Parenting in the Name of God: Introduction

Preliminary Considerations

Before we get into any analysis of the theology expressed by No Greater Joy ministry, some groundwork is needed.

The intention is not to examine the life of Michael and Debi Pearl, or the lives of those who use their material. If the material stands, it must stand on its own merits, regardless of the imperfections of its creators or users. If it fails, it also fails on its own merit, without regard to the lives lived by those who use it. It cannot be condemned, nor can it be rescued, by genetic fallacy, ad hominem, or appeal to emotion: only by its relationship or lack thereof to truth. So, while this is a very emotional issue, it requires a careful, reasoned look.

Whether or not the Pearls are nice people or coldhearted spankers, and whether or not the families of Sean Paddock and Lydia Schatz were nice people, or angry spankers, misled or self-deceived, or any other such details, is not in view here. Our responsibility at this time is to examine our own lives, what we bring into them, and what we share with others as a result. Our focus is to look at core teachings and examine their faithfulness to Scripture, which we believe to be the full, verbally inspired word of God in the original manuscripts, transmitted to us with verifiable reliability despite time and translation.[see footnote]

In answering questions for oneself, we would strongly suggest that the place to start is theology, and commonsense defined thereby, rather than personalities and anecdotes. This does not in any way negate the anecdotal body of evidence being established on the quiverfull/extreme patriarchy/authoritarianism issue; the concern is to first establish some means of understanding and interpreting the various positions put forward.

Scope of the Question and Intended Audience

There are many book reviews and many opinions available on the Pearls’ book, To Train Up a Child, however our recommendation is for people to read the book for themselves and form their own conclusions. An older full text is apparently available online here. It appears to correspond to many of the quotes being used in reviews around the web. It is useful for overview purposes; some content is slightly different from the 2008 print edition, which contains updates which are in some cases apparently based on articles written in the interim between editions. Some of the 2008 wording is clarified, some expanded or reduced, some rendered into more generic terminology than the linked example. The changes do not affect the overall context or argumentation of the book.

We will look at the theology of the book itself and also review articles from the web and the No Greater Joy print compilations for context and balance. We will not be forming conclusions, either in agreement or disagreement with NGJ, on parenting philosophy which is found to lack clear biblical mandate. Also, the scope of this writing will not include political or legal considerations not directly related to the examination of NGJ theology.

Our intended audience is web-based, and may be of any beliefs or background, but we’re writing primarily for the use of those who are considering the following:

• is it wise and worthwhile to voice support or criticism for a particular position or ministry on this issue?
• should I use or discontinue using the materials of No Greater Joy?
• what is the controversy all about?
• should I ask my homeschooling organization to take a position on NGJ and its materials?

The Christian homeschooling community has its supporters and detractors of NGJ. Emotions and peer influence (yes, we adults have that too) can make it difficult to ask and answer questions. We hope to be of some small service to those seeking further information within the Christian community. As such, our main address is to those of conservative Christian beliefs, and we’ll be using language and cultural references which are familiar to that group.

Addressing Blurred Lines

In the Christian culture, and particularly in the homeschooling subculture, it’s sometimes very difficult to draw a line between personal life and ministry life. We recognize that for some, there is no felt distinction between doctrinal examination and personal examination. This can be a point for those involved in pastoring or other formal public work; those operating a home-based business to the Christian market; or those for whom homemaking is a form of interpersonal/community ministry.

Those in such circumstances often share their lives fully and sacrificially with their circles, with the personal and social blending seamlessly with more formal ministry. For homeschoolers, children may go almost everywhere with their parents, and are directly involved in public contact relating to ministry or business. Likewise, the ministry group or the customer base often has direct contact with the home. Deut. 6:5-7, “the homeschooling verses,” are often referenced to express a pragmatic non-distinction between the teaching of doctrine and personal Christian living.

However, this does not change the distinction between the God-breathed and the human-inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and that’s where Christians must focus in order to be true to their professed convictions.

The biblical value of instructional materials for marriage and parenting can’t be reliably derived by how individuals use them, whether for extreme benefit or extreme harm. Many other factors contribute, such as other teachings, community and relational input, and (mis)understanding of how to filter out non-constructive information or reject inaccurate doctrine. The continued compilation of anecdotal experiences will help greatly to establish related factors and trends, and their interplay with one another. We certainly encourage this.

At the same time, the word of our Lord stands forever. Here, we may begin a walk together in fruitful, edifying discussion, hopefully for the benefit of everyone concerned, and that of our children.

Defining Community and Its Role

In this case in particular, the idea of community is shifting and vague, as several forms of it are in play. Michael Pearl does pastor a church. It constitutes one form of community unit. The Pearls’ materials and influence are reasonably widespread throughout conservative Christian homeschooling circles, which may constitute churches, local homeschool groups, online networks, or loose associations of people across large geographical distances via internet friendships.

The Pearls also teach on marriage and Christian living. As we begin to review their material, some vibrant discussions are already ensuing within our marriage itself. Dave’s childhood background is conservative Christian; mine is secularist-feminist.[more info] While we’ve built our own personal life and convictions about the details of living it, we still tend to filter information in different ways, with different emphases or assumed implications. Going by the philosophy that the home is the basic social unit, many marriages and families are involved as microcosms of community.

For many who do not have direct association with the Pearls, this issue will be one of deciding whether or not to own, retain or share their materials; whether to include their material and those similar to it on recommended resource lists, in libraries, or perhaps on book fair tables for those who participate in conferences. Each group and set of relationships must and should act independently, within its own context and agreed-upon convictions, with Scriptural consideration, prayer and sincerity of heart before God.

Dave and I will likewise attempt to do that for ourselves, and God willing, for the information and edification of others along the way. We welcome discussion, questions, clarifications and corrections on these posts. At the same time, we realize that our work may be appealing to no one in the end. We can only offer to do our imperfect best, and ask for assistance in our attempt, in the desire that we — and you with us — might express devotion to Jesus Christ, and love for the fellowship of sinners who are redeemed in Him.

Part 1: Examining NGJ’s Doctrinal Statement >

Footnote: Related Reading at Scienda

Semper Fidelis:  The Somewhat Lighthearted Scienda Doctrinal Statement
Norse Myth and Bible History: A Musing on Historical Materials
Does the Bible Contain Pagan Myths? Considerations in Investigation