Abraham Hamilton III, a father of six and public policy analyst for the American Family Association, recently shared his reasons for homeschooling his children. His decision stems from a deep dive into the history and philosophy of public education, coupled with a strong commitment to his faith.
Hamilton's research led him to question the foundations of public schooling, particularly its relationship with religious belief. He points to influential figures like Horace Mann and John Dewey, whose vision for public education, he argues, aimed to instill secular humanism, a philosophy that emphasizes human reason and ethics over religious dogma.
Hamilton believes this secular focus deprives students of a complete understanding of knowledge, using Isaac Newton as an example. He notes that Newton's scientific pursuits were deeply rooted in his Christian faith, a connection often overlooked in public education. He argues that understanding this connection is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of scientific history and the motivations behind groundbreaking discoveries. Hamilton believes that mathematics itself offers a glimpse into the divine order of the universe, a perspective he feels is absent in a secular educational setting.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to online learning offered parents a closer look at classroom instruction, further fueling concerns about indoctrination. Hamilton acknowledges the efforts of parents who are actively involved in school board meetings and advocating for change within the public school system.
However, he believes the system itself is inherently structured to exclude religious perspectives. He cites legal battles involving prayer in schools, challenges to same-sex themed books, and the removal of the Bible from school libraries as evidence of this systemic issue.
Ultimately, Hamilton's decision to homeschool is driven by his desire to provide his children with a holistic education that integrates faith and knowledge, a goal he feels is incompatible with the current public school system. He emphasizes the importance of raising his children with a strong spiritual foundation, believing that homeschooling provides the best environment for this endeavor.
