So, a comment on the wall brought up something that I've noticed other homeschoolers mention.
In every 2nd or 3rd intro on any secular(ish) homeschooling group I've ever belonged to, a person says they live in the conservative christian area of their city/county/state/province/country.
Do we really all live in the most religious areas in our states? I have always been told that in Georgia, I live in the bible belt. However, living in metro Atlanta, I am in a more liberal portion of the state. That being said, there are at least 17 churches within a 2 mile radius of my home, and there are no liquor sales on Sunday. Now, I was raised here, I would think it odd NOT to see constant reminders of people's beliefs posted on the their front lawns, mailboxes, cars and workstations. And of course a lot of religious homeschoolers in a variety of groups. Not that I like it or approve of it, I'm just used to it.
Does anyone actually live in an area where it isn't normal to be surrounded by religious folk? A place where the vast majority of homeschoolers aren't christian?
If you do, are there any homes for sale in your area? ;o)
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Me, me! We live in a quite progressive city in a quite liberal state (MA) and I just love it here. We've only lived here for 6 months so I'm not actually sure what the make-up of homeschoolers is. The two big homeschool groups are religious (Catholic and "statement of faith" Christian) so I suspect the majority are still christian, however rarely do you see people outwardly displaying signs of their religion. We're more likely to see rainbow stickers and solar panels than religious tchotchkes.
Permalink Reply by Southern Orbit on January 11, 2011 at 3:30pm
Permalink Reply by K on January 11, 2011 at 3:41pm I have found a nice assortment of atheist/secular homeschoolers in Metro Atl., esp. Gwinnett.
I've also found great acceptance in the local UU and Pagan homeschooling groups. I can be an open atheist in both places with no issues at all.
In another local group, although xian oriented but with no statement of faith, I had good xian women who wouldn't allow my children to play with theirs, JIC...
lol...we have a lot of xtian homeschoolers here but I wouldn't call Tucson a religious area compared to a place like the South.
For example, I just got back from our (secular, inclusive) homeschool group's park day. A new lady showed up and she and her daughter were in denim dresses with high-necked shirts and tights and tennis shoes. Her boys were wearing ties. We were welcoming but she will surely decide that our group is too progressive/liberal/pagan/etc soon. Tucson has a lot of Hispanic Catholic influences but we lean Democrat/liberal.
And we currently are an awesome place to get a screaming deal on a foreclosure! :P
Permalink Reply by K on January 11, 2011 at 3:50pm Oh We have LOTS of those families around here. It's amusing yet sad to see them at various homeschool events...Mama and all the girls in long sleeves, and denim jumpers or skirts, all wearing little kerchiefs on their heads, even the toddler. All the boys are wearing jeans and hats, and they are stairstepped.
Obviously a child born every 18-24 months... 14, 13, 11, 9, 7, on down to mama being preggers or carrying a tiny baby. Usually 6-8 kids, too.
They also don't join up with our secular/liberal or pagan groups...
Permalink Reply by Leila Cook on May 20, 2012 at 7:38am I wish. We live in a small, rural Southern town and- while I love living in the country (it is quite, people leave you alone for the most part and I can grow my organic vegetable garden) it is a bit lonely- if I didn't have online friends, I would go crazy.
Permalink Reply by K on May 20, 2012 at 10:03am Hi Leila,
I've found a few friends, but lots of folks who avoid me. Not so bad now, since the area is growing and people from all walks of life are moving in. Still outnumbered, though, and likely will always be, until I move to some other area, or country. Can't imagine not living in the south, since it's where I grew up, but who knows what life has in store?
Where in Tn is Livingston? I live NE of Atlanta proper, but still considered Atl for commuting puproses.
Welcome!
Permalink Reply by Leila Cook on May 29, 2012 at 5:29pm It is about halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. If you have ever watched a Stephen King movie, you can just imagine that, rofl. :D
Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Porter on March 9, 2013 at 10:40am
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