Another Reason I Homeschool
WARNING! In spite of my attempt to avoid inflammatory language, this will probably offend some people. If so, please think carefully before you post a comment. I just cannot keep silent any longer!
A very near-by school district (not the one I live in) in a small rural midwestern town has drawn national notice once, and very likely will again soon, over an issue with a teacher who was recently fired. He claims the only thing he did was refuse to remove his Bible from his desk. According to the local newspaper, the school board and several letters to the editor claim that he had religious posters and several Bibles in his science classroom, which were used in his class, distributed religious tracts about his particular brand of Christianity, sometimes discussing it in class, burned a “cross” on the arm of at least one student during a science demonstration, “suggested” that the approved science text was wrong, and discriminated against students who did not share his beliefs. In addition, the board of education says he refused to stop doing these things when directed to do so by the superintendent. All of the above are violations of state and/or federal laws. The teacher has filed suit in federal court although the hearing is still ongoing.
Local support for the teacher may not be that large, but it is a vociferous and vehement portion of the local Christian community. Students testifying against him have reportedly been harassed. At a recent school board meeting, two or three local citizens blamed the board for “wasting” money on their lawyer for the hearing requested by the teacher, under state law.
According to the local newspaper, which reported on the meeting, another citizen condemned the board for allowing “sinful” and “evil” attitudes into the schools by permitting books referring to homosexuality (according to him) in the school libraries.
Another article below this report concerned a court case involving a teen with the same last name as the man concerned about homosexuality (relationship, if any, unknown). It seems this boy has been charged with a hate crime for being part of a group of teens that “tied a noose around the neck” of a Hispanic student and ”dragged him through a parking lot while hurling racial epithets at him.”
Pardon me, but the last time I looked, I didn’t see anything in the Bible encouraging people to break laws, break legal contracts and disobey their employer, infringe on the legal rights of others, attack and humiliate people for standing up for what they believe is right or for being the “wrong” color or nationality, or religion (or lack of religion), or sexual/gender orientation. And anyone whose beliefs require them to do so should be ready to suffer the just consequences of their actions because a civilized society cannot tolerate this.
Just because it often feels like things are falling apart lately, doesn’t give anyone the excuse or the right to enforce their personal beliefs as if they are law and more to be respected than someone else’s. If something is a sin for you, then don’t do it. But don’t force others to accept your definition or belief. If you have a particular faith, then practice it and teach it to your children, but don’t teach it to the children of others with different beliefs. If teaching tolerance in school offends you, then homeschool. I do, partly because I don’t believe enough tolerance is taught and practiced in public schools ( the much-touted “socialization” is too often of the negative type), and because I feel that science and other subjects are “dumbed down” for various reasons, and because I do not feel the schools can best meet my child’s needs.
When hatred and intolerance are sown, violence and mob rule may be reaped unless the rule of law, including freedom of religion and personal civil liberties, is enforced, respected and practiced by the majority of the citizens.
Which attitude do we want our children to learn? They have to be carefully taught to learn to hate those who are different. Please explore and examine your own intolerant beliefs and be absolutely certain they are not based on ignorance, inexperience, or fear before you cast the first stone, and that what you teach your children doesn’t lead to intolerance, hatred and violence, which have a way of backfiring.
See also: http://outofoptions.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/religious-rights/
As you warned others I also wish to warn others 🙂 ~
I agree with this. We do need to teach our children to be tolerant and mindful of others who may not have the same beliefs.
My frustration comes from what I teach my children about their faith and how we need to accept and be tolerant of all people, even those who may not believe what we believe and yet others condemn us for our path and for our beliefs.
It is a hard lesson, when I teach to accept others and then we are spit on because of our beliefs.
Public Schools teach many different religions (I have two boys who went to Public School and finshed) and yet they never speak of Christians. Ever. It is quite sad that schools teach all about cultures and relgions from all over yet they stop when it is about Christ.
Interesting. What are they so afraid of?
There are always stories of both sides. My boys were ridiculed by their teachers for being Alter Servers, and this was right in front of the class. I asked myself, did they ask for this ? Did they deserve this?
I will never condone people who take their beliefs and make them an excuse to harm and ridicule other people. It is just wrong and very sad.
My only thought is these people are very misled and have such fear about others not following what their beliefs are that it brings them to such intolerance and hatred and violence.
Yes, Tracey. I must agree. Intolerance can come from many directions and it is never right.
I love this post, not only because I support your position, but because it was well written.
Do you mind if I link to it, in my homeschooling blog?
Thanks,
Ronda
Please do, Ronda. I am honored. Thank you.