According to the “Pew Research” report (of 2012), of all kids who were “churched” during childhood, homeschoolers in America were 223% more likely to be “believers” as an adult than those who attended a Christian private school, and 254% more likely to remain “faithful” than a public schooled child.
Ironic that there is NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE in those two figures! But the homeschoolers were 621% more likely to remain “believers” than secular private schooled children, even though all the groups of children involved in the study had gone to church with their parents throughout their childhood. Apparently the secular private schools in the US target religion even more successfully than public schools. Is that because they appeal to the elite (proud)?
Here is something interesting. The new figure from 2012 for those claiming no religious affiliation at all is 5% of Americans at large, and 32% of adults under age 30. The humanists are doing a great job, aren’t they?
Wake up, concerned Christians! Remember what the Lord told the Israelites: 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 (Deut. 6:4-7).
–Beth Johnson
Bible Studies for Women: Muliebral Studies; Muliebral Viewpoint; Articles and Books by Beth Johnson
I fully agree that parents need to do a better job of teaching in the home. We need to teach by example also. Bible class should be the priority over other activities. Coaches, etc. should be told up front in front of the children that they will not be available during Bible class or worship. I have seen a trend of more and more outside activities taking priority which saddens me. Thank you for your thoughts, Beth.
Please pray for my efforts to study and write more on this topic. There is so much to be said.
Sobering facts! In our acquaintance alone I would say more than half of the children we have known through the years (who attended 3 times a week with almost 100% faithfulness through high school) are no longer faithful as young adults. Their parents remain faithful, and are heartbroken. Some I know for sure taught those children regularly at home. WHAT is the poison that is killing our young people spiritually? Attacks from the world through education and evil influences certainly play a major role. PLEASURE and a life of ease and entertainment, too, can attack from within.