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From Behind Enemy Lines

August 15, 2014
school bus photo

 

Update as of 9/2/2014

Dear Readers of No Greater Joy Magazine,

I would like to apologize to you for the inflammatory way in which I presented my argument against public education in the article, “From Behind Enemy Lines”. In retrospect, it was not wise for me to use the analogy of concentration camps and the holocaust to illustrate the loss of millions of children from Christian homes to the world (Secular Humanism) as a result of the media, the public school curriculum, and the student culture.

It is a fine line to walk for a man trying to speak the truth in a way that would awaken Christian parents without having the method of communication over-shadow the message. Concentration camps and the holocaust are real horrific events of history. Some people might not understand the seriousness of the spiritual destruction of our children and as a result, might come to the conclusion that I am being disrespectful to those families who directly suffered in the holocaust. I certainly did not want to offend anyone with my analogy; and for that I would like to offer my deepest apologies and ask forgiveness from those whom I have offended. I would also like to ask No Greater Joy Ministries as well as anyone else who has re-posted my article to remove my article from their website and replace it with this apology.

As a result of my study of God’s Word and the testimony of my experience, I still believe and stand by my convictions regarding having Christian parents rescue their children from the public schools.

The following is what I believe God says regarding the education of our children. Prayerfully examine it in light of the scriptures and let the Holy Spirit and His Word lead you to the right decision regarding your children.

May God bless you and your families!

Ray Fournier

www.EducationReformation.org

The following is a summary of what God says regarding the education of our children from my book, Education Reformation (www.EducatonReformation.org)

C H A P T E R F O U R:

The Education Reformation Manifesto

We believe that providing a Biblical education for our children is a direct application of the Great Commission and we are motivated by the gospel to provide it for the glory of God.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28: 18-20 

The Great Commission not only includes the preaching of the gospel and baptizing new believers, it also includes making mature disciples by teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. This is the goal of a truly Biblical education.

We believe that the Great Commission begins in our households, expands to our friends and family, our local community, and then to the rest of the world (Acts 1: 8). A Parents’ primary responsibility regarding the Great Commission is the evangelism and discipleship of their children.

We believe that one of the reasons God created us in Christ was to accomplish good works for His Glory (Ephesians 2: 10). The evangelism and discipleship of our children, which is at the core of a Biblical education, is one of the most important good works that God has commanded us to accomplish.

We believe that God has given us His infallible, authoritative, and sufficient Word to fully equip us for every good work, including how to educate our children.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Since God has given us everything that we need to be fully equipped for every good work and the education of our children is one of these good works, we can be certain that God has provided us with specific instructions on how to educate our children. The following are some of the Biblical commands and principles given to us by God that directly apply to the education of our children:

We believe education belongs to the family supported by the church, not to the state.

Fathers are the ones that are commanded to train and educate their children. (Ephesians 6: 4, Psalm 78:5-8, and Deuteronomy 6: 1 - 7)

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6: 4

God Himself has given fathers not mothers, not schools, not churches and certainly not the state, but fathers this responsibility. As a result, fathers are the ones who will be ultimately held accountable by God for what their children are taught.

God has given mothers the role of being the fathers’ primary helpers in accomplishing the goal of a Biblical education (Genesis 2: 18 – 24, Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 6:20, Song of Solomon 8:2). But if fathers are disobedient to God, dead, or otherwise absent, it falls to mothers to accomplish this good work (Acts 16: 1, 2 Timothy 1: 5).

God never intended for Christian families to function in isolation. Families separated from the local church are like sheep separated from the flock; easy prey for the predators of this world. The protection, training, fellowship, accountability, and encouragement that are provided by the body of Christ are essential for our children’s education.

We believe that we are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers in the education of our children.

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God;  (2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 16a)

As a result, willingly becoming partners with unbelievers in our God given responsibility to train and educate our children is a violation of this clear Biblical principle.

We believe teachers must have a godly character because a student will become like his teacher.

39 And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master." (Luke 6: 39 – 40) (Explanation added)

We believe bad company really does corrupt good character.

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13: 20)

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.’” (1 Corinthians 15: 33)

As a result, carefully selecting the student culture that our children will be influenced by is of utmost importance.

We believe that a Biblical education involves strong, character building, personal relationships between a student and his teachers. Since God has ordained parents as a child’s primary teachers, strong parent-child relationships based on living life together and daily discipleship are essential.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. ” (Deuteronomy 6: 5 – 7)

We believe that the content of a Biblical education must be Gospel centered (Romans 1: 16) and saturated with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1: 7, Proverbs 9: 10), focused on the centrality of the Word of God (2 Timothy 3: 14 – 17), impart a purely Biblical worldview (1Timothy 6: 20, 1 Corinthians 3: 18 – 20, Romans 12: 2) , and instruct students in apologetics (1 Peter 3: 15, 2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 6), evangelism (Ephesians 4: 11 – 16), Biblical family roles (Ephesians 5: 23 – 6: 4), prayer (1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18), Bible study (Matthew 4: 4), scripture memorization (Psalm 119: 9 – 12), Christian service (1 Peter 4: 9 – 11), involvement in a local church (Hebrews 10: 24 – 25), and career training (1Timothy 5: 8, 2 Thessalonians 3: 10).

Leave a Reply

49 comments on “From Behind Enemy Lines”

  1. I think your comparing the school where you teach to a concentration camp and you to a guard is very apt. Indeed the Nazis had very similar ideas about homosexuals and other groups they deemed as unworthy.

    My child went to that school and had you as a teacher. I cannot tell you how many times she came home and told me how often you proselytized in your classroom and even going so far as to say evolution was impossible. It was alarming coming from a science teacher, but I never said anything about it because I wanted my child to think for herself and her questioning your biases accomplished that. My daughter went to church before she had your class, but you, sir, are one of the people responsible for her leaving it. She saw religious types like you as being small-minded, bigoted, and judgmental and she didn't want to be part of that. I'm pleased with who she has became. She's the kind of person who would never look at the faces of children and see the decay of society. She's the kind of person who doesn't judge people because of who they chose to love and she's the kind of person who sees the best other even if they are different from her. I think God is well-pleased with my daughter and I know I am. I realize these are your convictions and I want to respect that, but there is a lot of malice and fear in your words and I think you should examine your own heart a little closer. I wish you great peace in that endeavor.

  2. I love this article. It has such truth to it. I pulled my children out of school a year and a half ago, and I'm so glad I did.
    There is so much worldliness there it's stifling.
    Even though public schools say they don't promote religion, and claim to give children a well rounded education, they still do things like yoga, pagan holy days (think Halloween etc), listen to worldly music and only teach evolution without teaching creation.
    I really don't think that is the type of education that God wants for our children, and I'm so thankful to live in a country where homeschooling is easily accessible and not outlawed.
    Thanks for a great post. 🙂

    1. Don't you want your child to be worldly? I think in this life, to be worldly and strive to broaden your knowledge in all areas is something to encourage. When I'm a mother I don't want to limit or shelter my child forever, I would want my child to explore life and see what's really out there on offer. I want opportunities for my child, to grow as a human, to put things into perspective and view how people live in contrasting situations all over the world. I agree that the world often portrays itself as a scary and violent place (especially with televised news-But I also think there are more important things to consider than Jennifer Lawrence's nude photo leak) but there is so much else to it, so much beauty that you are potentially cutting your child off of. Also how is yoga religious? It is acknowledging that you are alive and to be grateful for the present moment, there are no rules or enforced beliefs when it comes to moving your body and stretching. I believe children should be educated on ALL religions, that they can grow up and choose what they believe fits for them, because after all we are different people with differing priorities. If homeschooling works for you and your children, then that's great. But I also wholeheartedly believe that a child show absorb the world for what it is; a place of colour, of culture and history of beauty and heartbreak. I want my child to be prepared when he/she takes on the world, not sheltered and unaware of how our society currently works.

      1. For the most part your perspective is that of the majority of homeschooling parents. The things that you are desiring for your possible future children, are things lacking in much of public education. The Pearls protected their children from the world by exposing them to both the good and the bad and their consequences. Also, the Pearls' children had traveled many places by the time that they left home. It was their children's travel and familiarity with many religions that resulted in them agreeing with the faith of their parents.

        By definition "yoga" is a spiritual/religious practice and stretching and exercise can be accomplished without practicing yoga.

  3. Mr. Fournier,
    As you may remember I was in your class last year. This article is especially shocking to me because you are a science teacher..In my opinion religion has absolutely nothing with education. If someone wanted to learn about the Bible they could easily go to a Christian school. Same goes to you. There is no reason to complain about "the spiritual destruction of children" when you work at a public school. If it is so revolting to you to see us childrenn destruct the idea of God and religion, I suggest you leave as soon as you can because nothings going to change. People will go on being themselves and expressing their feelings just as everyone does and should. Let people peacefully love who they want, after all their relationship has absolutely nothing to do with you. So you shouldn't even be wasting 5 seconds of your own time worrying about who someone else loves. Judge not, that ye be not judged. - Matthew 7:1-3
    ~ Chandler King

    1. Chandler, you should quote the complete thought from Matthew so as not to leave the false impression that we should not judge at all:

      “ Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you... Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

      - meaning don't judge like a hypocrite, but judge righteously.

      I have no problem with analogies. Even holocaust analogies, because they are simply analogies, and should be judged upon their accuracy, not upon who might be offended by an analogy. And calling gov't schools "spiritual concentration camps" is an apt analogy.

      And I would agree that this fellow teaching in the government school while criticizing it is hypocrisy, and he should repent. But your endorsement of homosexuality is the greater sin.

  4. Dear mr. Fournier,
    As you may recall I was one of your students last year. This article was especially shocking to me because, well you're a science teacher after all. I feel if you have a problem with the way our school educates us students, Dear mr. Fournier,
    As you may recall I was one of your students last year. This article was especially shocking to me because, well you're a science teacher after all. I feel if you have a problem with the way our school educates us students, or us students act toward religion and sexuality, that you should just pack up your things and leave. No one will be willing to change their personal life and or beliefs just because one person feels it's not right. And for the religious part of your artical, everyone in this world has their own right to what they do and what they dont believe in. But that doesn't mean you should discriminate and lash out if someone's belief is different than yours. If you're a Christian that'd great, if you're not that's great also. To each their own. In my understanding of God and or Jesus christ, their main goal was to spread love and acceptance. Not discrimination and judgement. As I said before, if it disgusts you so much that us children are on some path to spiritual destruction, then just leave. No one is making you teach at a public school. Also, everyone has a right to their own sexuality. I'm sure you're one of those homophobes that believes it's a choice to be gay. Think about it like this. Did you make a choice to be straight? Did you always like girls from a young age and never even think about being with a guy? I'm positive that was indeed the case. It's the exact same way with people who are attracted to their own sex. Whether you believe it or not. You can ask any gay or lesbian person in this world and they will tell you that it's not a choice. That is all I have to say about your extremely judgemental and extraneous article. Judge not, that ye be not judged. - Matthew 7:1-3

    1. You accuse Mr. Fournier of being judgmental and the proceed to judge him and express your intolerance towards him. You then express your own, assumptions, opinions, and beliefs based on your limited knowledge of several points. You also quote Matthew 7:1 out of context of the following 4 verses (a very common practice of those who quote this verse).

          1. Again, it is YOUR interpretation of a "plain reading." If it is a "common practice" to get it wrong, isn't that evidence enough that others interpret it differently?

          2. Matthew 7:1 is one of the most often quoted verse in the Bible. The getting it wrong is not the result reading it plainly, but of not doing it within the context of the other verses (chapter, book, testament). When reading within the context, interpretation or explanation is not even necessary. There is no "hidden" message that needs deciphering.

      1. Maybe he is, maybe he is not. But what is certain is there is a Separation of Church and State in this country, and he is robbing these children of a proper education based on his own beliefs. These kids signed up for a public education, they did not sign up for his witnessing.

        1. Apparently there is an ongoing investigation of this matter and so far there has been no evidence of any violations by Mr. Fournier. Fortunately, we still live in a country that honors the human right concept of a person being innocent until proven guilty. It appears that his students are not being subjected to proselytizing, but being given a broader education beyond what is in the textbooks.

          1. As of one hour ago, the investigation by Wake County Schools is STILL ongoing.

            In fact they are not even close to taking all the appropriate witness statements into Mr. Fournier's actions and inactions as it relates to his position as a teacher at FVHS.

            Please state only what you know are FACT and do not make false statements.

          2. I have made no false statements. I stated that the investigation is ongoing (as you repeated) which true and that there was no evidence of violations, which as now the investigation has not released information to the contrary.

          3. Innocent until proven guilty is absolutely true... in a court of law! This not in court (yet, but he may need a lawyer soon enough). But back to your point: Several students in one class have already gone on record to confirm the Mr. Fournier refused to distribute the chapter on stem-cells when the teacher he was subbing for specifically asked him to. There is no reason to doubt the word of these students. A "broader" view would mean that both sides were presented. However, Mr. Fournier refused to teach the side he found objectionable. Draw your own conclusions.

          4. The innocence till proven guilty in the court of law is the extension of the basic human right being codified into the legal system. I will leave it to the investigation to determine the validity statements and to draw final conclusions. This position is not intended to discredit the students statement, although surveys show that 60-80% of teenagers have told significant lies (a questionable stat considering other surveys show that teenagers purposely lie on surveys just for fun), it does not mean that they are. Why don't agree to not speculate and to table this discussion until the results of the investigation have been released (or the courts come to a verdict)?

          5. The fact is, these students nor their parents signed up nor agreed to this extra broadening of their education. And a "broader education" only applies if the original material is taught as well, instead of skipped over. Otherwise it's only his hand-selected "alternative education".

            Furthermore, innocent until proven guilty only applies in a court of law. Is this in court?

          6. Students are exposed to the broadening of education that their parent are unaware of nor have approved of, whenever and educator goes beyond the textbook which is common and accepted. You are correct that the original material should not be skipped over in order for it to be a true broadening of the education.

            As stated in response to a previous comment, the innocence till proven guilty in the court of law is the extension of the basic human right being codified into the legal system. Being a basic human right, it existed before the law(s) created protects it.

          7. What has happened to Mr. Fournier's 1st amendment rights? Whether you agree with his worldview or not, I think we all should be outraged that he has been muzzled. An interesting side note (I taught advanced high school math for a year) whether you are a Christian or an atheist your worldview comes out in your teaching. So, let's be fair. If we are to place Mr. Fournier under a microscope and say he was wrong in proving instructions outside of the text; the same standard should be applied throughout. If you believe your children are not receiving an *emphasized* secular education that would (if it could) leave out the possibility for the spiritual you have been blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4 ).

  5. In reference to your response to Chandler's comment, members of your sect of Christianity love to criticize those who question your use of Holy Scripture by charging that they quote Scripture out of context. I find this ironic when yours is a system of interpretation that runs from using the context of these sacred and ancient documents, instead insisting on interpreting them as literally as possible, without aid of original language skills, ancient cultural nuances and source information. No other part of the Christian Church insists on reading the Bible in this way. It is also ironic that you claim so much authority over biblical interpretation when you discourage formal education in your sect. It is already difficult to study the Bible, a very challenging book because of the fact that it was written and collected and redacted over thousands of years before it was bound in the way that you hold it in your hands, issues of canon formation, issues of ancient historical cultural context and most importantly, the sacredness and mysteriousness of divine inspiration. But it is especially challenging if your education has been drastically limited to what your parents understood and approved of and taught you in their home. Some of the fundamentalist adults I know struggle with basic reading comprehension due to the fact that their education was greatly constrained, yet they insist that their understanding of Scripture is authoritative. I don't believe you can have it both ways.

    1. I neither loved nor derived any pleasure in pointing out how the previous post took a scripture out of context. I was merely observing the fact that they did so (which is obvious when the verse is read in the context of the other verses). I also usually encouraged that the context of the whole chapter, book and testament be considered as well. I claim no personal authority of scriptural interpretation, but leave that to the Bible to do when it is considered as a whole. You are making a false assumption in your claim that "you discourage formal education in your sect" (and I have no idea what sect that is). I have 3 children with degrees (one with a Master's in finance) and 2 that chose to leave college when they became bored with what they called "artificial" college life, to travel the world and enter the "real" world as entrepreneurs. Having worked with children from troubled homes, all were from public schools, and most struggled with basic reading comprehension, something that is far more common among the public educated than the home educated (although I am not denying that it exist among the home educated). Most the doctrinal heresies came from the minds of the highly educated insisting that their personal interpretation was superior to accepting what was plainly written in the context in which it was written. I find it ironic that you you consider the sacredness and mysteriousness of divine inspiration of importance considering that many (if not most) scholars dismiss these factors completely in their interpretation of scriptures.

      1. Thank you for posting my comment. You could have chosen to exclude opposing voices and I take it to be a good sign that you have not. The sect I referred to in my comment is fundamentalism. This is how the mainline church describes those who interpret the Bible and the Christian life as you've prescribed in the articles on your site.

        1. As a general rule, only inappropriate comments will not be posted.

          A sect is generally a group teaching and practicing doctrine that is heretical or has rigid, exclusive membership qualification, which does not apply to our particular local church (open membership). NGJ is a nonprofit ministry and not a part of any church and its employees attend at least 3 different churches and a synagogue. By the broadest definition, each mainline denomination would be a sect. Fundamentalists, evangelicals, protestants, pentecostals, charismatics, are all composed of multiple denominations, none of which considers the others non-Christian. In the strictest sense, a sect requires an exclusivity that only considers its own members as "saved". This is the image that most have and is intended when someone uses the word "sect". By the former your own denomination would be defined as a sect, and by the latter, the local churches (and synagogue) attended by the employees of NGJ would not be defined as a sect.

      2. additionally, i attended divinity school and worked with many scholars (and read the thoughts of many more) who all treated the divine inspiration of Scripture as a vital part of the sacred task of interpretation. they simply did not assume that what they could read plainly, with their own finite minds, was all there was to understand. i am glad that in my theological education, i did not have the experience you imagine: that "many (if not most) scholars" dismiss divine inspiration. i am also grateful that i was able to have a theological education. you see, i am a woman. i know based on what i have read from your ministry that i would not have been afforded that possibility in a fundamentalist family.

        i would also like to mention that i attended the high school that Mr. Fournier now teaches in (and had a different - and wonderful! - teacher for biology) and did not have the experience that he warns families of in his book. i had caring, inspiring teachers that i learned so much more from than my mother (who is a wonderful teacher in her subject area) would have been able to teach me all by herself. some of those teachers were so invested in me that they still keep in touch and remain interested in my life today. to call them enemies is a pitiful grab at an alarming headline. in fact, some of my school teachers were sunday school teachers at our community churches. some were devout members of others faiths and some may not have been believers at all - yet almost all of the teachers that i encountered cared deeply about student well-being and teaching curriculum that would enrich student lives. i am grateful for the separation of church and state that protected my classmates and i from arbitrary preaching from teachers who were not theologically trained. i did not lose my faith as a result of attending the school where Mr. Fournier currently teaches. today my husband and i serve a church in Charlotte that loves and welcomes all people, in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to do so.

        1. The problem generally is not about, is there more than the immediate application and plain meaning of scripture, but the dismissing of the plain reading of scripture when it does not agree with one's theological position. A theological education is fine as long as it strengthens faith and understanding (even if it sometimes questions it). You are incorrect in your assumption that your further education would not have been possible in fundamentalist family (my daughter has a degree and one of the board members has a daughter who is an attorney). I believe you may be thinking about modern patriarchal families.

          Your own anecdotal experience in high school is not the norm. For many of us our public education experience was one of boredom and disinterested teachers. Their disinterest was not a result of them not caring but of their weariness in a system where their students were treated as and afterthought (and this was 40+ years ago). Imagination and thinking and behaving outside the box was forbidden, leaving many students neglected and others hampered from reaching their potential. Broader and alternative learning is an advantage that most homeschoolers have over their public educated peers. Students are protected from proselyting whether the teacher is theologically trained or not. Of the several churches (and synagogue) represented by the employees of NGJ, all love and welcome everyone who come.

  6. Is there not a commandment against bearing false witness, ie lying?

    By intentionally falsely representing himself as a science teacher Mr Fournier is lying. Lying to students, their parents, and the school he works for. He lies about his intentions and his interests.

    Its a shame that he continues to teach in a system he openly says he is working against. If he were doing the Sam in our military, he would be tried and convicted of treason.

    1. There is no bearing of false witness. Mr. Fournier is a science teacher and in no way falsely representing himself. He has openly home educated his own children, and written a book and has a website, and his superiors have access to both. He is not lying to anyone or attempting to hide anything. Obviously his personal beliefs and intentions have not prevented him from performing his duties as a public school teacher. As broken and dysfunctional as the education system is, any teacher that is not working against it for the benefit of the children (the trait of a true reformer) is doing a disservice to the children and is in subservience to the system, not to the welfare of the children.

      1. Of course he is falsely representing himself. If he is openly preaching creationism in a science classroom then he is not teaching science. He is teaching something that is widely known and recognized to be religious dogma and not in any way scientific.

      2. "There is no bearing of false witness. Mr. Fournier is a science teacher and in no way falsely representing himself."

        WAS, a science teacher.

        1. Not being employed in the capacity of a science teacher does not mean he automatically stops being a science teacher anymore so than it would apply to a doctor, mechanic or senator (in an interview this morning NPR repeated addressed Senator George Mitchell as "Senator" and he has been out of the Senate for almost 20 years).

  7. To Nichole & Chandler ~

    Please know Mr. Fournier and this matter is currently being investigated by the Wake County School Board and FVHS.

    They are seeking information and the names of the students this man referenced in his article and book. They are also seeking information about him proselytizing in the classroom and not teaching the required course material. If you have any such information, I strongly encourage you to contact:

    Dr. J. Bryan Martin
    Senior Director for Employee Relations
    Wake County Public School System
    Crossroads I
    5625 Dillard Drive
    Cary, NC 27518
    Phone: 919 854-1685
    Fax: 919 854-1689

  8. I am also a Christian public school teacher. In Australia, our public schools are secular, but in most states children have a weekly scripture lesson where a volunteer comes and spends a half hour telling bible stories. This encourages me- I love listening to my sweet students sing and learn about the bible!

    Of course I do not generally discuss the gospel in class with my students- my job is to teach reading, writing, maths etc. BUT sometimes the kids will have questions and they will ask me what I believe, and when they do I'm always happy to share my hope in Jesus Christ. For me the key is that I won't say anything until they ask, and I never tell them what they should believe because I want them to think it through for themselves. I am their teacher, and that means I have to be objective when I'm teaching them, but you can't share a room with 25 kids day after day and not also share yourself.

    Occasionally I too am discouraged my "moral decay" but more often I am encouraged by who these kids are growing up to be. There are hundreds of little moments every day that make me smile. Yesterday a little boy said to me "Miss, today I'm going to be kind even when I'm feeling angry in my heart." I wanted to hug him! And you know, he really did make a huge effort to be kind that day 🙂

    Mr. Fournier, thank you for this article but please don't lose hope for you students! Some of our faiths greatest spiritual warriors have come from the most unlikely places!!

  9. Thank you for this article.

    While I don't agree that the public schools are like Nazi concentration camps, as you apologized for saying later, I do agree with your stand on Christians providing their children with a Christian education.

    Those Christian parents who are angry with you are probably Scripturally illiterate, as are most believers in America and the Western world today. They become angry because they wish to rationalize their irrisponsibility, as parents, sadly. But they will be held accountable for their stewardship of their childrens' spiritual lives, and church on Sunday is not enough to over ride the eight hours a day of indoctrination the schools are providing with Common Core and its training their kids to be good little global Islamic- Marxist citizens.

    There is much proof, studies, statistics, historical records, that our schools are intentionally indoctrinating our kids away from the faith. Norman Dodd warned about this when he found proof decades ago that our nation wanted to prepare the next generations through the schools to be communist. His evidence and his videos are on the internet for anyone who wants to research.

    I wrote my Thesis for my PhD in Seminary on the topic of the fact that America could be judged, as Israel was because we sacrifise our children to the gods of materialism, convenience, and greed as well as abortion. God promised that if the nation, Israel trained their children in the Lord they would be blessed. But because they did not they were judged, led into captivity.

    I wish our pastors would warn parents, but they won't because their salaries often depend on the tithing public school teachers in their congregations who are part of the government controlled schools. Cha ching is their motivation and they too will be held accountable for their stewardship before God.

  10. My high school biology teacher is a Christian and he is open to his beliefs, even indicating the difference between evolution and creationism during his lesson plans and yes, I attended a public high school. With the way public schools is going on today, especially since they convinced my younger sister to put her oldest boy on Ritalin due to being hyperactive, not understanding that boys tend to be very overactive, as well as giving my future children a solid good education in according to my husband's and mine's beliefs (we are Apostolic Pentecostal), we are planning to homeschool them.

  11. We home school and it's amazing how our children have "life" and the children whom go to school operate like they're robots both inside and out of school. Too many heartache stories I hear from PS mom's and I know one mom was forced to HS. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

  12. Curious about a comment made concerning public schools. I grew up attending Christian schools in Northern Virginia. I consider myself pretty lucky as was my homeschooled sister. I fail to see how an individual, using free speech can be punished for writing a comment about a school system or an individual school. Free doesn't sound so free here. Political correctness seems to be winning over honesty.

    Jeff

  13. Ray, thy name is hypocrite.

    You denigrate the public school system yet, you derive your income from the public school system. Tell you what, Ray. If the public sector is so "evil" to you, get out so one who has a real passion for educating our kids - correctly - and get a job in the private sector.

    Additionally, as a woman whose parents lost family in the Holocaust, I find your analogy as equally offensive as I find your screed against the public school system. It disgusts me that, whenever one encounters a belief system contrary to theirs, one automatically clutches their pearls over an imaginary persecution and whines, "HOLOCAUST!" By ridiculously invoking the Holocaust at any perceived slight, analogies such as yours diminishes the true depth of the Holocaust; you trivialize it based on something you imagine and I find it highly offensive.

    It is abundantly obvious "biology teacher" in a public school is NOT your calling - you do a great disservice to the taxpayers paying your salary doing a job you obviously disdain. Grow up and get out by going into a field better suited to your needs.

    1. Mr. Fournier has apologized and the article has been removed from the website. Your outrage at the analogy is understandable.

      As for the rest of your observations are without merit. It is a common and acceptable practice to work in places for the purpose of creating change from within. Many reform efforts and movements are examples of this.

  14. I am in disagreement with many/most of the beliefs expressed on this site, but honestly I think public education is horrific on so many levels. This is not just a "Christians Vs. Public Education" issue by any means si I can understand the use of a fierce analogy.

      1. That is great to hear. I just hope it doesnt give anyone else the wrong impression and lead them into believing its OK to think other 'versions' are the truth.