Archive for the 'Waldorf' Category
September 28, 2007 @ 2:53 pm | Filed under: Waldorf
UPDATED JULY 2008:
Some readers have noticed that my Waldorf-related posts no longer appear in my archives, except for this one. That is because the discussion in the comments below brought to my attention a Vatican document which expressly disallows the reading of materials published by theosophical (and by extension, anthroposophical) sources. (Here is a link to the comment that addresses this, and additional info here.) While I was always careful to hedge my Waldorf-inspired posts with caveats about my serious concerns about anthroposophy, careful consideration of the matter following this discussion caused me to change my position. I am no longer comfortable recommending Waldorf-related materials, even with caveats. The elements of Waldorf that I found so inspiring—the gentle rhythms; the emphasis on art, handwork, storytelling, and singing; the delight in nature; and so forth—are certainly not ideas or activities exclusive to Waldorf. I continue to embrace and enjoy those elements with my children, but I no longer draw upon Waldorf materials for inspiration in those areas. I do not wish to offend anyone who holds different views on this subject, but as a Catholic I felt my course, in light of the papal document, was very clear.
I also gave serious consideration to this remark by Alice, made in reference to the second quote linked above:
This makes me recognize that there may be a potential problem in letting children become accustomed to an environment noticeably inspired by or reflective of anthroposophy. Waldorf materials are beautiful and attractive, and I may use them without buying into Steiner’s philosophy, but if I nurture my children in the midst of a pervasive Waldorf atmosphere, is there a chance I may be priming the pump for them to feel comfortable in a New Age environment as adults? Will New Age remind them of home?
Even without the papal quote, that insight would have given me cause to rethink the wisdom of having Waldorf materials, no matter how lovely, in my home.
I would be happy to address any questions or concerns readers may have.
(A bit of background for newcomers: the following conversation began with this discussion about Waldorf education at 4RealLearning, a Catholic homeschooling forum. The discussion grew heated, and the moderators closed the topic. Because some serious and legitimate questions had been raised, and because I—though not a participant in that particular thread—had been one of the most enthusiastic posters both on the forum and on my blog about Waldorf-inspired resources, I felt a responsibility to provide a space for the conversation to continue. Hence this open thread, which originally appearing at my ClubMom blog, The Lilting House. When ClubMom discontinued its “MomBlogs” program, The Lilting House and all the other ClubMom blogs were taken down. I moved the entire Lilting House archive to this site—except for my long series of Waldorf posts.)
WALDORF OPEN THREAD, OCTOBER 2007
(The discussion occurs in the comments below.)
