This is a buzz phrase right now among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It reflects a current spiritual emphasis on individuals developing their own relationship to Jesus Christ, receiving guidance in their own lives FOR their own lives.
The phrase was introduced to the membership at large at an interesting time for me. I had just decided, after some exploration and research, to homeschool the part of my 15 year-old's education that most other homeschooling members of my faith DO relinquish to outside authority: seminary. (Seminary is a class offered to youth of high school age to familiarize them with the books of scripture and doctrines of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ.)
I had a host of reasons for this decision which I won't get into here, beyond to simply state that I felt I could be the one to best accomplish my objectives for my son: that he develop his own relationship with God, that he find relevance to his life in the scriptures, and that he begin to prepare for the responsibility all believers have to "give an answer for his faith."
Interestingly, I announced this to my extended family and was surprised at the level of push-back I received. It reminded me of the passionate push-back flung my way when I announced 10 or 11 years ago that we would be homeschooling the kids' academics. I won't go into the expressed counter-arguments either. I would just add that the push-back shocked and discouraged me. I didn't feel discouraged nor uncertain about my decision, but I felt incredibly discouraged that there seemed to be such dismay at my choice to manage our own way through a non-essential (being that it doesn't pertain to salvation) program of the church.
And then a few months later I was IN the Conference Center when this shift in emphasis was announced. Observing that feelings about my choice to homeschool seminary may be a little raw, I didn't say anything about the announcement. In fact, I doubted that anyone else had made the connection that was evident to me: that we ARE IN FACT responsible for our own progress in the gospel and that this progress CANNOT be outsourced effectively to anyone or any program. Finally one brother pressed me to share my perspective on the announcement, which I was actively trying NOT to interject. I chose to say simply, "I felt validated."
In subsequent church meetings this has continued to be an emphasis - that the home is the primary source of instruction and church programs and classes are secondary to it. And of course, I love this change! But NOT because of the validation of my spiritual choice, but actually because it validates how we do academics around here!
So many people, when they find out we homeschool, say something to the effect of, "Oh, I could NEVER do THAT." I want to state clearly, AGAIN, that if I can homeschool, anyone can. I have never been to college. I have an embarrassingly short fuse. And the idea that I can prepare my children, alone, for the daunting expectation of a successful life is as intimidating as preparing them, alone, to get back to God.
Every religious person can see and FEEL that they have not educated their children in faith alone. No matter your religious creed, families enjoy the support of church structure, church teachings, and inspired mentors. And this is precisely how my children are educated temporally. I am not standing in front of them, day after day, hour after hour, singly filling their heads with the facts that will fuel success in their lives. I wouldn't WANT that, I couldn't offer that. I have honed the skill to recognize my weaknesses - like my own troubled times-tables, or my disinterest in anything scientific - and found BETTER, stronger resources to make up for my kids what I lack. I have not become a math expert, or a hobby scientist. Nor do I expect that I SHOULD merely because I want my kids to have joy and proficiency in math or science, anymore than I expect another parent who wants her child to dance to become proficient in the technique of classical ballet. I am the expert dance teacher helping my students become better dancers. And I FIND experts to supplement where my knowledge is inadequate.
Incidentally, that is a LOT. Like MOST of everything they learn, they learn from a better source than me. Still, I think of their learning as home-centered because we, the parents are in charge. Without waiting on school policy or the PTA, we chose the curriculum, chose the instructors, set the pacing and establish the priorities. And much of the instruction does, in fact, take place in our home, or in the homes of their friends. Perhaps I could say their educations are home-centered, expert-supported? I like that. And because I've been practicing this approach in the education of my children, the church's shift to a home focus seems natural and delightful to me.
Now, one worthy question remains: will my children receive the education they need to face the economic realities of their futures? That is an excellent question that I do NOT have the answer to yet. (Check back in about 15 years.) But my hope it will all work out is as sure as my hope that if I diligently do my part, my children CAN find their ways back to God. And that is a lively hope!
