(there is a lot of info about the case and the social justice curriculum at the bottom of that page if you wish to familiarize yourself with what may be heading to your district).
I want to be really clear on the fact that this post is not about bashing these two men and their lifestyle decisions. I believe that God's Word does speak out against homosexuality, but firstly, I remember that Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, AND to love your neighbour as yourself. Working on those two things will keep me busy for the rest of my life.
I do not expect much of society to follow God's teachings, I do not expect public school to do so either. I do not march down to the local school and start demanding that my moral views based on my spiritual beliefs be forced upon anyone else. BUT my frustration that the reverse is happening. What they are not telling parents is what is in some of the documents pertaining to the above case. I listened to a Vancouver radio talk show discuss this issue, and realized that no one was talking about what was the real issue to me, so I did something a bit out of character for my people pleasing personality and emailed them the following:
My biggest concern was not addressed during your show. I have
read parts of the documents describing the new curriculum being
implemented. The children will be taught that anyone who disagrees with
a homosexual lifestyle is wrong and is guilty of hate. Schools have no
business undermining the home. The bond between parents/children/home
is what makes healthy children, not being raised by schools. I may not
agree with homosexuality based on my Biblical beliefs, but I do not shun
homosexuals, nor do I dislike them. I teach my children to love and
respect all. Why the reverse hypocrisy????
I didn't get permission to post the reply I got, but it went something like: Thank you, but homosexuality isn't an issue you can disagree with- it is like some of us have brown eyes and some of us have blue eyes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if homosexual children felt accepted too?
Seeing as how I still didn't feel heard, I emailed back and stated:
Thanks for your reply. I don't think you understood my point clearly though. I am not that concerned that they will be talking about homosexuals in history and all that- we live in a culture where we meet and are friends with homosexuals. To try to keep my children away from that is silly and unkind for those who are gay. What I am trying to say is this: If you read the documents concerning the new curriculum, and documents having to do with the court case that brought this change about, there are statements there about how the children will be taught that anyone who has differing views regarding homosexuality is wrong and will be taught that these people are spreading hate, essentially, that they are committing hate crimes- . I take great exception to schools telling children that their beliefs and that of their parents are wrong and hateful when they are simply based on their religious beliefs. To me, that is undermining the home and the importance of a family's values and beliefs. We are teaching our children to love and respect everyone, even if they don't feel the same way on these issues. We are not getting the same respect in this curriculum. That smacks of hypocrisy to me. That is what I wanted you to hear.
I don't want my blog to be a ranting, angry place. I know that God is sovereign and in control. I also know that a lot of Canadian Christians have remained silent too long. I am not going to make grandiose statements about pulling my kids out of school- I would like to leave that up to the Lord's leading, but I am sure watching how things go. In my mind, we will be pulling our kids out as soon as this is implemented in our area. My gut reaction is that no one will tell us what we can our cannot teach our children. No one will tell our children that we practice heterosexism in our home and attempt to undermine our relationship with our children. It is concerning to me that the response around me to the decision by the Vancouver School Board has been NOTHING. I saw that one article in the paper and the responses to it, and only knew about it because I happened to be listening to that talk show one day. It wasn't on any news that I saw, na da. That court ruling came about because of 2 men, who, whether or not I agree with them, believed in something strongly enough to push it through. This happens frequently in Canada- minority rules. For those of you living here, let's be aware. For those of you elsewhere- this will show up where you are too. I am praying for grace, sensitivity, and courage to stand up for the Lord, and families on this issue.
9 comments:
speaking the *T-R-U-T-H* in love girl. one more reason why i like you so very much. thank you for an incredible eye opener and a heart that is obviously in the right place. your attitude and boldness is awesome. way to go!
I think what you wrote was eloquent and intelligent as opposed to some arguments I've heard from the Christian front. And I completely agree with your point.
I'm right there with the other commenters.
Besides, if we (Christians) won't take a stand in love for what's right, than where are we going to be?
Wow, scary stuff. I'm not too far from you, geographically. We, too, live in a liberal area where we have to be very careful not to step on other lifestyle's toes, so to speak, or we can look like total g*y-bashers. I'm careful to teach my kids to look past the sin and love the sinner, because we are not to judge, that is for God alone. And yet, here we are, trying to raise our kids in a godless society. I guess this is just one more sign of the times, pointing to Christ and how much the world needs a Savior!
Excellent, Jane. Be strong and courageous. I see this not only as a moral issue, but a constitutional issue - freedom of religion and free speech are both being violated. We have no idea what's coming. This type of governmental intrusion into private life is terrifying, but it's been so slow and incremental that believers have fallen asleep on their watch, and allowed both democracy and common morality to be bound and gagged. The next generation will pay for their negligence.
www.diaryof1.com
well said, and with balance and love. More people should be as eloquent. It's too bad that once "the powers that be" have their minds made up, they won't even listen to truth.
I thought what you wrote made much sense. I agree with you, too.
What you wrote in summary, is what I'd been speaking to my dad about. We need to be a voice. We need to be against the squeaky wheels. If we don't like something -- then we need to speak up. Some how, we've had that stolen from us.
For instance, I just learned the other day that california's droughts are caused by the decision of a Judge to control the water flowing from the north - to the south - because of a fish and the people who cried out to save the fish. Good grief.
We just need to find our voice.
Good job!!
Wow....go get em girl. And I do say that in the spirit of mercy.
We have not gone here yet in our schools. We did have some schools that were to try and have a special day of silence to remember those who choose to live the gay live style.
It is sad...but we know that thing will go this way as time gets short. You keep standing up and speaking up. I don't think in the end we will change the world --it is being run by its master--but we need to continue to fight the good fight.
They will know us by our love.
Good post.
ugh. I can't even know how it can be fair that children are having to weed through this stuff so young. part of what landed my son in private school is the 6th grade public school sx video that included illustrations of different em- well, partnerings. Parents only know this if they make a special appointment with the school principal to be able to view the video in the library. otherwise, the indoctrination is allowed with no parental say so whatsoever.
I suppose the bright side is that our children will grow to learn that only the Word can be trusted, and not what anyone else says, not even their teachers.
again, ugh.
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