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?
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Our sons have never actually "learned" a trade in an apprentice-type situation, but they do have plenty of skills with yard work and painting and such. These may be able to be used someday to earn a living should the need arise. I do, however, like the idea of actually pursuing a trade in addition to college.
ReplyDeleteLinda
We have seven sons and I daughter ranging in ages from 26 to 2. We have homeschooled for around 20 years and have about another 15 to go at least should the Lord not bless us with any more children to home educate (our daughter in law with twins has suggested we educate the grandchildren - not sure about this one). I am an accountant and did not teach my first 2 sons this trade. The first is a Lawyer and the second did a bachelor of business but is earning more money working in the factory where I am an accountant. Our third son is studying accounting through distance education and does not need to go on campus and worked with me for six months and is now in his third contract while finishing his degree part time. Our fourth eldest son does not want to do a degree but wants to be an electrician. This came as a shock to me as I expected them all to get degrees. Not sure if they should all do accounting though. I find with accounting that it clicks with some people and with others it is just double Dutch.
ReplyDeleteHomeSchooling has been great for our family and I thank the Lord for leading us into it.