It seems like few discussions spark as much heat and as little light and love among evangelical Christians as a conversation about schooling choices. If the old mantra is, "Never talk religion or politics in polite company," then perhaps within the church, a more accurate mantra is "Never talk school options among Christian parents."

But we are called to love one another and to live life together in community, loving and supporting one another. How can we do this if some of us choose to home school while others choose Christian schools, others choose non-Christian private schools and still other choose public schools (or feel like the only choice they have is public school)?

I know this is an emotional and volatile issue for some, while for others it is a matter of settled conviction or of practical necessity. As a pastor of a small church that has all three schooling choices represented among our four elders, nor to mention our congregation, may I suggest the following steps toward loving each other across what are sometimes hostile dividing lines of school choice?

1. Recognize that the Bible does not mandate one choice over the others.