There's a great bit of dialogue in That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. This is the third book in his so-called space trilogy, by the way, but can be read on its own.
Here's how the dialogue goes, as found near the end of chapter 3:
"I suppose there are two views about everything," said Mark.
"Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there's never more than one."
One of the great things about Sonlight is that we make an effort to acknowledge different viewpoints and perspectives, even if we might disagree with them. Children need to know that there are often multiple approaches to important topics. This isn't to say that there's no "right" view, but to understand the reality of various points of view so that they can charitably learn more about opposing ideas and be better equipped to evaluate them.
Instead of isolating or indoctrinating, we prefer to help children and parents engage ideas. What better place to do this than at home where parents can help guide the discussion and model fairness, civility, and reason?
It's important for all of us to learn how to think through ideas and analyze them. As Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, we are to "examine everything carefully" and "hold fast to that which is good" (NASB).
What do you do when you're homeschooling and come across ideas you disagree with or that are controversial?
Robert Velarde
Author/Educator/Philosopher
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