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Excused Absence: Should Christian Kids Leave Public Schools?
God calls Christian parents to raise their kids for Him, loving Him with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind. But does this divine calling require a distinctively Christian education? Should Christian parents send their kids to public schools as salt and light or should they take their kids out of public schools to form distinctively Christian schools and home schools dedicated to holding forth Christ as Lord of all? Because our kids belong to God, are we called to surround them with a biblical worldview from the time they get up to the time they go down, including the hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.? Excused Absence is a powerful book that points Christian parents to a better way to educate their children. It is sure to inspire and motivate the growing Christian schooling and home schooling movements for many years to come.
138 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
18 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Wilson
319 books4,553 followersI write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 21, 2021
Excellent. If you are still thinking if you should pull your children out of the government schools, I urge you to read this book. If you are convinced parents have the responsibility to give their children a Christian education, buy two copies and give them away.
If you are already committed to obeying the Lord and giving your children a distinctive Christian education, read it as well. This book is filled with strong words that will encourage you to press on.
If you are already committed to obeying the Lord and giving your children a distinctive Christian education, read it as well. This book is filled with strong words that will encourage you to press on.
August 29, 2010
This book should come with a warning label. Though I believe it to be a book every Christian parent ought to read, it is also a book which cannot be read without forcing readers to seriously challenge their previously held and sometimes deeply rooted assumptions about the nature of education. It's one of the things I love so much about Doug Wilson's writing: This book may not change any of the decisions you have made about your child's education, but it will, at the very least, make your decision a more informed one, and cause you to ask yourself some questions you may have never considered.
Many people will read the subtitle of this book and expect a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but of course, it's never that simple, is it? For those simply skimming the review, however, I'll give you the short answer, and then share how Wilson arrives there. Yes, Wilson believes Christian kids should leave public schools, but this is never presented as an absolute moral imperative (i.e. — sending a child to public school is not a sin). There is a difference between "should" and "must". Wilson does grant that there are some rare exceptions when parents may legitimately decide that public schools are the best option for their children. Of course, when 85% of Christian families in America currently believe they are the "rare" exception, there is going to be some disagreement from this author.
The book's opening chapter presents its purpose statement:
Wilson begins building his case by framing his arguments as proactive, rather than reactive. Most of the time, he says, Christians react and respond to problems in government schools (drugs, Outcome-Based Education, teaching of evolution as fact, removal of prayer, etc) rather then beginning at "the true starting point": the biblical mandate for Christian parents to educate their children according to God's Word ( Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ; Ephesians 6:4 ). If we start building our educational philosophy with what God has commanded in no uncertain terms, we'll have a much sturdier foundation than if we simply try to "fix" what is broken in the secular schools.
If we accept the premise that God is the Creator and Author of ALL truth, then it ought to be clear that all knowledge and education should point to God. All forms and subjects of knowledge are interconnected, because it all springs from the same root. Math "works" because God is a God of order, and has created an ordered universe. We study language because God has chosen to reveal Himself to us using words. History is important because it shows us how God has been sovereign and active throughout eternity.
Government schools are completely antithetical to this concept. Teachers attempt to communicate knowledge removed from its source, which is ultimately impossible. Apart from God, there can be no objective standard of truth, beauty, or goodness. Schools built on the assumption that men can decide their own "truth" must resort to relativism and constantly changing standards, which is exactly what we see in public education.
The entire argument hinges on whether or not such a thing as "values-neutral" education exists. If, as the government schools would have us believe, this is possible, then school can be simply a place for children to learn facts, while the interpretation of these facts is left to parents and students. However, Jesus said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Matthew 12:30). This leaves no room for neutrality. Parents must choose between an educational system that is with Jesus, or one which is against him.
Making the right choice does not come without sacrifice. Wilson devotes an entire chapter to answering objections (many of them valid) against the pursuit of a Christian education, not least of which is financial. Also addressed are typically low standards in many Christian schools (hardly better and sometimes worse than public schools), and the fact that many parents are simply not equipped to homeschool.
The solution is that Christian parents and churches need to once again devote themselves to providing excellent, distinctively Christian education for our children, no matter the cost. If Christian education is indeed a moral obligation, as Wilson convincingly argues, then we must follow in obedience and trust the Lord to provide. If the Christian community-at-large can agree together that this is something which must be done, and if Christian families and teachers devote themselves to leaving the public schools in order to create something better and Biblical, then it is absolutely possible to make this type of education available for anyone who desires it. This is evidenced by Wilson's own church congregation, in which only 5% of the children are enrolled in public schools. Most of the rest are enrolled in Logos School , which was founded by Wilson in the early 1980's and remains an excellent standard for other schools to emulate.
In short, it is not a sin to enroll your children in the public schools. However, it is a sin to abdicate your responsibility to provide your children with a Christian education, something nearly (though not entirely) impossible through public schooling. Children who attend public schools from Kindergarten through high school graduation will receive approximately 14,000 hours of training in the rival religion of secular humanism. Parents must ask themselves which is easier: Helping their children to "unlearn" what humanism has taught them and replacing it with a Christian worldview, or building their children's education on the Solid Rock from the beginning.
This book may be slim, but it is a gold mine of wisdom for parents.
Many people will read the subtitle of this book and expect a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but of course, it's never that simple, is it? For those simply skimming the review, however, I'll give you the short answer, and then share how Wilson arrives there. Yes, Wilson believes Christian kids should leave public schools, but this is never presented as an absolute moral imperative (i.e. — sending a child to public school is not a sin). There is a difference between "should" and "must". Wilson does grant that there are some rare exceptions when parents may legitimately decide that public schools are the best option for their children. Of course, when 85% of Christian families in America currently believe they are the "rare" exception, there is going to be some disagreement from this author.
The book's opening chapter presents its purpose statement:
[This book:] aims to persuade Christian parents to act wisely in their children's education by giving them the kind of education the Bible requires: a distinctively Christian education, which their children cannot receive at government schools.
Wilson begins building his case by framing his arguments as proactive, rather than reactive. Most of the time, he says, Christians react and respond to problems in government schools (drugs, Outcome-Based Education, teaching of evolution as fact, removal of prayer, etc) rather then beginning at "the true starting point": the biblical mandate for Christian parents to educate their children according to God's Word ( Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ; Ephesians 6:4 ). If we start building our educational philosophy with what God has commanded in no uncertain terms, we'll have a much sturdier foundation than if we simply try to "fix" what is broken in the secular schools.
If we accept the premise that God is the Creator and Author of ALL truth, then it ought to be clear that all knowledge and education should point to God. All forms and subjects of knowledge are interconnected, because it all springs from the same root. Math "works" because God is a God of order, and has created an ordered universe. We study language because God has chosen to reveal Himself to us using words. History is important because it shows us how God has been sovereign and active throughout eternity.
Government schools are completely antithetical to this concept. Teachers attempt to communicate knowledge removed from its source, which is ultimately impossible. Apart from God, there can be no objective standard of truth, beauty, or goodness. Schools built on the assumption that men can decide their own "truth" must resort to relativism and constantly changing standards, which is exactly what we see in public education.
The entire argument hinges on whether or not such a thing as "values-neutral" education exists. If, as the government schools would have us believe, this is possible, then school can be simply a place for children to learn facts, while the interpretation of these facts is left to parents and students. However, Jesus said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Matthew 12:30). This leaves no room for neutrality. Parents must choose between an educational system that is with Jesus, or one which is against him.
Making the right choice does not come without sacrifice. Wilson devotes an entire chapter to answering objections (many of them valid) against the pursuit of a Christian education, not least of which is financial. Also addressed are typically low standards in many Christian schools (hardly better and sometimes worse than public schools), and the fact that many parents are simply not equipped to homeschool.
The solution is that Christian parents and churches need to once again devote themselves to providing excellent, distinctively Christian education for our children, no matter the cost. If Christian education is indeed a moral obligation, as Wilson convincingly argues, then we must follow in obedience and trust the Lord to provide. If the Christian community-at-large can agree together that this is something which must be done, and if Christian families and teachers devote themselves to leaving the public schools in order to create something better and Biblical, then it is absolutely possible to make this type of education available for anyone who desires it. This is evidenced by Wilson's own church congregation, in which only 5% of the children are enrolled in public schools. Most of the rest are enrolled in Logos School , which was founded by Wilson in the early 1980's and remains an excellent standard for other schools to emulate.
In short, it is not a sin to enroll your children in the public schools. However, it is a sin to abdicate your responsibility to provide your children with a Christian education, something nearly (though not entirely) impossible through public schooling. Children who attend public schools from Kindergarten through high school graduation will receive approximately 14,000 hours of training in the rival religion of secular humanism. Parents must ask themselves which is easier: Helping their children to "unlearn" what humanism has taught them and replacing it with a Christian worldview, or building their children's education on the Solid Rock from the beginning.
This book may be slim, but it is a gold mine of wisdom for parents.
June 28, 2019
"We worship a sovereign God who uses means to accomplish His ends. Parents are the means to educate and train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Doug Wilson ends this books with this amazing line where parents are called out to be the means through which our children are educated, and that that education must be a God focused education. The main premise of the book is to ask whether or not that is a possible goal with our children attending government schools (a name I greatly prefer over public schools). Wilson clearly and forcefully shows how attendance in government schools directly contradicts the goal of every Christian parent to raise their children to know Christ and His world. This book can serve as a clear guide to new parents in deciding how much importance they should place on the education of their children and whom they are allowing to educate them. Wilson makes it clear that if the education that you are giving your children is not a Christ centered education, then you are not fulfilling the covenant obligations that God has given you as a parent. Great book with a lot of insights!
November 13, 2025
Doug is thorough in his analysis on education. Simply pulling out of the public school system is not enough. Repentance that goes all the way down is necessary. Great. Christ’s disciples must teach Christ’s ways to everyone (including children from 8am-3pm).
July 13, 2022
Radical, insightful, and convincing. A few parts were overstated, but overall a worthy reading. This book will offend many and perhaps that’s a good thing.
March 15, 2023
Short and to the point. Gives good insight and history into why a Christian family is responsible for educating children. The book also gives reasons on why public school shouldn’t be an option.
September 11, 2012
A small book that is like putting dynamite under the foundation of public education. Pastor Wilson systematically exposes the problems with Christians sending their children to public schools. He then answers objections to his thesis and explains some temptations with Christian education whether in a Christian school or at home. He roots the book in Scripture and the covenant that God has brought his people into. This book is a must read for anyone who thinks public school is a valid educational option for Christian parents.
March 14, 2023
A wonderful brief read which covers the history of public education, private education and classical education in America explaining the key differences of each. Would definitely recommend to any Christian who has children in public schools or is considering what to do with their children when the become school age.
August 8, 2017
Read several years ago and again 8/17
This is a good introduction to the topic. Wilson writes with clear, direct language and pulls no punches. I agree with most of his argument and only found myself disagreeing, or questioning, at a few points.
This is a good introduction to the topic. Wilson writes with clear, direct language and pulls no punches. I agree with most of his argument and only found myself disagreeing, or questioning, at a few points.
October 26, 2010
In this brief book, Doug Wilson argues from Scripture, history, pedagogy and the current state of secular public schools to put forward a strong case for, and defense of, the obligation of Christian parents to ensure their children receive a thorough and holistic, biblically faithful Christian education. In so doing, Wilson smashes much of the fuzzy thinking on this emotional topic. Readers will likely either love or hate this book and this is largely due to Wilson's straight forward and unapologetic presentation of his views. Regardless, it ought to be read for its content and sound reasoning whether or not the style offends some people's sensitivities.
There are a number of aspects of the public vs. Christian education debate addressed in this book albeit in a summary fashion. Wilson's approach is refreshingly broader and more foundational than the many attempts to merely suggest reforms to the public system. Wilson argues that the state system has been wrong from the start and therefore there never was an idyllic past that we should be aiming to recapture. Parents are forbidden by Scripture to abdicate their responsibility to educate and disciple their children in the Lord to another party or authority.
This book addresses the false belief that an education that doesn't refer to God is a neutral education. There is no such thing as value neutral education. If a school system leaves God out, it is not neutral; it is by definition anti-God. Teachers and curriculum may not ever come out and assert that there is no God but by excluding any mention of him, students learn by default that God is irrelevant to any field they are studying.
Wilson also clearly shows that state-run education was birthed out of a world-view which embraced the thinking that man could perfect himself through education. This same world-view denied the biblical Christian doctrine of the fall and inherent sinful nature of humanity. If built on these foundational assumptions, the edifice of public education by definition must directly contradict the biblical understanding of humanity's need to repent and renew relationship with God before any learning process can truly be considered gaining wisdom and understanding. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Wilson points out that our relativistic culture has made truth, beauty and goodness relative. Even the public schools can't practically function this way, however, so contrary to God's standards, they adopt standards that serve the interests of the state as a competing authoritative deity rather than holding to biblical standards of truth, beauty and goodness.
If parents are called to teach their children to "take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ" and if "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ", and if Christian parents are to teach their children all day, during all activities, at home and away (Deut. 6:1-9), than Christian education cannot be relegated to Sunday school, Bible studies or family devotions. There is a Christian way to think about all things, math, history, science and language included, because God is Lord of those things too. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, so if a person does not fear and honor God, any facts they might learn cannot even start them down the road to the destination that knowledge is supposed to arrive at.
The section on answering objections to Christian education is very helpful and at least somewhat sympathetic to the good intentions of those who put forward such arguments.
Wilson's conclusion: Christians are told to render unto Caesar that which bears his image but unto God that which bears his. As our tax dollars bear the image of the state, we must regrettably continue to fund public education but since our children are made in the image of God, we are forbidden by he in whose image they are made to render them to anyone but God. Therefore, a Christian education is the only option for Christian parents concerned with obedience.
For more indepth explorations of this subject, see Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning: An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education, The Case for Classical Christian Education, Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education, Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning.
There are a number of aspects of the public vs. Christian education debate addressed in this book albeit in a summary fashion. Wilson's approach is refreshingly broader and more foundational than the many attempts to merely suggest reforms to the public system. Wilson argues that the state system has been wrong from the start and therefore there never was an idyllic past that we should be aiming to recapture. Parents are forbidden by Scripture to abdicate their responsibility to educate and disciple their children in the Lord to another party or authority.
This book addresses the false belief that an education that doesn't refer to God is a neutral education. There is no such thing as value neutral education. If a school system leaves God out, it is not neutral; it is by definition anti-God. Teachers and curriculum may not ever come out and assert that there is no God but by excluding any mention of him, students learn by default that God is irrelevant to any field they are studying.
Wilson also clearly shows that state-run education was birthed out of a world-view which embraced the thinking that man could perfect himself through education. This same world-view denied the biblical Christian doctrine of the fall and inherent sinful nature of humanity. If built on these foundational assumptions, the edifice of public education by definition must directly contradict the biblical understanding of humanity's need to repent and renew relationship with God before any learning process can truly be considered gaining wisdom and understanding. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Wilson points out that our relativistic culture has made truth, beauty and goodness relative. Even the public schools can't practically function this way, however, so contrary to God's standards, they adopt standards that serve the interests of the state as a competing authoritative deity rather than holding to biblical standards of truth, beauty and goodness.
If parents are called to teach their children to "take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ" and if "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ", and if Christian parents are to teach their children all day, during all activities, at home and away (Deut. 6:1-9), than Christian education cannot be relegated to Sunday school, Bible studies or family devotions. There is a Christian way to think about all things, math, history, science and language included, because God is Lord of those things too. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, so if a person does not fear and honor God, any facts they might learn cannot even start them down the road to the destination that knowledge is supposed to arrive at.
The section on answering objections to Christian education is very helpful and at least somewhat sympathetic to the good intentions of those who put forward such arguments.
Wilson's conclusion: Christians are told to render unto Caesar that which bears his image but unto God that which bears his. As our tax dollars bear the image of the state, we must regrettably continue to fund public education but since our children are made in the image of God, we are forbidden by he in whose image they are made to render them to anyone but God. Therefore, a Christian education is the only option for Christian parents concerned with obedience.
For more indepth explorations of this subject, see Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning: An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education, The Case for Classical Christian Education, Repairing the Ruins: The Classical and Christian Challenge to Modern Education, Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning.
September 19, 2022
Concise and compelling case, highly recommended!
September 26, 2008
Cutting to the chase: Yes, they should.
This claim by such a well-reasoned author should come as no surprise, but it may strike many (even professing Christians) as offensive, separatist, legalistic, etc. These reactions only serve to prove that our culture — WE — have been completely indoctrinated in "tolerance" and relativism.
No educational scenario is neutral: it cannot be. Every education purports a worldview. The current world view of the government school system is that "God" (or any discussion of Him (yes, "Him")) should remain sequestered from schooling, that knowledge/learning/wisdom can exist apart from His sovereignty. The Scriptures are undeniably and repeatedly at odds with this ideology.
The real question is not "Should Christian kids leave public schools," but "Will parents choose a godly education for their children over a widely-prevalent materialistic lifestyle?" True education necessitates, and is synonymous with, Christian discipleship.
Most children will spend about 14,000 hours in a public school "discipleship program," apart from the teachings of Scripture. At best, they'll spend only one fifth of that time in Christian discipleship by their parents and others... most will spend far less time on this. The math is overwhelming.
OK, I've stayed up too late. Thanks for reading. :-)
This claim by such a well-reasoned author should come as no surprise, but it may strike many (even professing Christians) as offensive, separatist, legalistic, etc. These reactions only serve to prove that our culture — WE — have been completely indoctrinated in "tolerance" and relativism.
No educational scenario is neutral: it cannot be. Every education purports a worldview. The current world view of the government school system is that "God" (or any discussion of Him (yes, "Him")) should remain sequestered from schooling, that knowledge/learning/wisdom can exist apart from His sovereignty. The Scriptures are undeniably and repeatedly at odds with this ideology.
The real question is not "Should Christian kids leave public schools," but "Will parents choose a godly education for their children over a widely-prevalent materialistic lifestyle?" True education necessitates, and is synonymous with, Christian discipleship.
Most children will spend about 14,000 hours in a public school "discipleship program," apart from the teachings of Scripture. At best, they'll spend only one fifth of that time in Christian discipleship by their parents and others... most will spend far less time on this. The math is overwhelming.
OK, I've stayed up too late. Thanks for reading. :-)
September 20, 2011
By far one of my favorite books by Douglas Wilson. In Excused Absence he takes the reader through a difficult look at state education in America, a Biblical analysis of it, and a Christian response to it.
Like any of his books, he writes with a conversational (and confrontational) style. But his points are argued from Scripture, and it's really hard not to at least do some self-reflection (in light of the Scripture) with each chapter.
As with any author, I'm sure there are places where the reader will disagree (maybe have a different understanding of what Scripture says at a certain point); but even so this book is well worth the read. I especially recommend it to anyone involved in Christian education, anyone who is a Christian and is involved in state education, and last but not least, all Christian parents who have to at some point decide how they are going to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (aka, all parents or potential parents who are Christians). Even if not everything Wilson said is agreed to, he at least forces us to think through the issues as the necessary and Biblical issues that they are.
Like any of his books, he writes with a conversational (and confrontational) style. But his points are argued from Scripture, and it's really hard not to at least do some self-reflection (in light of the Scripture) with each chapter.
As with any author, I'm sure there are places where the reader will disagree (maybe have a different understanding of what Scripture says at a certain point); but even so this book is well worth the read. I especially recommend it to anyone involved in Christian education, anyone who is a Christian and is involved in state education, and last but not least, all Christian parents who have to at some point decide how they are going to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (aka, all parents or potential parents who are Christians). Even if not everything Wilson said is agreed to, he at least forces us to think through the issues as the necessary and Biblical issues that they are.
May 4, 2010
Second time through this one, and worth the read once more. One of the great battlegrounds of our time, won by the enemy convincing us to enlist our fledgling soldiers in their schools. Would that every Christian reads this! Interesting to read in conjunction with John Taylor Gatto's Dumbing Us Down, for, while both authors come to the same conclusion (government schools are a horror, flawed in their very foundations), they do so in different ways, sometimes even referring to the same historical events (the Unitarian takeover in the northeast, for example) through completely different eyes.
December 14, 2018
Thought provoking and thoughtful. Many good reasons why children should not be put into "government school." Multiple cases of bad exegesis and logical fallacies, but it shouldn't be a problem if you can identify them as such.
He claims that all children should be either homeschooled or classically school by some means, "government school" is the anti-biblical, nearly sinful option which is not a logical necessity based on the Scriptures he quotes in support of his ideas.
Didn't give it a 2-star because it is engaging and thought provoking.
Didn't give it a 5-star because I would be careful to whom I recommend it.
He claims that all children should be either homeschooled or classically school by some means, "government school" is the anti-biblical, nearly sinful option which is not a logical necessity based on the Scriptures he quotes in support of his ideas.
Didn't give it a 2-star because it is engaging and thought provoking.
Didn't give it a 5-star because I would be careful to whom I recommend it.
July 14, 2023
Fantastic. Just because everyone else is doing it or it is how you grew up, doesn't mean it has to be what you perpetuate and do with your kids. Bible believing Christians need to examine what they're doing biblically instead of just letting life happen to them, compromising (unwittingly or not) as they go. Highly recommend this book for any Christian who has children or is looking forward to having children one day. Plentiful use of scripture throughout its pages!
January 28, 2014
Wilson's reasoning is good, but his conclusions are presumptive and overstated.
December 17, 2019
Often I look around at the state of education in NZ and shake my head. Things are not looking good. And I think many of us would want to reform the public school system. But for Douglas Wilson, this does not get to the heart of the matter. In Excused Absence, he argues fairly convincingly that Christians should avoid the secular public system.
He begins with a background to the public school system in the US. Interesting to note is that the intellectual movement behind this consisted exclusively of those opposed to Christianity. He continues by tracing the breakdown of family, and particularly of fathers neglecting their spiritual duty.
In chapter 4, Wilson demonstrates that neutrality is impossible. Those who are not with Christ are against him (Matthew 12:30) for Christ is silent about nothing - he is King of kings and Lord of Lords. To ignore this is rebellion. A school system that ignores God and teaches children to ignore God is not neutral. It is "the worst form of antagonism, for it judges God to be unimportant and irrelevant in human affairs. This is atheism."
In the fifth chapter, he shows how public schools reject ethical absolutes defined by the character of God, and end up careening between fixed ethics and a flexible ethic - whatever suits at the time. Therefore we will have jihads against racism or pollution, but there will be no absolute good or evil in sexuality. Wilson is always an amusing read, and a great quote from this chapter is "...[they are] told that if they do not believe in the relativism dished out to them, they will find themselves doing bad things....It is bad to reject relativism because such a rejection suggests that there might be such a thing as 'bad'. That would be bad."
In my opinion though, the real meat of the book is in chapters 7-9 where Wilson looks at Scriptures that positively make the case that Christians should not educate their children in public schools. In chapter 7, Wilson argues that it is actually a biblical requirement that parents give their children a Christian education. This is stated expressly and unequivocally in Ephesians 6:4 where fathers are urged to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. He also looks at the command for parents in Deuteronomy 6. This all day every minute instruction in the things of the Lord is ”patently ignored by parents who send their children to government schools. For much of their waking hours, the only words these children here are the words of men who live in opposition to the Word of God.” Another gem from this chapter is his take on the narrative of Jesus and the Pharisees over taxes. Jesus tells them they should render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. He points out that the while image stamped on each coin was Caesar’s, the image stamped on each child is God’s. We should render them to God.
In chapter 8, the focus is loving God with all our minds. Here Wilson looks at the command from Matthew 22:37. Here he writes, “How can our children learn how to love God if they are taught by men and women who do not love God? Will our children learn to love God with their minds if the people responsible for training their minds have no idea what this passage means? And even if some teachers at government schools happen to be Christians, how will our children learn how to love God with all their minds when those teachers who do love God are prohibited by law from teaching them anything about Him when school is in session?” Wilson also responds to a couple of the common arguments at this point. Here’s one I hear all the time: “My children can be salt and light by remaining in a public school.” Wilson jokingly replies that sure Africa needs more missionaries, but that’s no reason for parents to put their tots on the next airplane. What is needed is missionaries who have been trained and prepared for what they will encounter. Schools are places where students receive training!
Another useful section is in chapter 12 where some common objections are looked at. My favourite one was “I went through the public school system, and I turned out all right.” Wilson’s short answer to this objection is “No you didn’t!” This person “is obviously looking at something other than the Bible for his standard. The horrible irony is that he thinks this way precisely because he was educated in government schools to think this way.”
Well, there is plenty more to recommend this book, but I think for me the most valuable section was the convincing argument that Scripture requires Christians to give their children a Christian education.
He begins with a background to the public school system in the US. Interesting to note is that the intellectual movement behind this consisted exclusively of those opposed to Christianity. He continues by tracing the breakdown of family, and particularly of fathers neglecting their spiritual duty.
In chapter 4, Wilson demonstrates that neutrality is impossible. Those who are not with Christ are against him (Matthew 12:30) for Christ is silent about nothing - he is King of kings and Lord of Lords. To ignore this is rebellion. A school system that ignores God and teaches children to ignore God is not neutral. It is "the worst form of antagonism, for it judges God to be unimportant and irrelevant in human affairs. This is atheism."
In the fifth chapter, he shows how public schools reject ethical absolutes defined by the character of God, and end up careening between fixed ethics and a flexible ethic - whatever suits at the time. Therefore we will have jihads against racism or pollution, but there will be no absolute good or evil in sexuality. Wilson is always an amusing read, and a great quote from this chapter is "...[they are] told that if they do not believe in the relativism dished out to them, they will find themselves doing bad things....It is bad to reject relativism because such a rejection suggests that there might be such a thing as 'bad'. That would be bad."
In my opinion though, the real meat of the book is in chapters 7-9 where Wilson looks at Scriptures that positively make the case that Christians should not educate their children in public schools. In chapter 7, Wilson argues that it is actually a biblical requirement that parents give their children a Christian education. This is stated expressly and unequivocally in Ephesians 6:4 where fathers are urged to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. He also looks at the command for parents in Deuteronomy 6. This all day every minute instruction in the things of the Lord is ”patently ignored by parents who send their children to government schools. For much of their waking hours, the only words these children here are the words of men who live in opposition to the Word of God.” Another gem from this chapter is his take on the narrative of Jesus and the Pharisees over taxes. Jesus tells them they should render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. He points out that the while image stamped on each coin was Caesar’s, the image stamped on each child is God’s. We should render them to God.
In chapter 8, the focus is loving God with all our minds. Here Wilson looks at the command from Matthew 22:37. Here he writes, “How can our children learn how to love God if they are taught by men and women who do not love God? Will our children learn to love God with their minds if the people responsible for training their minds have no idea what this passage means? And even if some teachers at government schools happen to be Christians, how will our children learn how to love God with all their minds when those teachers who do love God are prohibited by law from teaching them anything about Him when school is in session?” Wilson also responds to a couple of the common arguments at this point. Here’s one I hear all the time: “My children can be salt and light by remaining in a public school.” Wilson jokingly replies that sure Africa needs more missionaries, but that’s no reason for parents to put their tots on the next airplane. What is needed is missionaries who have been trained and prepared for what they will encounter. Schools are places where students receive training!
Another useful section is in chapter 12 where some common objections are looked at. My favourite one was “I went through the public school system, and I turned out all right.” Wilson’s short answer to this objection is “No you didn’t!” This person “is obviously looking at something other than the Bible for his standard. The horrible irony is that he thinks this way precisely because he was educated in government schools to think this way.”
Well, there is plenty more to recommend this book, but I think for me the most valuable section was the convincing argument that Scripture requires Christians to give their children a Christian education.
February 26, 2018
This is an excellent read regardless where a parent lands with regard to schooling choices. Wilson does a great job in cutting to the core of the issue, which does make this an uncomfortable read as well. Christians should be prepared to give a biblically informed reason for why they do what they do. Most certainly this applies to how and why we parent our children, but it is much, much more than that. If the reader is looking for that "verse" that makes the point easy to see they will be disappointed. As like most things in life it is not about a verse, but a biblical worldview.
We are commanded to train up our children. We are commanded to instruct our children in the way of the Lord. We are the shepherds of these little souls. And this leaves one with the question, who is to be the defining influence in our child's life? The answer is not the parent. It is to be Christ. This is Who the parent is to wash his child in throughout that child's life. And so the question becomes, how can a parent effectively and honestly do this while the child is immersed in an overtly anti-Christ worldview for much of the day for a span of 10-13 years? Wilson argues that you can't.
One key point made by him is that if God is truth, not merely true, but truth itself; then we must train our children to understand all things with God at the foundation. But in the school they are thoroughly trained to not necessarily reject God, but rather to be ungodly. By this he means that the child is trained to think without God as his foundation. Truth can be understood without God in the equation. And the long term consequences to this is obvious to anyone watching our nation in its rapid decline. Not outside the church, but sadly the decline within the Church.
A couple of weaknesses: First, Wilson likes to use provocative language, which is fine. However, I found no real value in the use of "government schools" in advancing his point. Second, it appears that these were a series of individual articles at one point that were then gathered together to make a book. The result is a choppiness from one chapter to the other and a repetition of some points. A good edit would resolve much of that.
We are commanded to train up our children. We are commanded to instruct our children in the way of the Lord. We are the shepherds of these little souls. And this leaves one with the question, who is to be the defining influence in our child's life? The answer is not the parent. It is to be Christ. This is Who the parent is to wash his child in throughout that child's life. And so the question becomes, how can a parent effectively and honestly do this while the child is immersed in an overtly anti-Christ worldview for much of the day for a span of 10-13 years? Wilson argues that you can't.
One key point made by him is that if God is truth, not merely true, but truth itself; then we must train our children to understand all things with God at the foundation. But in the school they are thoroughly trained to not necessarily reject God, but rather to be ungodly. By this he means that the child is trained to think without God as his foundation. Truth can be understood without God in the equation. And the long term consequences to this is obvious to anyone watching our nation in its rapid decline. Not outside the church, but sadly the decline within the Church.
A couple of weaknesses: First, Wilson likes to use provocative language, which is fine. However, I found no real value in the use of "government schools" in advancing his point. Second, it appears that these were a series of individual articles at one point that were then gathered together to make a book. The result is a choppiness from one chapter to the other and a repetition of some points. A good edit would resolve much of that.
September 22, 2019
Public schools are generally awful. Institutions of learning are necessary and desired, but institutions of child-care and lawlessness isn't. Like I said in my most recent review of Rushdoony's work on Christian curriculum, the issue doesn't abide in public school as an entity. Governments are generally awful as well, but that isn't because government as a concept is awful; when government is corrupted, it no longer becomes a desireable thing. Likewise for public schooling, corruption usually deteriorates whatever it touches and we can only do so much before we must step into the affected areas. Homeschoolers don't do home-college for instance.
But as it stands, public schools have become so corrupt that we must bid thee farewell. The corruption is not simply a moral corruption - the curriculum is corrupted, and as such the education itself is corrupted. By any method of testing available, public schools consistently place lower than both private schools and homeschools. This is more than the call to keep our children pure - this is a call to keep our children intelligent and educated. I mean, that is the goal of going to school, isn't it?
Wilson makes similar cases in his work but his hammer hits one too many nails for my liking and ends up being too dogmatic on the issue. All the same, this was a quick dressing down of public schooling, which was made easier by the fact that public schooling has only worn the emperor's clothing for some time now.
But as it stands, public schools have become so corrupt that we must bid thee farewell. The corruption is not simply a moral corruption - the curriculum is corrupted, and as such the education itself is corrupted. By any method of testing available, public schools consistently place lower than both private schools and homeschools. This is more than the call to keep our children pure - this is a call to keep our children intelligent and educated. I mean, that is the goal of going to school, isn't it?
Wilson makes similar cases in his work but his hammer hits one too many nails for my liking and ends up being too dogmatic on the issue. All the same, this was a quick dressing down of public schooling, which was made easier by the fact that public schooling has only worn the emperor's clothing for some time now.
August 21, 2025
Dang son.
This book hits HARD.
Despite being a book that for the most part I loved and completely agreed with, it is a hard one to recommend because I think it is too direct for most people. Douglas argues very much from a first-principles point of view and that is simply not the way most people are comfortable dealing with tough subjects - and in my experience in tends to shut them down.
In the end though, this is a book that I would whole-heartedly recommend if you’re trying to work through this issue, but only if you go through it with another trusted friend who you can talk things out with. Being willing to disagree with Douglas and actually voice those disagreements out loud to someone else, will help immensely with lightening the very heavy load that is the message of this book.
Favorite Quote: “There just is no way to teach an ungodly worldview from a Christian perspective.”
This book hits HARD.
Despite being a book that for the most part I loved and completely agreed with, it is a hard one to recommend because I think it is too direct for most people. Douglas argues very much from a first-principles point of view and that is simply not the way most people are comfortable dealing with tough subjects - and in my experience in tends to shut them down.
In the end though, this is a book that I would whole-heartedly recommend if you’re trying to work through this issue, but only if you go through it with another trusted friend who you can talk things out with. Being willing to disagree with Douglas and actually voice those disagreements out loud to someone else, will help immensely with lightening the very heavy load that is the message of this book.
Favorite Quote: “There just is no way to teach an ungodly worldview from a Christian perspective.”
May 28, 2020
Great and convicting book. The author will, graciously, hold no punches. The culture we live in today (this was written almost 20 years ago), is a result of giving up our children to the government school system, which is God hating in nature and purpose.
Pastor Wilson will demonstrate how parents are required by Scripture, to provide a distinct Christian education that permeates all of life. This work will definitely wake many Christian parents up to the catastrophe and dangers of government education.
Pastor Wilson will demonstrate how parents are required by Scripture, to provide a distinct Christian education that permeates all of life. This work will definitely wake many Christian parents up to the catastrophe and dangers of government education.
July 12, 2022
This book really helps you understand why a Christian education is necessary, what pitfalls to avoid, etc.
As Christians we are entrusted by God to care for our children and that includes every aspect, even education. We must not render what is God’s (our children) to Caesar (the government).
Moral filth is exalted in the public school system. Our culture defies God. Our nation hates the Truth. Yet, out of convenience we send our kids to be taught by them.
We cannot criticize the culture/government and their propagation of sin at the same time that we are handing our kids over to them.
As Christians we are entrusted by God to care for our children and that includes every aspect, even education. We must not render what is God’s (our children) to Caesar (the government).
Moral filth is exalted in the public school system. Our culture defies God. Our nation hates the Truth. Yet, out of convenience we send our kids to be taught by them.
We cannot criticize the culture/government and their propagation of sin at the same time that we are handing our kids over to them.
January 31, 2019
3.5 stars. I agreed already with the premise of Wilson’s book. It’s strengths are outlining the basic case for explicitly Christian education for our children, in contrast to the godless public schools. When we see our obligation as covenant faithfulness, it’s an obvious and joyful obedience. The book overshoots or gets distracted at times with related ideas, while in several spots I don’t buy his historical analysis. The chapter on potential pitfalls for Christian private schools and homeschoolers was tremendously insightful and pragmatic.
February 5, 2018
Nice to have a book fleshing out all of Wilson's arguments on the subject, though - as I've come to notice with his books - his rapid-fire way of writing (which I love) can often leave you thinking "wait... What? Go back to that topic! I'd like to interact more!", but, alas, a well-thought out one-liner and he's moved on.
January 7, 2023
Very informative and back up by scripture. Not only a book showing you the dangers of relativism, postmodernism, and secularism in public schools but an in-depth look at the responsibilities of Christian parents over their children and what God calls us to do. As someone who went to public school, I see the dangers of it.
September 7, 2017
Explaining God’s call for Christians to raise children with God at the center, especially in education, this would be most beneficial to those who question if a Christian should receive his/her education in a Christian or government school.
May 5, 2019
In this book, Wilson argues that secular schools are just getting more secular and cannot educate your children in the same way as a good Christian homeschooling. A politically charged topic for sure, but probably the best argument I've read for the reason to homeschool.
September 8, 2022
It's a little early for me to read this, but I'm glad I did. Wilson gives a theology of childrearing and reveals the absurdity of sending Christian kids to public schools. He also delves into the challenges of private Christian schools and homeschool. Will read again in a few years.
September 23, 2022
You don’t want to take all of it and run with it… probably. But I can’t help but enjoy the way Wilson writes without pulling punches and I appreciated hearing his take on the current state of education.
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