I’m just sayin’… is going to be the title for posts when I step on my soap box.
Yes, I have a soap box. I have strong opinions on some issues. I’ve yet to blog about any of them. But, believe me. There is a LOT I could step onto my soap box and blog about. But until now, I have chosen not to.
I am stepping into this blog somewhat hesitantly. Reading someone’s opinion about something limits any kind of dialogue. And I really prefer spoken dialogue, especially when someone disagrees with me. Spoken dialogue allows a give and take and a better understanding of perspective. At least when both parties are willing and able to “listen”. But enough of my preamble…
[Stepping onto soap box]
Yesterday our nine year old came home from his public school with a script and lyrics for the “winter concert” that they will be performing in December. I noticed in one of the songs, titled “Love Came Down at Christmas”, the kids had been instructed to cross out the “Christmas” lyrics and replace them with “winter.” I just rolled my eyes. No surprise really.
Actually, my first question was “is there not any better musical out there?” Because, really, it is stupid. And it’s about snowmen, not Christmas. But the words “Christmas” and “Christmastime” are in the lyrics. So why change it?
Here is what I know:
It is not against the law to mention Christmas in public schools.
It is not illegal to teach why Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas.
It is not illegal to read the Christmas story from the Bible to students.
My children have NEVER been taught anything about the “Christmas Story” in NC schools
My children have learned about Ramadan & Eid in these same schools
My children have learned about Hanukkah in these schools (and have sung songs about it in concerts)
My children have come home with menorahs and dreidels.
Here is what I think:
Our educators make these decisions for one of two reasons. Either they don’t really know what they are allowed to teach/say so they omit (this includes administrators who often control what their teachers say or don’t say). OR they fear the outspoken anti-Christian parents so they avoid.
In general I don’t gripe about our public schools and the blatant omission of anything relating to Christianity. I consider it our job, as parents, to impart our faith to our children. Actually I prefer it that way.
But in this holiday season, it offends me that so many schools do not mention, in any way, why it is ALL schools break in late December. Why two-thirds of the world stops on December 25th to remember the birth of Jesus. A watershed in history no matter what you believe.
I’m just sayin’….
