Leaving the Salt Shaker
Many thanks to the anonymous poster who commented on the last blog – especially because you gave me the courage to write something else I’ve been thinking but had been afraid to post.
A while back, I read an article that described in more detail what I’d heard rumors of – that many conservative Christian groups are pondering a “mass exodus” from the public schools. As I read the article further – and others like it – I got angrier and angrier. This sentence was the one that got me:
Shortt and Baucham urged every Southern Baptist church to investigate whether is local school district had a homosexual club or program legitimizing homosexuality and, if so, to “inform parents of this fact and encourage them to remove their children from the district’s schools immediately.”
As I have already said, my first reaction was anger. Why would we do something like this? What good could this possibly do? It seems utterly selfish (and strangely un-Christlike) to say, “I’m going to steer far clear of anything that doesn’t promote my values.” If we took this to its logical extreme, we’d have to pull all our missionaries out of countries that were hostile to the Gospel.
Now, my reaction is more sorrow than anger. Sorrow that we would so easily pull away from the largest “home mission field” we will ever have – a place where we could potentially show God’s love to every one of our nation’s future leaders. A place that can be a vast learning ground for children who need to know how different their God is from everyone else’s. A place where people need God’s love and light as much as people in the 10/40 window.
Many will argue, “they’re only kids!” I’ve heard this before, and it’s true. And before I continue, I’ll state my own place in the debate: I spent middle and high school in a Christian school, and received a wonderful biblical education. I went to a Baptist university where I was nurtured even further. I still have fond memories of teachers and professors who were great influences on me – in matters of math, literature, history, sports, and spirituality.
But I also know that I was in college – probably 20 years old – before I got to know my first really non-Christian friend. And only then did I finally begin to understand that what I believed was different – and worth sharing. I’m very glad for my own journey, and know many others who “survived” Christian education just fine. But I also know many who have wandered from their faith because – at least I think this is why – they never saw what a difference it could make.
I also have two little girls who will, in a few years, begin their own journeys of education – both academic and spiritual. I hope and pray I will have the courage to send them to public schools – no matter how “dangerous” they may seem. I applaud parents who can look at today’s schools and, rather than walk the other way, can say, “Welcome to your mission field.”
If there was ever a time when our schools needed Christian children, it is now! If there was ever a time when our Christian children needed to stop being sheltered and start learning that believing in Christ DOES make them different, it is now!
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” But how can the salt do any good if it never leaves the salt shaker?
You know, I have seen some of the headlines and controversy on this topic, and I must marvel at it. One of my criticisms of the Southern Baptist Convention is its seeming need to differentiate and distance itself from the “other.” As if we make ourselves holier by being around less filth. And yet it was precisely the “filth” that Jesus went to – the sinners, tax collectors – even the Samarians! And it was the holier than thou righteous Pharisees and Sadducees – with their “white-washed tombs” that he cast aside.
I myself went to public schools until I went to college, and I would not have had it any other way. My high school provided me an enormous opportunity. A suburban Houston high school, I had friends from all parts of the world and all faiths, and it has made me a better person. I listen more intently. I hear people better than I would have if I had been surrounded by those like me.
We should not fear being changed by the other to become like the other. Rather we should embrace the other, and in so doing surround them with the love and righteousness if Christ. For only then can they come to know Him. Leaving the world is the only sure way of condemning it to its fate.
I’m afraid it’s not just a rumor – it’s almost impossible today to listen to Christian programming or read Christian literature about parenting without being told that private Christian schools are a must. I have the same fears as all parents: sex, drugs, violence. I also have the more mainstream fears: unkindness, exclusion, teasing. In all of these I have to pray and put my trust in God. I can’t protect my daughter in all things, all the time. Every day I have to give my daughter to God – it is one of my most tangible acts of faith. I find peace and assurance that He does indeed have her and that what we encounter is part of His plan for her and that it is instrumental in forming her.
The issue of homosexuality is an issue that has come up a lot around Berry’s campus this year, mainly because for the second year in a row, the group “listen”, the gay and lesbian rights group on campus applied to the sga to become an official club. I believe this year the verdict is still out there, but last year, the group was blocked by the board of trustees. This has led to many conversations around the campfire about homosexuality and the role of the church. It seems to me that homosexuality is yet another twisting of something that God intended for good. I believe that it is just another addiction, much like pornography, drugs or alcoholism, that can be overcome with time, prayer, and help. The interesting thing is, it seems many churches are completely uninterested in helping homosexuals. They open their doors to any other problem people have, but as soon as they hear the word “gay” their doors are shut permanently. I have several gay friends on campus, and they are great guys, but since they have been at college, they’ve lost their faith in God, mainly b/c of infuriation at a church that turned its back on them or a friend. I think that as a church, we need to open our doors to everyone. Jesus essentially risked His life by hanging out with lepers, but we’re afraid to even talk to a gay guy? Where’s the sense in that.
I was happy the other day to see that Baptist Center for Ethics has issued a letter in support of public schools, signed by pastors all over the country. For those who haven’t yet seen it, you can find it here:
http://www.ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=7255
Being a Christian and a public school teacher I say that pulling our children out of public school is not the answer. I have two children and both of them have always gone to public school. I feel that it is a “mission field” right here at home. There are many people that do not know God and even though we are not allowed to preach the gospel hopefully by words and actions people will see God in us. If we pull our children out of the public school then we are saying that we are better than the people who choose to stay in public school ( or people who cannot afford to send their children any where else.) We must teach our children (and in my case other children) right from wrong. I have a child who is in high school and he has managed to make it through middle school without getting in trouble with drugs, sex or gangs. He is active with sports and we are very involved in what he does. We have taught him what is right. He is a Christian and has grown up in the Church. He has good values and he knows that he has to use his mind to make the right decisions. I too fear that something will happen to him but I trust that God will take care of him in all that he does.
The Book of Proverbs tells us in Chapter 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Is our responsibility to our children or to the public school system? There are schools across the nation that are teaching young children that homosexuality is a choice, scripture tells us it is sin. Do I think all Christian children should be removed from all public schools..no! Should we as christians hold schools responsible for what they teach..yes! Should we as Christian parents look at the school and make a biblical judgement..of course! We need to use good judgement and biblical wisdom. If your child is being taught a certain way you have a biblical responsibility as a parent to do what is right! Do you send a child into a bar to witness to alcoholics..NO! Apparently I am the only voice of opposition here, and I’m sure this probably isn’t popular, but it is time christians take a stand!
I would like to add that I do agree with part of Chris’ post many churches have dropped the ball when it comes to the homosexual. The homosexual just like the drunkard needs Christ.. This needs to be done in a loving manner. The lifestyle of sin leads to destruction no matter the sin..