Why I Use Secular Curriculum as a Christian Homeschooler

Using the Book is Not a Blanket Endorsement

I just want to clarify that everything I share on here - whether it is secular or Christian, etc. - does not indicate that I endorse the beliefs of that company, product or author in full. It simply means that I have found some of their resources helpful in the process of educating my children or my tutoring students. And it probably means that I have either skipped portions of their books or have verbally critiqued it with my kids to help them understand that just because something is in print doesn’t make it true.

I hope this is helpful to you in your journey of educating your own children simply as food for thought. Don’t take what I say as what your family should do. We are all convicted differently. I just wanted to share my thoughts regarding this…

Mixing Christian and Secular Resources

I know there are many Christian homeschooling parents who refuse to use any products that are not published by Christian companies. And I am glad that there are many companies out there who can support them in their endeavors. I, on the other hand, have found resources from a plethora of companies helpful in teaching my own and other people’s children. So, I try in many cases to not “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” I choose not to use certain resources because I disagree with many of their beliefs. But I also choose to use some others despite their beliefs. And to be honest - this applies just as much to some Christian products as it does to some non-Christian products. I will give a few examples below.

I am a Christian - and my theology is “reformed,” but I use resources from the following groups, each of whom have beliefs that differ widely from each other and even me.

Resources I Use Despite Different Beliefs

Each of the following groups represent various curriculum companies that do not align with my theological views and yet have resources I have used. Sometimes I choose certain materials for specific subjects or topics and skip over what isn’t helpful. Other times, I use a specific book or subject from a company but don’t like other resources.

Let me explain…

Mormons

To keep it super simple, they think we earn our salvation (aka we get to Heaven) by our good deeds.

I believe that none of my good deeds are good enough (Isaiah 64:6) and that I don’t have to “work my way” because my way has been paid by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7-9) who died on a cross over 2,000 years ago. And by calling out in faith to Him I am saved from hell and get to live in eternity with God in a renewed body on a renewed earth.

But I still find some Mormon-produced resources helpful. In my experience, their beliefs are not usually included in any apparent way.

Secularists

I disagree with secularists in even more areas…such as the fact that there is a God and that we are born sinners in need of a Savior - Jesus Christ; that the world was created by this God, and that humans are created to glorify God, etc. etc. I could go on and on.

But I still use lots of secular curriculum. Often if we read something I think is wrong, I just tell my kids why and move on (or we might discuss it).

Other Christians

Just because a company says “Christian” doesn’t mean it aligns with my (or your) theology.

I’ve seen companies run by “Christians” who teach that women should obey their fathers no matter how old they are until they get married; and then they should obey their husbands just like they’re another child.

I also know “Christian” companies who promote secular ideologies like critical race theory.

So, when I read a book by a company that calls itself “Christian,” I am still on guard, similarly to the way I would be on guard against certain secular belief systems.

How I Choose the Curriculum

When I choose a math curriculum, I am doing just that. I want my kindergartener to know how to add 2+2=4. I don’t care if the story has two kids collecting flowers or money for a missions trip. I also don’t feel the need to have a Bible verse included on every page.

I believe that God created all things and that the “heavens declare the glory of God.” So, as we study the world He made, we as his children are drawn to worship Him.

Keeping My Kids Grounded

I don’t want my children exposed to ideologies that are opposed to Biblical doctrine before they are ready to process that information.

And I ALSO don’t want my children exposed to so-called “Christian” belief systems that are actually not true to the gospel.

Honestly the latter scares me even more. I expect my kids to be exposed to secular beliefs that they can then identify and critique as they grow. But when someone calls their work “Christian” and then twists the gospel to make it a salvation by good works or a domineering form of bondage and oppression - that infuriates me and in my opinion is even more dangerous.

All in all, I want to raise kids who have discernment to investigate Truth for themselves. Just as I don’t want them to blindly agree with whatever they are told by our pop culture, certainly don’t want them to fall for ideas simply because someone put a “Christian” label on it.

Why Share This with You?

First of all, I never want someone to get on my blog and see that I am recommending a particular book or product and assume that I am a raving fan of everything that company stands for - whether it is secular or faith-based.

Secondly, I know that this topic is of concern for Christian parents and I wanted to share with those of you who are why I choose to use the materials I choose.