The growth of fundamentalist Christian schools and their special
character is here studied in a classic and thorough manner. The
author lived with a church member for 18 months and, except for one
day a weak, was completely absorbed in the activities of this
community. The result is a depth of understanding of his subjects
not often found in the public forum. Eminently fair, Peshkin is
careful to define his own beliefs and prejudices in an attempt to
be as objective as possible. The church members welcomed him and
were as helpful as they could be. They are straightforward in their
opinions and goals - politically, socially and morally. They
concentrate on the basics in education and bolster them with dress
codes, strong discipline, patriotism and God. They aim to
indoctrinate the whole person, in school and out, continually. That
they succeed in doing it with a third of the budget of a public
school and no government money is, in its own way, remarkable. The
students interviewed vary in the intensity of their beliefs, but on
the whole demonstrate that the school had achieved its aims. The
staff is underpaid, overworked, competent, dedicated and, like
everyone associated with the operation, born-again Christians. The
idea of a "total institution" in the American pluralistic society
has always stirred debate since it claims to know the truth and
thus has the right to demand unswerving obedience. Many perturbed
citizens have asked: Who are these people? Where are they going?
And what does their success mean for the rest of us? Peshkin
answers these questions with a thoughtful analysis and vigorous
opinions. (Kirkus Reviews)
Is Bethany Baptist Academy God's choice? Ask the fundamentalist
Christians who teach there or whose children attend the academy,
and their answer will be a yes as unequivocal as their claim that
the Bible is God's inerrant, absolute word. Is this truth or
arrogance?
In "God's Choice," Alan Peshkin offers readers the opportunity to
consider this question in depth. Given the outsider's rare chance
to observe such a school firsthand, Peshkin spent eighteen months
studying Bethany's high school--interviewing students, parents, and
educators, living in the home of Bethany Baptist Church members,
and participating fully in the church's activities. From this
intimate research he has fashioned a rich account of Christian
schooling and an informed analysis of a clear alternative to public
education.
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