You blame "progressive liberal theology"--whatever that is--and educators rather than fundamental issues of poverty such as hunger and lack of books in people's homes? Mr. Steers mentions the issue, "communities with the lowest literacy rates also have the poorest health status. And 85 percent of juvenile offenders in Oregon have reading problems," but because he is writing to support a specific program, the underlying issue is not explored. People who live in poverty, especially children, are stressed out emotionally and physically. Poor mental and physical health are not conducive to learning or cultivating a love of reading.
Kids need both structure AND freedom. Freedom includes things like having food to eat and being able to read books. It is you, Outsider77, whose thinking is both sloppy and anti-humanistic. People aren't here to "function" but to live life to its fullest. Your vision is impoverished but typical.