a Christian co-op if they were accepting of non-Christian members, not attempting to actively convert my kids or tell them that they were going to hell or whatnot, and the subject in question was being taught in a way I felt made sense (ie. I wouldn't send my kid to a science class taught from a Creationist perspective). Doesn't sound like this co-op is that sort, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 (edited) We are Christians though I prefer secular content in most of the materials. I would not be willing to join such a group. I would not agree to submit to their Doctrine. Edited January 27, 2011 by Sis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 No. If something was advertised as Christian, I don't see how I could attend, unless they state that non-Christians are welcome. Under the "terms of the deal" you list, there is no way I could join this coop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I'm not secular but I wouldn't join. Doesn't sound too warm and fuzzy and loving and all that....;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizabeth Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Absolutely not. I am not raising a hypocrite and in order for her not to lie constantly about her beliefs, values and politics she would be forced to lie or sit silently while hearing that gay marriage is ruining the country, socialism is running amok through the medical system and that only one religion's beliefs were true. However to remain silent is to let what I perceive to be wrongs and injustices go unaddressed. Not acceptable so we avoid the whole shebang and are better for it. Frankly, the co ops here are so far from classical I would have no interest in any event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Goldwater Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 This. There are indeed very few options for classical homeschoolers in our area. And yes, disheartening is the word I would choose. Why not start get a group together and start your own co-op? Judging from the numerous responses you got, perhaps there would be demand for a 'secular' or 'open to all belief systems/worldviews' Classical Education-style group...you could even advertise is as such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 Why not start get a group together and start your own co-op? Judging from the numerous responses you got, perhaps there would be demand for a 'secular' or 'open to all belief systems/worldviews' Classical Education-style group...you could even advertise is as such. Oh, I don't think there's enough interest in our area. I DID start a secular HS group (go me!) which is open to everyone, regardless of beliefs (or lack thereof!) about a year ago and we have 15 families in it. It's great but it's just for socializing, park days and vague field trips :) Besides, I don't think many of them are classical educators, and as a secular homeschooler I am SO not organized enough to do create a coop :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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