I personally don't think this is a reflection of typical home schooling. I DO, however, think that it's wise that they DO home school these children. Children are likely the cruelest creatures on earth, and the children of this family would be ridiculed horribly by their classmates.
I cannot tell you how unimpressed I am with university degrees. This is not the first time I've encountered a couple without an intelligent brain cell between them holding a university degree. There is a story that is perfect for people with this "belief". It's a bit lengthy, but well worth a read:
In a small village right by the ocean lived a man named Joseph. One day their came an enormous tidal wave. The entire village was flooded. The village people were making every effort to leave their homes for safety. Joe climbed up onto the roof of his house and sat there praying to God. One of his neighbours came by in a boat and yelled out to Joseph "Joe, come with us! We'll take you to safety!" Joe replied "Thank you, but I'm fine. God will take care of me." An hour went by and another boat approaches. "Joe, come with us to safety!" shouted the captain of the boat. Again Joe responded with Thank you, but my God will look out for me. I have faith." Some time later as the village was sinking deeper and deeper into the ocean, the coast guard was passing by Joe's house and noticed him on the roof. They shouted to him "Don't worry Joe, we'll help you! We're throwing you this life raft so you can get to safety!" Once more Joe shouted with confidence "I have faith that God will provide for me. HE will save me, but thank you!" Moments later a helicopter flew overhead. They threw down a rope and said "Joe! Grab the rope! We'll take you to safety!" Again, Joe maintained with complete conviction "I'm okay. God will protect me. My faith is strong!" Soon all the rescuers were gone and all the other villagers taken to safety. Joe is still on the roof of his house, the floods almost consuming him. Finally Joe shouts out "God, why have you forsaken me? I have been a loyal and faithful follower all my life. Why now, in my hour of need have you abandoned me?" God replied "Joe, I've sent you 2 boats, a life raft, and a helicopter. What do you want from me?"
The moral of the story is that God helps those who help themselves. I have an incredibly strong faith and belief in God; and yes there have been times where I've been presented with more than one opportunity. Often I've prayed that God would put a big neon sign over the one He wants me to take... and yes, I've made costly mistakes. But I don't make the same mistake twice, and I don't sit back and "wait" for God to provide. I get a job. As at least one of these two needs to do. She is just as responsible as as he is. I think they're both plain lazy and using "God's will" as an excuse to justify their irresponsible behaviour.
What really makes me angry though, is that they'll come on a program like this where they are often generously offered a financial way out (I wasn't able to see the end of the program) and/or the sympathetic public will send them tens of thousands of dollars of support. Meanwhile people like myself have struggled for thirty years in dead end jobs fighting to make ends meet.... Maybe they do have the right idea and I'm the stupid one who's living wrong. I don't really believe that, but it makes you wonder.
(Original Air Date: 02/15/08) What happens when a parent’s agenda becomes so extreme that his or her children are forced to live a harsh, stoic existence? Dan and Janna are a college-educated couple married for 15 years with seven children, ages ranging from 2 weeks to 14. They have no income, no heat, no running water and are about to lose their house. Dan and Janna believe that their primitive lifestyle is God’s will, and that they are being led by the Lord. Janna’s mom, Carol, and stepdad, Rich, are worried about the health of their grandchildren. Are they eating enough? Are they warm enough? They say because the children are home schooled, they live in a cult-like home environment, and are not exposed to the outside world. Carol and Rich are willing to bail this family out one last time, but why are Dan and Janna refusing the help? After eight failed businesses, why won’t Dan get a job to support his family? Where will they go when they are forced out of their home? Talk about the show here.
