Did anyone else catch the article by Christina Hoff Sommers, professor of philosophy at Clark University, in March’s Imprimus magazine? According to this author, not only do increasing numbers of young people not know how to read, spell, add, or find major countries on a map, but they know so little about the Western moral tradition that they literally have no basis on which to decide right and wrong.

Case in point: Talk-show host Jay Leno conducted a “man-in-the-street” survey of several college-age people on Bible topics. Some of the questions and answers follow:

“Can you name one of the Ten Commandments?” “Freedom of speech?”

“Complete this sentence: ‘Let him who is without sin...’” “Have a good time?”

“Who, according to the Bible, was eaten by a whale?” “Pinocchio.”

Funny, yes, but also extremely sad.

Another case in point: A college teacher used a short story in her creative writing class that seemed to promote ritualized human sacrifice. Instead of being horrified, the students thought the idea was “Neat!” or “Cool!” Not one would take a stand against it.

No wonder we see increasing incidents of children killing children and committing other horrendous crimes. Ever since the Bible was taken out of public school, there has been no authority on which to base ethical teachings. Just as Ken Ham says moral pronouncements have become circular arguments: “You can’t do that.” “Why not?” “Because it’s wrong.” “Why?” “Because it’s not right.” “Why not?” “Because we don’t do that.” “Why not?” “Because it’s wrong.” Et cetera. No wonder increasing numbers of parents are making the decision to homeschool their kids “because of what’s going on in the public schools.” I’m sure Christian schools are seeing healthy attendance, too. Church training is simply not enough to counter the evil influences of these troubled days.

I’d bet that most kids in our support group families can answer these questions while they’re still in their single digits. These children, the leaders of the future, represent a bright spot in a dark and uncertain time. I hope every one of you feels the burden of responsibility God has placed on your shoulders concerning the education of these young people, which you have courageously accepted instead of taking the easiest route and shuffling them off to “free” public education. Raise them well.