Homeschoolers Call for Boycott

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boycott A four-year-old boy was killed by his adoptive mother. The boy refused to stay in bed at night so the mother wrapped him so tightly in blankets he suffocated. Other children in the family were badly beaten.

The liberal media has pointed out that the mother read the book To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl. This story has led to an amazing backlash.

Several homeschool bloggers are demanding a boycott against The Old Schoolhouse and Homeschool Blogger (hosted by TOS) because TOS accepted ads from the Pearls.

There exists a long-standing and ongoing friction between those who hold a Christian homeschool philosophy and those who are secular in their approach to homeschooling. Some in both camps strive for unity but it rarely works because of the vast difference in world views.

Those who cannot reasonably defend their views often resort to attacking their opposition in an effort to divert attention and redirect focus to something or someone else. You’ll see this often in politics (the liberal left does this all the time). Those who cannot win their argument create a persuasive diversion to keep their message alive.

The motivation for the boycott is an attack against a Christian magazine and blog host. The boycotters would have you think their efforts are sincere; that they are trying to rid the world of evil, but don’t be deceived.

The boycott is not an effort to ban the book. If the goal was to get rid of the Pearl’s book, the boycott would include libraries, Amazon, and other bookstores and vendors carrying the book.

The boycott is not an effort to find and stop the motivation behind the reason the abuser killed her child. If it was they would also look at other influences in the abuser’s life such as medication, mental illness, violent TV shows and friends, family, etc. They would investigate the woman’s home and boycott other authors as well as businesses that advertise or have advertised those authors. They would then call a boycott of all such influences. To blame one book as the reason for the abuse is ridiculous; the abuser obviously had several mental and spiritual problems.

I visited several blogs of those advocating a boycott and found that most are secular homeschoolers. A quick browse through their blog-a-sphere revealed anti-Christian tirades, pagan god teachings, witchcraft, profanity, tarot cards, new age beliefs, etc.

My post is not an endorsement of the Pearls’ book. It has been several years since I read this book and I don’t remember everything in it. However, I certainly think I would recall any discipline methods that could lead to death.

I don’t feel a need to encourage TOS to get rid of any advertisers. I know the staff at TOS and I know they make decisions based on prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

The father of lies continually attacks Christian companies like TOS because they are bringing motivation and encouragement to Christians. Pray for TOS.

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There Are 29 Responses So Far. »

Comment by tami lewis :

i am aware of the boycott and i think it;s insane! while i don’t agree with everything the pearls advocate i know for certain they don’t advocate killing your child!!
i totally agree with robin’s post, since the proof lies is in the pudding. look who is leading the way! not people against child abuse but people against the pearls.
what i truly don’t understand is why no one seems to think the mother should be held accountable for her own actions. even if the pearls told her to kill the child and provided the blanket she had the responsibility not to listen to them. she is using the to train up a child book as a scapegoat! by the way- they have never told anyone to do what she did!
Comment by Susan :

Well, here in Aust. there is a very similar thing happening. It is a one person campaign, at this stage, and it is kinda related to the Pearl’s but also some of the well known, h-sing pioneers of Australia! It is getting ugly. So much so, that I won’t say anymore about it here.

It’s all so sad…all sad. And yes, sometimes those attackers maybe do have a valid point in there somewhere but it gets totally lost in translation. :sigh:
Comment by Sharon Sue :

I find this apalling. It is interesting when there is a tragedy that has even the slightest connection with home schooling, home schooling and those involved are attacked and blamed. It seems the home school connection is focused on and other elements are simply swept under the rug.

To any thinking person it is obvious that there are more problems here than the fact this lady read one of the Pearl’s books. How she enterpreted this or any other book she read must come into question. As well, all the circumstances in her life need to be examined. I am sure it will be found that this situation was much more complicated than her reading a book.

A couple side notes: non-Christian home schoolers should be cautious. If the freedoms of Christian home schoolers are diminished in anyway, theirs will be as well!!!!! Also in the comment by Daryl above-paraphrasing such a serious comment by anyone just doesn’t cut it!! Including the exact quote and where to verify such a comment would make it more credible. As it stands it has no credibility, in my opinion.

I have read three of the Pearl’s books and found them helpful. Far from suggesting violence toward children, I was affected to be more patient with my children. I found the books very helpful in understanding my children and being a much more loving parent.

I very seldom fully endorse any author/books I read whether they are home schoolers or not. There are usually things I either do not agree with or know will not work for me and my family. Also, I do not intimately know the authors, what goes on in their homes, etc. So I will read, glean what I can, maybe even share with others the reasons I liked or disliked a particular book but leave the discernment up to the individual. No author is an end all. It is my job to discern for my family only. So to blame an author for such a tragedy is obsurd.

As Christians we need to be aware that attack on Christianiy is bound to increase. Satan knows his days are numbered and is ramping up his attacks to discredit all those who believe in Jesus. We need not be fearful or even defensive. We need to stand firm, know our God and our beliefs and live our lives accordingly. Just because we live in the USA we are not immune from attack because of our faith. If these kinds of attacks shock us, maybe we need to firm up our relationship with Jesus. We need all, be strong in our beliefs and live our beliefs daily. We cannot depend on the strength of any author to dictate what we are to do. Our strength and wisdom must come from God alone.

As for boycotts: For many years I have felt that boycotts are anti-Christian. I will choose to buy a product or not, based on the product, my convictions, etc. but will not decide to boycott with the intention to harm the merchant. Just because we do not like someone or something they are selling, we have no right to desire them harm. I find most boycotts are based in wanting to harm the one being boycotted. As for Christian businesses that are being attacked or boycotted, each needs to trust God for provision and perception. God will guide his own, he will provide for his own and he has an answer. Our vision of our business may have to change if sale are down but God will provide. He will guide and as long as we follow his instruction, he will care for our needs. We need not fear!!!!!

Well, enough said. I plan to do more research on this just for my own awareness.
Comment by admin :

Attention boycotters– Do you want the facts known or do you want to win?? I have deleted 6 comments so far due to attitude. f you want to rant and name call or be sarcastic I will delete your comments as Spam.

I know you have a different opinion. This is my blog. I get to say what can and cannot be here. It’s that simple.

You can post here if you want to discuss facts. One comment pointed out some good facts I didn’t address BUT then came back with a “Since I have no credibility…” sarcasm. Another make references to my intelligence. etc, etc,

I don’t need nasty comments affecting my day–so I will delete. Be nice or don’t comment.
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

Here’s the original quote: “[The Pearls] are talking about something that would fit in a purse,” Suarez said. “The only way you can kill a child with that is by shoving it down his throat.”

And from the same article:”Paddock — a Johnston County mother accused of murdering Sean, her 4-year-old adopted son, and beating two other adopted children — surfed the Internet, said her attorney, Michael Reece. She found literature by an evangelical minister and his wife who recommended using plumbing supply lines to spank misbehaving children.

Paddock ordered Michael and Debi Pearl’s books and started spanking her adopted children as suggested. After Sean, the youngest of Paddock’s six adopted children, died last month, his older sister and brother told investigators about Paddock’s spankings.

Sean’s 9-year-old brother was beaten so badly he limped, a prosecutor said. Bruises marred Sean’s backside, too, doctors found.”
Comment by sam :

You’ll probably delete this comment as you did my last, but I have posted the entirety of my comment at my blog, and I have posted it verbatim.

You can call anything the truth, but repetition never made lies anything more or less than lies. Rather than delete our comments shouldn’t you face us and answer our questions?
Comment by Kris B :

Frankly, I don’t care if the abuser is Christian, anti Christian, Pagan, Wiccan, New Age, or Jewish. Regardless of religious beliefs – or lack thereof – buying plumbing supplies with the sole intent of using them to beat a child is wrong, plain and simple. I daresay that this is not something that any God would endorse.
Comment by Nance Confer :

Kris B, I think that is the point of the boycott. Not that it is directed at any particular religion or god, but that it is anti-child beating. It is sad that this mistreatment of children is in any way affiliated with hsing.

Nance Confer
Comment by admin :

The problem is a woman did something horrible. It has nothing to do with TOS or homeschoolers. It has to do with her mental condition. PERIOD.

I wrote this post to tell my view and to warn other who was behind the boycott. (I wouldn’t want to get into something to find it lead by with witches and idolaters). My post was not to debate. I won’t waste my valuable family time answering you because our world view are completely different. I will never see things your way nor will you see things my way.

The original motivation behind the boycott is to attack Christian company–not to stop child abuse. Some unsuspecting people jumped on the band wagon.

If the motivation was to stop child abuse would be boycotting at least a dozen magazines and others authors, publishers, bookstores, etc. that promote spankings.

It was a horrible horrible thing. It had NOTHING to do with a book or magazine.
Comment by sam :

quote-The original motivation behind the boycott is to attack Christian company

That is completely untrue. The motivation was to open people’s eyes to the abusive attitudes of people who support hitting children. World view does not mean make up lies about people, which is what you are doing.

Jesus wouldn’t hit children, just so you know, and that is what this is about, child abuse. That’s what it has always been about. Many of the people involved in the boycott are Christian, and many are not. This boycott is proof that differing opinions and world views can indeed come together no matter how unlikely that seems to exclusionist minded “Christian” homeschoolers.

The death of Sean Paddock occurred because his mother followed the teaching contained in the Pearl’s books, and it really is that simple. The Pearls do in fact preach a philosophy of child abuse and to pretend otherwise is to support child abuse. HSB promotes the teachings of the Pearls, therefore they promote child abuse.
Comment by H0MEFree :

My heart goes out to this family.
It breaks my heart.
The mother must have had some issues, but it mostly seems she lacked healing in her own life. She certainly lacked godly parenting skills. It is sad to see that no one was discipling her in her personal walk or in proper/true child training. Someone had to have noticed something was amuck.
I pray the blood of Jesus over them all.

homeschoolblogger.com/H0MEFree
Comment by tami lewis :

for the record- the pearls believe in spanking, not beating your child. they recommend the plumbing supply line because it doesn’t injure a child which a spoon or belt or other item can. and yes some parents use those things and hurt their child without meaning to. that’s the reason the pearls made the recommendation , as other child training books have also!

it all boils down to if you believe the bible recommends using the rod for discipline. i do but i don’t believe in beating my child.
gena was simply defending the pearls by showing how ridiculous the accusations against them were. she was stating the obvious- the line doesn’t leave an injury!

f you don’t believe in spanking, then don’t read the pearls and don’t get involved in “debates” because we are on opposite sides right off the bat. but don’t boycott and innocent party.
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

I ask this in all sincerity– Why do you care if I (and my cohorts) boycott HSB? Does it hurt you in any way if I refuse to link to them (or host the Carnival of Homeschooling) again? You don’t read my blog and likely never will. You have no way of knowing if I am or am not boycotting anyone. So, again I ask, why does it even matter to you?
Comment by admin :

Thank you Daryl for your polite tone. I appreciate it. Yes, I’ll be happy to explain.

I care for a few reasons.

1. Justice– TOS is not responsible for that child death. I don’t have any problem with them saying a plumbing supply line would not kill someone–it is the truth.

2. I love TOS. They encourage homeschoolers. Their articles are excellent, informative and inspiring. I don’t want others (moved by a tragic story) to boycott TOS.

3. I am a homeschool vendor. I carry over 5000 titles. I don’t carry the Pearl’s book but I carry others that could just as easily be twisted by a twisted mentally ill mind) that could cause damage. I don’t want to be held responsible. What if a nut used one of the science experiments wrong–I would get the blame?

4. I don’t like blame games. (I’ve had all the blame games I can handle with the liberal left). It’s a sore spot with me. One person is responsible for that child’s death– the adoptive mother. She should be punished not TOS.

Hope this explains. I have nothing against you nor any of the boycotters. I believe the boycott is unfair.

Thanks again,
Robin
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

1. Justice would be for Gena to apologize for her vile (IMO) comment.

2. They encourage a certain group of homeschoolers.

3. IAATM, then. I see.

4. TOS is being boycotted because 1) Gena made a vile comment in the face of a terrible tragedy and 2) She showed absolutely no sense of understanding just how awful that comment made ALL of us look. We decided that if she was going to profit from the sales of the Pearls’ books that we would at least not put another nickel in her pocket if we could help it. For us, it is a matter of principle. “Fair” has absolutely nothing to do with it.

If you feel that you can support Gena and the Pearls knowing what she said, that will just have to be between you and your God.
Comment by Admin :

Just when I thought we could talk…sigh

Well, I can thank you for providing us all with more details on the events in this situation

and I can thank you for proving my point–twice.

As I explained, when people can’t defend an issue they attack the person not the issue (liberal left tactic).

1. You did this by falsely accusing me of defending TOS for money reasons (or whaatever you meant by saying I see its all about the money. ) Fyi-funds from our store plus much of my dh paycheck goes into creating Christian curriculum and maintaining free homeschool sites.

You also inferred I supported the Pearls when I never defended them.

2. You also did it with the boycott. You attacked Gena instead of the issue. You admit it is not fair and your real reason is anger that she made you look bad (because she pointed out the truth, that the switch-like instrument was in no way lethal).

You now admit your motivation is revenge– to hurt them in the wallet. (lots of focus on money–instead of spankings)

That sums it up doesn’t it? No need to pretend the boycott will somehow save children.

You said “fair has nothing to do with it”–that proves another point I was making. The boycot was not fair to TOS.

We see things very differently. As I said, different world views. Nothing personal–I have a complete different view based on my belief in God.

Now I have sincere request. Maybe you would understand my view a bit, by reading about the differences in our world views. See the article at
http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/?p=321

.
Comment by Sharon Sue :

Robin, I thank you for making this information available. I appreciate your desire to give a view different from those who are boycotting TOS. I see your mention of this issue as an opportunity for me to be able to make up my own mind on the issue. I find it reasonable that you felt it important to voice your view for the benefit of your readers. Until today, I had not heard of this boycott which either means it is not so widespread and important to home educators, in general, as some might think or I was just too busy home educating my children to keep up on the latest news concerning home educators. And there is always the consideration that I am new to blogging and when this all came about some months ago, I was not yet a blogger. Whatever the reason, I do appreciate hearing about it now.

I may be new to blogging but I am hardly new to home education!!!!!!!! In the 23 years we have home educated I think I have about seen it all!!!!!! I certainly would not fit into any of the profiles, Christian home schoolers have been defined with, in the many blog posts I have read today. After hours of reading, no one, Christian or non-Christian have changed my thinking one bit. I think that kind of defines the futility of the banter involved in such discussions.

What I come away with is this:
1. A mother killed her child, she alone is responsible.
2. Her actions have harmed parenthood and to some extent home schooling in some people’s minds. However, this is minor in comparison to the harm she has done to the children entrusted to her care. By the way, she had adopted 6 children according to one article I read, where was the adoption agency in all this???
3. Some people spank, some do not. No one should abuse a child. However, there is debate over the definition of abuse, so…
4. I don’t think there will ever be any agreement between the differing view points.
5. In a kind of round about way, this all proves how wonderful home education is-home education is as diverse as each family who does it, and I think that is great. I like that!!!!! The reason we began home schooling was because the public school was trying to force my child to practice “out of body” experiences. I didn’t like that so I chose a different educational avenue. I was a Christian at the time but that was not the reason we began this journey. It has been the journey that brought us to a point of home educating because of our Christian convictions. Now, no matter what is done in any other school, I will be home educating-whether or not it is “legal” or any other circumstance that may occur.
6. Home educators are very defensive and protective of their views!!!!! After many defensive years, I have finally come to a “matter of fact” attitude.

Just a personal note: I began home schooling when it really was a battle, before all the good laws and regulations we now have in the USA. I was on the front lines in the beginning of what we now know as the home school movement. Then we “fought” the public schools and the government for the right to home school without harassement. Today we seem to be fighting amongst ourselves. We are truely an opinionated lot!!!! :):)

7. Most of all I am thankful to God that he allowed me to be born in the USA where we still have the freedom of speech, religion, association, press, thinking for ourselves, etc. I so enjoy being able to have my own opinion and acting upon that opinion, however I think best, whether or not anyone else agrees with me. I just don’t have to live my life according to majority thought and neither does anyone else. Thank you Lord, and I pray we never have to experience the loss of those freedoms.

Blessings, Robin, I pray you are encouraged today.
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

Robin–

You were the one to mention that you were a homeschool vendor with 5000 items and that you were concerned that you might be boycotted in the future. If that’s not AATM I don’t know what is. And I seem to recall Jesus saying something about heart and treasure.

Personally, I don’t care what you do with the money you make. You make your financial choices; I make mine. Mine include not supporting Gena, HSB, and TOS.

As for you supporting the Pearls, you’re right. I misspoke. What I should have written was this: If you feel that you can support Gena knowing what she said and who she supports, that will just have to be between you and your God.

And finally, I read your recommended link. You’re right. We don’t agree on ANYTHING. I am a Ph.D. scientist (chemistry). Wholly secular. I don’t BELIEVE in the Big Bang or evolution. I ACCEPT them as the only scientific theories we have that explain the observable universe. BTW, I imagine observant Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. might be insulted with you lumping their world views in with “secular.” There ARE other religions, you know, besides Christianity.
Comment by admin :

Dsryl,

Thanks for being open enough to read the article. And for correcting your statement.

>>>>>>>>You were the one to mention that you were a homeschool vendor with 5000 items and that you were concerned that you might be boycotted< <<<
Yes, in response to your"why do you care" question. I gave several reasons, one being concerned of being falsely accused. Yje concern is blame not money. You jumped to conclusion to say my motivation is money. That is not the motivation of my bookstore.

Is your motivation as a scientist money? Maybe, maybe not. I'm sure you don't want to be blame.

>>>I imagine observant Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. might be insulted with you lumping their world views in with “secular.” There ARE other religions, you know, besides Christianity.<<<

Reread my post. I said there are more but this post will discuss the main two views. I can’t go into every religion on a blog posts. I did link to several books that explain more.

The focus had changed from the boycott to me in answer to your question why do I care. It’s just not right.
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

Actually my question was aimed at Tami Lewis who wrote, “If you don’t believe in spanking, then don’t read the pearls and don’t get involved in “debates” because we are on opposite sides right off the bat. but don’t boycott and innocent party.”

But now I’m really curious. Why would you, “admin,” care if someone blames you for something for which you are not responsible except that it might affect your livelihood? Or is your bookstore some kind of altruistic ministry? And, if so, is it completely non-profit? Do you pay yourself a salary? Yes, this has turned out to be about you. But I’m afraid you have made it so.

I’m not attacking you or your right to make a buck. It just seems that you might be a bit conflicted here as to why you’re so upset about a boycott that has been running for almost two years and has not spread beyond the handful of bloggers who started it. Are we out there evangelizing (pun intended), spreading the Good News of the boycott? Hardly. We responded here and elsewhere because a couple of Christian bloggers just discovered us. We’ve been out here for a long time. We’ll still be here long after you’ve forgotten about us.

I do what I do (chemistry) because I enjoy it and my employer is willing to pay me to do it, as I make LOTS of money for them. A win-win as far as I’m concerned. I would assume that you do what you do because you find some kind of reward in it (either monetary or emotional).

So you go on selling your homeschooling books and supporting Gena, TOS, and HSB. And we’ll go on boycotting them. OK?
Comment by admin :

Good place to end the debate. We both have much better things to do with our time.

I made my points. I exposed who was calling for the boycott and why– in hopes Christian don’t jump on your bandwagon in sympathy of the tragedy.

Take care,

Robin
Comment by tami lewis :

i am very curious- daryl- if you are not a christian why do you frequent a christian homeschooling site? when i blogged i always wondered why non- christians would attack me for my christian beliefs when i wasn’t forcing them to come to my blog and read it? i avoid secular blogs because i disagree with them so why are you here?
Comment by Daryl Cobranchi :

I believe I already answered that question:

We responded here and elsewhere because a couple of Christian bloggers just discovered us.

I’ve never read this blog before and likely won’t again.
Comment by Tammy :

I am a Christian, Orthodox Christian to be exact. I am completely opposed to any physical discipline of children. As such, I have unsubscribed from your blog and am now boycotting Heart Of Wisdom.
Tamara
Comment by sam :

Tami, you ask why a non christian would frequent a christian blog. I’m an atheist and have friends who are christian both online and in the real world. I read the blogs of people who are from all walks of life and who represent a variety of world views. I can’t speak for Darryl, but I love the openness of the people whose blogs I choose to frequent. I love that so many of the people I read so often require that I open my mind up and examine what I feel, think and believe. Why wouldn’t we read all that we can? For some of us that is very much why and how we homeschool, a thirst for as much as there is in terms of knowledge and experience, a joy of the new and unknown.
Comment by Missy :

Concerning Sam’s comment…

This is the first time that I’ve been to this blog. The “boycott” caught my eye and I read through most of the comments. Everyone has the right in this country to believe and speak out as they choose. That is one of the wonderful privileges of living in freedom. I respect that you all have the freedom to speak your mind, but I may not always agree with what you say. Now I will take my turn and exercise my freedom of speech.

Sam commented:
“Jesus wouldn’t hit children”…

If by hitting children she means spanking (NOT beating or causing injury) then I must say that Sam (being a self-proclaimed atheist) does not understand the scripture on this issue. I will attempt to explain what I mean.

Jesus the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are one. This means they have are the same character. John 1:1-5 says “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Then John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”

II Timothy 3:16-17 says “All scripture is inspired (means God-breathed in the original language) by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

From these verses we learn that Jesus is God, who inspired (God-breathed) the writing of the scriptures. So if we were to read from Proverbs 13:24 which says “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him”, and since God inspired (God-breathed) the writing of the scriptures, and Jesus is God then Sam’s comment is not accurate. Jesus (who is God) inspired the writing of the scripture (which includes the Old Testament where Proverbs is found). Since He is truth (never lies), and He says in Proverbs that if we spare the rod we hate our child, then it appears to me that Jesus did not say that spanking is wrong. If I understood the meaning of Sam’s comment then she believes that Jesus would not endorse spanking…again we are not talking about beating or abusing, and yes there is a difference. f I have misunderstood the meaning of Sam’s comment then please accept my apologies.

Just for the record I do NOT believe in inflicting bodily injury on a child, and a person should never spank a child in a fit of anger. Spanking is intended to get the child’s attention and help them to see that they must face the consequences for their disobedience. Leaving marks on a child is unacceptable, but a spanking administered properly will teach the child and not inflict bodily injury or leave marks. These comments are my personal conviction, and I do believe that spanking should be a last resort. There are many ways to teach children how to live. We can model good behavior before them, talk to them about what behavior is unacceptable and why, help them to see alternatives of appropriate behavior when they misbehave, and use various methods of discipline such as revoking privileges, making them apologize when they have hurt someone, time out, etc. Christian parents should teach their children what God’s Word teaches about how we should live, as this gives them a basis in truth for their moral convictions.

A properly administered spanking is not abuse, and that is where most people differ in this discussion. I understand that for many people they would consider a spat on the bottom or even a spat on the hand to be abuse. If that is your philosophy then you will probably never understand my point. I believe that, in addition to many other factors, generations of parents who refuse to discipline their children (including but not exclusively meaning spanking) has led to the moral decay of our society and has instilled in children/teens a lack of respect for themselves, their parents, and authority in general. Many have walked a path of personal destruction and have not only destroyed their own lives, but often the lives of many others in the process. As I mentioned before there are many ways to discipline our children. I’m just making the point that spanking (properly administered) is as viable an option as the other things I mentioned.

One last note. I have never read any materials that the Pearl’s have written. I do not know their philosophy and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on their book or philosophy. Parents need to use common sense when approaching this issue of disciplining their children, and Christian parents should search God’s Word for instruction and pray for wisdom and discernment concerning how they should discipline their children.

I would also encourage anyone to read the New Testament to learn what Jesus taught, and in order to understand fully what Jesus (God) says the Old Testament should be read as well as each is equally His Word.

I most likely will not be checking back on the comments on this post as I will be away from the computer for several days during the holidays. So, if you leave a reply to my post please understand I will probably never see it. I just wanted to share my thoughts in hopes to help someone better understand this issue.
Comment by Dana :

I’m going to wade in here hesitantly because I think some main points are being overlooked…and because this post originally linked to me as being anti-Christian and I don’t quite know where that came from (or how I was even identified as a supporter of the boycott to begin with since I chose not to show my protest of the Pearls material through a formal boycott.)

This isn’t really about “us” and “them” but whether the practices outlined by the Pearls is abuse. It is true that the boycott is headed up by several secular bloggers, some of them atheist. But that does not mean by default that the Pearls are right. And a number of Christian bloggers have added their thoughts to the discussion. I would like to add some links for consideration. Because the real issue should not be about whether or not atheists condemn the Pearls but whether or not what the Pearls teach can be supported by God.

With your understanding of the difference between secular and Christian worldviews, I think you might recognize my first objection to the material. It is based in behaviorism, a philosophy which was really developed by B.F. Skinner and has a lot to do with how our public schools are set up. Even in the book, children are continually compared as animals. Catez does a nice job of exploring this and the Pearls basis in humanist psychology:
http://allthings2all.blogspot.com/2005/07/review-to-train-up-child-by-michael.html
Ann shares her experience in a post that made me cry…a Christian trying so hard to do what is right, led astray for a time:
http://www.holyexperience.blogspot.com/2006/04/perfectionism.html
Her gentle attitude has been inspiring to me, and has helped me keep things in perspective.

Spunky, a well known Christian blogger has a lengthy review of their marriage book (linked in her sidebar, just scroll down):
http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/

She also deals a little with the parenting materials here:

http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2006/04/switch-or-cross_12.html

And you can follow the links from there to see my thoughts.

I am only providing this because I think the real issue has gotten clouded by who has been the loudest in their objections and has strayed from what the heart of the matter should be: are we following God or man?

Merry Christmas and God bless!
Comment by Cindy :

Dana I appreciate you comments so much and the links are excellent! As a friend of mine said, this is an extreme testimony of the danger of this book and the Pearls ministry. It isn’t about a Christian or anti-Christian agenda but about whether what the Pearls are teaching is biblical. And it is about more than simply spanking as can be seen in the links that you share.

God bless each of you.
Comment by Pure and Sensible :

I missed this post. Thank you for posting Robin. I had heard of the boycott a few months ago among some of the homeschool “loops”. But, couldn’t find the source of what it was all about. sigh But, now I see. Thank you very much! Ann’s post on perfectionism (linked from Dana’s comment) is an absolute must-read! How beautiful!