Right. I'm interested in growing the number of homeschoolers, but the really HUGE change could come if the Baptists could use their existing facilities to multiply the number of church-related schools.
At their peak in 1965, Catholic parochial schools in the United States constituted the largest non-government school system in the world, enrolling 5.5 million American students. This system has shrunk to a mere 40% of what it used to be, enrolling just 2.3 million students in 2005-06.
There are demographic and sociological reasons for this: many of the schools were founded to serve ethnic parishes with lots of immigrant parishioners --- inner-city Poles, Italians, and Slovaks who have long since integrated culturally and moved to the 'burbs.
But the main reason, I think, is the disastrous drop in the number of religious sisters who used to staff the schools. Nationally, the number of religious sisters has plunged from 180,000 in 1965 to 68,000 in 2005.
To be frank, the nuns worked "for a prayer" and practically lived on air. They were dedicated, most of them were young (back in 1965) and most were very competent and effective teachers.
I am excited and thrilled that the Baptists are talking about using their existing buildings to start Baptist schools and pull as many kids out of the public schools as possible. But I wonder how they can affordably do it without a cadre of teachers who will be as dedicated (and low-paid) as the splendid cadre of nuns who taught me when I was growing up.
But there are possibilities. Internet and satellite education... hmm... Well, go get 'em. Baptists, my hat's off to you. I wish you all the best!
Yes, it's a sad thing about the nuns. But it could still be turned around. Our parochial school here in Montpelier, VT, although things are still pretty tough, has been on an upward path these past few years, mostly because of strong parental concern and great lay leadership, even though the whole diocese was left in sorry shape by the last bishop.
And while some orders of nuns are dying, others are thriving.
I find that I am donating regularly to one religious order of nuns that consists mostly of very old nuns who are terminally ill and dying, with few younger sisters to support them, as they should be doing, because they all jumped ship. A sad business, but someone has to support these sick and elderly nuns.
At the same time I am donating to a younger order who just keep drawing in more and more young postulates, and are bursting at the seams and having to put up new buildings and expand them in mid-construction.
As Fr. Benedict Groeschel pointed out in an article I read some years ago, it's in the nature of things that old institutions grow corrupt and die, and they simply may not be salvageable. But then new ones come along to take their place. In the case of religious orders, this has happened recurrently for more than a thousand years. So, possibly the Jesuits might die out completely, which would be sad, but some other order will spring up to take their place.
The Baptists can do it, if they set their minds and hearts on it. God will support that kind of genuine commitment if it is truly performed in His name.
What makes it possible today is technology - dvds, satellite, internet, mp3 - and coops and retirees. As a youngster I always envied the kids at the local Catholic school. We knew they were ahead of us, and I hated it...;-)
"I am excited and thrilled that the Baptists are talking about using their existing buildings to start Baptist schools and pull as many kids out of the public schools as possible."
Ditto. Our Baptist bretheren have the right idea. Making it work will of course be a challenge, but I think that the models for success are out there. Where there's a will, there's usually a way.
I wouldn't be surprised if new Baptist schools were to center on a model that blended parochial education and home education, with a healthy amount of internet and satellite education tossed in the mix.
The possibilities are thrilling. I hope and pray that the SBC steps up to the plate on this. Even if they don't do so officially, the debate will push individual congregations toward doing so anyway.
This quote was a keeper: "First, Christian parents are obligated to provide their children with a Christ-centered education. Anyone who thinks that a few hours of youth group and church will have more influence on a child's faith and worldview than 40 to 50 hours a week of public school classes, activities, and homework is simply not being honest with himself."
"I am excited and thrilled that the Baptists are talking about using their existing buildings to start Baptist schools and pull as many kids out of the public schools as possible. But I wonder how they can affordably do it without a cadre of teachers..."
If they are committed to doing this, I think they can. SBC members donate huge amounts of money for missions via Lottie Moon, etc. Educating their children properly should be no less of a mission, and is no less important.
The SBC church in our town does have a school, and the kids consistently score much higher on testing than their "equals" in public school. It's not a fancy place, but the teachers are no less dedicated than the nuns you mention and the kids learn. Also, the parents know that if a cucumber makes an appearance there, it's just for lunch and not a visual aid in sex ed class.