Mary and I have been discussing the prospects of homeschooling Maddy (and our future kids, if God blesses us with more). The techie Mary was immersed in the blogosphere a couple of weeks ago and became interested in Charlotte Mason. After looking through some of her ideas, I was sold on her educational philosophy. I am still learning more, but it looks cool. She provides an interesting framework for creating a curriculum. The thought of devising our own curriculum originally daunted me. However, Mary and I have all the resources and more to create a stellar curriculum. We have decided to embrace the challenge. We have ordered some books on Charlotte Mason and her philosophy. Hopefully we can begin soon to lay down the foundations for our own family system. Resources are plentiful. Finding the right recipe and balance can be challenging. I am sure that we will get a fare share of flack from family, friends and acquaintances for our decision. I look forward, however, to those future conversations...provided that they are conversations, and not one-sided, close-minded diatribes. I was talking to my mom this morning about our decision. Of course she was supportive and provided me with some helpful advice. One thing that she said surprised me. She stated that generally the better educated take the most umbrage with homeschooling. They are offended because they are distinctly aware of the benefits that homeschooling provides. They feel threatened because they haven't made the same choice. They know that the public school system is crappy or lacking. Yet, if the ship is sinking, everyone should be on it together. Homeschooling increases parental responsibility for the behavior and outcome of their children. Embracing that responsibility can be scary. It's often easier to shirk that responsibility and simply make the state and civic society accountable. The fewer decisions we have to make, the less responsibility we share. I believe that, as human individuals, we should strive to flex our reason and will at every possible opportunity in order to take maximum responsibility for our lives and decisions. Come what may, I prefer to be wrong and culpable instead of right and irresponsible. I am sure that Mary and I will post a lot more in the future about homeschooling, and responsibility.
Current Affairs Commentary
A recent article from the New York Times was titled "The Pope Denounces Capitalism and Marxism." The authors stated "[the pope] also raged with equal fire against Marxism and capitalism." It is true that Benedict XVI did rage against Marxism and capitalism in his recent speech at Aparecida, Brazil. (Code: ZE07051320) The Catholic Church has always sought social justice and preached a preferential option for the poor. The Church has adhered to these principles throughout time and continues to act on these principles via its multiple charities and apostolates throughout the world. Yet, Benedict and the Church don't engage Marxism (read: socialism) and capitalism with "equal fire." The dignity of human person is at stake at the heart of any just political or economic system. The Church disagrees with Marxism/socialism for its very foundations. The Church disagrees with capitalism for its excesses. The disagreement is upon two different levels. Socialism and Marxism fundamentally undermine the nature of the human person and ignore his intrinsic dignity. If the foundations are sullied, of course all of the practices and ramifications of Marxism will be tainted. Capitalism, on the other hand, respects the dignity and nature of human person. Unbridled, however, its excesses can lead to disastrous results. The Church is justified in attacking unjust systems. The pope was right to attack both capitalism and Marxism. It's important to remember, however, that the Church attacks them for different reasons: to debunk one and to purify another.
Quick Thoughts on Today's Gospel
Readings Today -- Where are you going?
Pessimists and traditionalists can look at the world today and seem to remember a better time. I sometimes wonder whether the world has changed that much in the past fifty years, century or millennium. Human nature is still the same. Our offenses are still rank. Our thirst for God is unchanged. We tend to get tangled in the minutiae of our daily lives. What do I have to accomplish today? Where is my tie? What are we having for dinner? What are the kids doing right now? The list goes on. It's important to take charge of our lives and to live our lives. However, we are not called as Christians to remain in the horizontal level. Psychologically and spiritually, we must direct our sights on what is truly important. The apostles asked Christ where he was going. Were they to know, they could follow. Where did Christ go? How can I get there? It's good for us to ask these questions. The danger is to stop asking ourselves these questions. If we are not moving towards our final goal, our ultimate peace and resting place, then we are most likely moving away from it. Where am I going?
