Virtually everyone who was homeschooling back then read Dr. Moore's books, quoted his philosophy, and used his recommended materials. Even today, homeschoolers who have never heard of Dr. Moore are still being affected by his influence on the movement. For the last few years, however, some of his ideas seem to have fallen into disfavor. His books are no longer as widely circulated and cited, and he is seldom invited to speak at conventions. Indeed, someone just coming into home education now might never know that Raymond Moore ever exi sted as a force in homeschooling.
Great controversy surrounds the whole issue.
An effort at Christian mediation and peacemaking was made, but apparently with little lasting success. J. Richard Fugate, President of Alpha Omega Publications, even wrote a book refuting Dr. Moore's position that early reading is harmful to children, and tracing Dr. Moore's approach to humanistic origins. Clearly Raymond Moore is no longer in the lead, or even in the mainstream of home education in America. It would be foolhardy and uncharitable to ascribe ill motives to those involved in the debate. It is perhaps remotely possible that the controversy is one of personal animosity or jealousy or the desire to control what homeschooling means.