Millstones & Stumbling Blocks: Understanding Education in Post-Christian America

by Bradley E. Heath

Much of the timber of public schooling and evangelicalism is as dry as kindling; Millstones & Stumbling Blocks is an open flame. Don't read this book if you insist on believing that . . . Christian children should be educated in public schools American evangelicalism is on the right track there are political remedies for our cultural illnesses Do read this book if . . . you'll consider that the above points may not be true you are unhappy with the educational status quo you accept the responsibility to read, think, and act "There is no greater failing among Christians than our lack of obedience in the education of our children. Brad Heath understands the stakes and eloquently points the way." -Bruce Shortt Attorney, and author of The Harsh Truth about Public Schools

Genres: Education, Theology, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2006

Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Christian parent should read this book.

[Bill Stutzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised I hadn't heard of this until now (in print for 14 years). I found Heath's book concise, pointed, and engaging. His argument is much needed, all the more for its unpopular position, and Heath's clairvoyance shines all the brighter in light of 2020's unraveling social and political upheaval. The seeds were sown long ago in public education. I appreciated Heath's recognition, however, that this is not a one-sided issue with one party to blame. Many are complicit, not least the evangelical church, in supporting a fundamentally broken and antithetical system and approach to what should be among our most deeply held convictions, the education of our children. All education is fundamentally and definitionally religious--it's not a matter of whether a faith is taught but of which one. I'm likely to return to this book to reprocess it as well as recommend it.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought and read this book because I agree with the author's premise. I wanted to have some fresh or new ideas on how to substantially urge my friends who have children in public school to bring them out. I am a homeschool mom and wouldn't even send my children to Christian school if I had a choice because I don't think even they do a good enough job with teaching apologetics and the things that are extremely important to our family. Uplifting speech, brotherly love, etc.

While the author did have many good points, I kept waiting for a substantial body of work that would back up his premise with Scripture and convincing argument. It seemed to me that the book was just "touch and go" of diatribe and railing against the ps system and parents who would choose the system. Especially disrespectful is the chapter on Evangelicals who are to blame for most of the ps children in the system. He thinks that the Evangelicals don't stand enough on "the shoulders of the giants" that came before and don't hold to creeds, confessions or catechisms that somehow lead to home schooling.? I'm sorry, I stand on the shoulders of Jesus Christ and His Word and I don't need Luther or Calvin to tell me what to think.

I have been looking for a way to convince, with LOVE because with love and the Holy Spirit's guidance believers will listen. Would someone convince you to stop watching television by saying, "Hey, you're a lazy bum and watch too much tv so turn it off and read what the Bible says about sloth!"? I LOVE my friends and their children who are in public school and want to open a dialogue about how wonderful and vital homeschool is to children. But this book did not help me one bit to advance my cause.

[Debi Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any Christian parent who has ever thought that public school might not be the best choice for their kids, Heath confirms the suspicion. For any Christian parent who thinks public school is just fine for their kids, Heath challenges.