I was a little surprised when I saw this review of my book, Setting the Records Straight on Amazon. It was the first time I got only 4 stars in a review. Surprisingly, the reason for the less-than-perfect score was because I expressed my Christian faith. Here is the review, so you can read it yourself:
Christian Alert
By J. McGrath, posted November 16, 2012This review is from: Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships (Paperback)As a longstanding secular homeschooler, I like to know when I am buying something that has bible verses in it. That said, I appreciate the “can do” spirit, the obsessive detailing (so I don’t have to be obsessive from the ground up) and practical advice. It’s a tad bit aggravating that she uses her own very accomplished children as models–I would have appreciated some examples of medium-accomplished kids–but there is certainly enough information in the book to figure it out.
I have to say, my first reaction was to laugh. I don’t remember including a lot of scripture in that book at all, so it’s mostly just references about me as a person. I’m a Christian alright!
I understand the different religious views of people and I hope you will understand mine. You may not agree with me on Bible verses, but it’s still reasonable for me to include references in books. Please understand that I don’t try to mislead people at all. 99% of the information I provide will be helpful to everyone, Christian or not. I try to focus on our common goal; our choice to homeschool our children through high school. And by the way, if you would like to, you can leave your own review of the book here: Write your own review.
In my book, The HomeScholar Guide to College Admission and Scholarships, I have included a scripture reference in each chapter. I have also included a Princess Bride reference in each chapter! So don’t worry! Each chapter will help you, whether you prefer your references from scripture, or the Princess Bride, or both!
Are you curious about The HomeScholar? Find out more here!
I also was a ‘secular’ homeschooler. There is no doubt that many home school materials are too ‘Chistian’ for my taste, and I chose to avoid those. However, I never had that problem with Lee’s materials, presentations, or advice. I used Setting the Records Straight when I developed a transcript for my son who was happy when he got into his first choice college. So here’s my vote for Lee’s books, webinars, and general support (I was a happy Gold Care Club member), whether you are Christian or not.
Lee, you are AWESOME. My two daughters are at George Fox University, with financial aid and an academic scholarship that I fully credit to your Set the Record Straight and other transcript making materials! I tell EVERYONE who asks, “I just did exactly what Lee (theHomescholar.com) said to do!” Not ONLY did the college LOVE my records, my oldest daughter (the year before) was accepted into a Skype-in high school, with all her homeschool high-school work transferring into their school. She was even able to graduate from the three-hours-away brick and mortar high school all BECAUSE of following Lee’s transcript instructions. A Public Charter High school accepting a homeschooler’s work! That is unheard of!Our whole family went down and she marched with 85 other kids. It was wonderful. Lee’s materials are a GIFT! Thank you, LEE!
Thank you so much!!
Blessings,
Lee
All the other materials are filled with the other religions whatever they happen to be, one of them is the religion of atheism. It is up to the reader to pick and choose. If they don’t like the bible being mentioned they can move on to the other source that mentions atheism……or whatever else. 🙂 It’s a free world….for now anyhow. 🙂 I think I will go and buy your book now. 🙂
Dear Sarah,
Well said! 😀
Robin
Assistant to The HomeScholar
I think the review was fine. She was honest about what didn’t work for her and what did. I think she did reflect that she picked what she could use. While I’m Christian we didn’t homeschool for “Christian” reasons. I’ve read lots of homeschool books over my over 20 years of homeschooling. I have never found one that fit me 100%. I love the idea that we can pick and choose from everything we read.
I coordinate a homeschool network and co op and have homeschooled since 1997.
In our community, I’m seeing a totally different vibe in homeschoolers. It comes out when parents call and ask about our group – I always ask about their reasons for homeschooling. Even five years ago, it was not uncommon to get specific questions from parents that addressed Christian beliefs – they WANTED that. They homeschooled for reasons that included prayerful decisions.
You’d be shocked how many times I hear that the reason someone is considering homeschooling is because “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do” or “my child keeps getting expelled.”
It’s a different world.
I see that in my ministry as well, Cheryl
Blessings,
Lee
Lee – your books and CD’s are full of extremely helpful information for those who are home schooling high school. Your book on transcripts is so thorough and provides excellent templates for transcripts. It is wonderful as a home schooler to be able to speak about one’s faith openly – even in textbooks! I have found in my various life experiences that some people feel a need to give Christians a hard time – to find some way to show that they aren’t perfect people, like all Christians are self-righteous. Well, we already know we aren’t perfect – far from it, but we are thankful for all that’s been done for us. These kinds of things we just have to let roll off our backs – your materials are solid, and anti – Christians can make up their own minds as to whether they want the help for transcripts or not! Kim
Thanks Kim! I appreciate the encouragement!
Blessings,
Lee