The United States was founded by people seeking religious freedom and nothing is more foreign to American traditions and principles than allowing the government to dictate on matters of faith.

Rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and rendering unto God what is God's, is not always easy, even if people of strong religious faith sometimes think it is. Such certainty belongs to Darrell and Kathy Combs, who home-school their children in Center Township, Indiana County.

They have filed a lawsuit against the Homer-Center School District, claiming that Pennsylvania's requirements for home schooling violate the state's Religious Freedom Protection Act passed in 2002. This says that state laws must avoid "the imposition of substantial burdens upon the free exercise of religion without compelling justification."

Couples in Murrysville and Irwin have filed similar suits against their school districts.

Before anyone considers these claims, they should acknowledge that home schooling has its place in American education, and those children who are taught at home -- some 24,000 of them in Pennsylvania and about 1 million nationwide -- contain many success stories. Indeed, nothing suggests that those bringing these suits have done anything but a good job of educating their children.

That said, does the state have a compelling justification in keeping some control over home schooling?

Common sense strongly suggests the answer is yes. Education of the young is the very sinew of democracy. Just because many home-schooled children excel doesn't mean that the potential doesn't exist for some less dedicated parents to keep their children at home simply to help with the chores. American society shouldn't tolerate even the chance of letting a few kids grow up knowing nothing.

These cases may turn on how restrictive Pennsylvania's rules on home schooling really are. Critics claim that they are the most restrictive in the nation, but perhaps that is because other states are foolishly negligent.

To us, the requirements seem rather minimal. Parents must submit an annual affidavit to the local school superintendent outlining their educational goals. They must turn in a log at the end of the year showing what subjects were taught and when. A neutral, certified teacher reviews the work and interviews the child. Standardized tests are required at several grade levels.

What is the problem with that?

Americans who act on strong religious principles should be respected and accommodated as much as reasonably possible. The courts should find that the rules for home schoolers in Pennsylvania already do just that.