Our Top 21 Most Viewed Posts of 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, we want to look back and remember the 21 posts that received the most attention on H.A. this year.

Never a Helpmeet Part 2: The Cult of Lifestyle Christianity

A doctrine that requires complete 24/7 immersion with no outside input is no longer faith — it’s brainwashing.

“The Golden Compass” and the Breaking of Children’s Wills

I cannot help but see a parallel between many of the children in The Golden Compass and homeschooled children like Hana Williams.

Why This Simone Biles Homeschool Success Meme is Disrespectful to Homeschool Alumni (and Simone Biles)

Editorial Note: The following is reprinted with permission from Libby Anne’s blog Love Joy Feminism. It was originally published on Patheos on August 15, 2016. Edited by Wende Benner, HA Editorial Staff Meme features picture of Simone Biles with this text: But how will homeschooled kids ever compete in the real world?  Pretty well, I guess. Speaking as a homeschool alumna, this meme is disrespectful

How Early College Actually Set Me Back: Jo’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, nicoleneu. Editorial Note: The author’s name has been changed to ensure anonymity. ‘Jo’ is a pseudonum. Jo blogs at My Will Is Not Broken. This post is reprinted with permission. I graduated from college a few months after my 19th birthday. I had a Bachelor of Arts from an accredited college (which has recently been

My Family Was Politically Active: Darren Jones, A Homeschool Dad’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. Our family didn’t get involved in politics until I was in high school. The first (somewhat) political event that we went to was a pro-life rally in our local city. Since that time, I try to get to the annual March for Life at least every other year, which my parents never did, so in

My Homeschool Story: Rapunzel’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, flattop341.   HA Note: The author’s name has been changed to ensure anonymity. ‘Rapunzel’ is a pseudonym. Editorial note: Rapuznel blogs at Letters from Rapunzel. This story is reprinted with permission. Dear Friend, I remember clearly the moment my parents told me that they had decided to homeschool my brothers and I. We were all in the car

Of Libraries, Flashbacks, and Alternate Realities

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Hellebardius Editor’s Note: Darcy Anne is a homeschool alumni blog partner. She blogs at Darcy’s Heart-stirrings. This post was originally published on July 15, 2016, and is reprinted with permission.   I will probably never be free from the memories. No situation or activity is safe from the flashbacks, the comparisons, and the wonder that

We Were Homeschooled Because We Were Poor: Alex’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Mark Strozier. HA note: The author’s name has been changed to ensure anonymity. “Alex” is a pseudonym. My whole life, my parents told me it was great that we didn’t go to the doctor, that everything in school was pointless, and that the alternative lifestyle was the best. I always thought so too and totally

Contrasts: Kathryn Brightbill’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. Kathryn is a blog partner, follow her here. My life in politics is a story in contrasts. Election day, 1992, I’m in my county Republican headquarters making Get Out To Vote calls, working my way down the list to make sure everyone gets out to vote for George H.W. Bush. That night I watch in