Catholic Homeschool: A ‘Just War Theory’ of Homeschooling
Given the increasing popularity of homeschooling among faithful Catholics, it is vital that those who practice it — or are thinking about trying it for their children — have a fully Catholic understanding of the family and the nature and meaning of education. Without it, their good intentions can go astray, following the exaggerated individualism of the culture instead of the mind of the Church. . . . keep reading
This is a very strange article by William Fahey. I would agree with most of what he says, but there are excerpts that I definitely do not agree with, such as :
Stated more controversially: The common approach to homeschooling today is inherently dangerous, because it may go against what our entire Western tradition and the Catholic Church herself teach about the education of the young — that education should not be done in the home, at least not for long, except during a time and place of crisis.
Where does the Catholic Church say that? Decide for yourself.
William Fahey
As I said in the very short (and intentionally provocative) article, I was stating the point “controversially”, this was done in attempt to spark some discussion. Homeschooling in itself can be wonderful (my wife and I homeschool), but it can be understood and pursued in a way dangerous, if it is viewed as in and of itself higher or normative. The letter released recently in Rome by the Congregation for Catholic Education defends the traditional right of parents to see to the proper education of the family, but states clearly the normative role of schools. Education by “other ways” is the exception and pursued in response to the absence of good Catholic schools. Had this document be available to me when I gave the lecture (from which the article is derived) I would have cited it. Here is the relevant part:
3. “Among all educational instruments the school has a special importance” (GE 5), as it is “the principal assistance to parents in fulfilling the function of education” (c. 796 §1 CIC), particularly in order to favour the transmission of culture and education for co-existence. In this educational setting – and in conformity with international legislation and human rights – “the right of parents to choose an education in conformity with their religious faith must be absolutely guaranteed” (FC 40). Catholic parents “are to entrust their children to those schools which provide a Catholic education” (c. 798 CIC) and, when this is not possible, they must provide for their Catholic education in other ways (cf. ibidem).
Thank you for drawing attention to my article. I hope to publish the full version later. It may clarify a few things and thus seem less “strange.”
evann
William,
Thank you for clarifying some aspects of your article. Like I said, I agreed with so much you had to say, yet was confused when you said Catholic homeschooling was inherently dangerous. Just about anything good can be understood and pursued in a dangerous way, but to make a blanket statement like that was a bit more than provocative. My goal here is to encourage Catholic homeschooling. I’m not sure what your goal is.
William Fahey
Evann,
Again: what I state–and the larger context of the actual lecture is important–and what is stated even in the section you quote is not that “homeschooling was inherently dangerous,” (i.e., all of it) but the “common approach” (i.e., what I think is becoming more prevalent). Also, “inherently dangerous” doesn’t mean bad. Cars have an inherent danger, for example. It is a difference of emphasis for the sake of a short provocative essay (perhaps too much so for the internet). My goal is not very complicated, though perhaps too hopeful: to encourage a deeper reflection on what the Catholic educational tradition is and to anchor homeschooling in that tradition where it is not. I am united with you in encouraging homeschooling; otherwise, I wouldn’t homeschool nor would I have written the essay. This is a great site, by the way.
evann
Glad you like my site, William. Over the 17 years I have been homeschooling I have seen numerous families who probably should not have been homeschooling their children. I have also seen numerous “Catholic” families with children in “Catholic” schools who were not at all engaged in their children’s education, much less their faith. I don’t know what the answer is. Homeschooling is defintely not for everyone. It is hard work and involves much sacrifice. It requires both parents to actively participate. Most of all it requires prayer and faith.
Peace to you and your family,
Evann