New topics (controversial)
Ok actually there are two. I get to experience them first, but you guys aren't far behind. Please respond with a biblical reference where applicable.
1. Rachel came home with a permission slip to watch the movie Gladiator (R) in her SS class. How would you respond and why?
2. Would you allow your child go to school dances? What about the prom/formal? Are there any difference? Why or why not?
3. ok there are three-- What about cheerleading? Would you allow your daughter to be a cheerleader? (Thad, why?)
4. Ok, Ok this is the last one I swear. Would you allow your child ride to school with a new driver? why or why not?
posted by Todd Paris @ 9:12 AM
6 Comments:
Hi. I am reading your blog for the first time and thought I'd reply to this "survey" of sorts:
1) I've never seen Gladiator, so I can't answer this one!
2) I went to a private school through eighth grade, so I didn't have school dances until high school. At that point, I was FINE. My parents were FINE. No problem. I don't know your situation, so I can't comment further.
3) I was asked to PROM for the first time, my sophomore year (at a public school). My parents let me go WITHOUT EVEN MEETING THE GUY, and I was FINE. Not really that into him. But that was my situation! And my parents trusted me, I assume, based on my history (or lack thereof).
4) Again, taking from my own experience, my parents did let me ride to school with a new driver... She was a friend of a few years, and she was pretty trustworthy (which was more that I can say for her pickup!)... I also drove friends to school as a new driver, and their parents trusted me... This is one of those things that is unique to each situation, though. Tough question.
Hope I've been at least a little bit helpful! Pray about it. That's the best advice I can give.
I'm glad you're the parent :)
Gladiator R rated for graphic violence. - IMHO there is a difference between an R rated movie for violence and one rated R for sex and language. What is the message in Gladiator - Alone we perish; together we stand. Are there other ways to convey the same message - yes but can this secular movie also convey a Christian principle (The three stranded cord)?
Other topics - "train up a child in the way that they should go" At some point you are going to have to start untying the ropes that keep that tree straight. It's up to you and Kris when that time is.
1) what kind of curriculum are they using, anyway? What is the lesson to be learned from Gladiator? (dad) How is an R rating for violence any different than any other R rating and...why didn't you have the same viewpoint on this when we weren't allowed to watch violent TV as kids? I suppose I would contact the SS teacher directly to get a better understanding of the reason for watching the film. If they are looking for graphic/ violent story lines in order to teach a lesson, there are quite a few bible passages that fit the category.
2) Does he/ she want to go to the dance? Why? have you ever been to such a dance (within the last year)to know what happens there? Why is dancing not allowed by most religious groups? Personally, I would allow my son to go to a school dance (he went to the homecoming dance last Saturday). He won't be allowed to go to every dance that they offer. He uses his own money to pay for the dance and any food he eats there. Here's Kevin's View (http://www.the-churchofchrist.com/morality/is_dancing_a_sin.htm)
3) Yes. I would allow my daughter (or son) to be a cheerleader. Why? That could take days to explain. In short, saying "no" would have caused more harm than saying "yes" (on multiple fronts). She has since decided that she would rather PLAY B-ball than cheer for it, anyway.
4) Hmm.. depends upon the child, I guess. I have been faced with a similar situation with a young teen driver at church. I base my decision on time of day/night, length of trip, route of trip, other people in the car, etc. Under most circumstances the answer is NO. This driver knows that and adjusts his driving habits on the rare occasions when he is allowed to carry James as a passenger.
In conclusion, I'd say that none of these questions can be directly answered with scripture. You have to make these decisions based upon your entire knowledge of God and His Holy Word. The more you know, the better decision you'll make. I guess that explains why I let my daughter be a cheerleader and my son go to the school dance.....:)
Life lesson from the Gladiator - when being assaulted a band of brothers is stronger than a lone wolf. Choose good Christian friends who will stand by you when the hard times come.
So, are you trying to say that Russell Crowe is a Christian?....
Guys,
I do not belive I could be so slackery. I did not even see this post when it was original and fresh. I am late in the night right now, but I thought I'd weigh in.
1. Does the SS teacher get no credit for the heads up perm slip sent home? I'd say you ought to send them a thank-you note to the teacher for helping you raise the issue of why we are careful to monitor what comes in the eye gate with your girls! And then not sign the perm slip. Most of the teens have seen the movie already anyway. Why bother showing it in SS? Are there Biblical accounts that teach the same concepts? Maybe they could just invite John Eldridge to come and speak at their next teen retreat! :P
2. I am really not in favor of the parctice. But I am finding that I am more and more in a minority here. The wedding that we were just at in VA had dancing at the reception. To Elton John tunes none the less! I am indeed torn. the slow dancing seems to be appropriate BETWEEN MARRIED COUPLES. But teens are not dancing to ballads and love songs at public school dances. I might also be tempted to ask the teen "why do you want to go"? I want to know your reasoning. I might even offer to be my teen's date to the first dance. I don't mind making a special night out of a big event at school. But I would not send my daughter off without ever having met and visited with the date!!
3. Again, you better get beyond the event and check the heart. The cheerleading thing is fraught with a whole pile of comparison and perfect body shape and immodest apparel and pressure. Again, I want to know what's going on in the head of my teen. I believe that the basketball pursuit is probably better. By the way, I am all for team spirit and school loyalty in a moderate form.
4. No. not a good move. read some statistics to your daughter about the increases in accidents caused by teens with other teens in the car! IF something were to happen, an accident, you don't want to put that kind of responsibility on the teen driver. Nope.
Again, homeschooling does take some of thee issues off of the plate..... :P
Mike
Better late than never
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