I have a small beef with my local homeschooling community (I'm sure some of them lurk here and please feel free to comment and explain). First of all, I am LDS which sets me apart from most. I am sure most also wouldn't consider a Mormon a Christian. When I was little they all changed their Statement of Belief that you had to sign in order to coach or lead any activity to state the Bible was the only scripture. Of course we wouldn't sign that. That is the first thing. What purpose does a religiously based Statement of Belief serve on a group that claims to welcome all religions? Why not a moral code or code of ethics? Why can't you just promise to have good sportsmanship and be kind and honest and even modest? I don't think those things have anything to do with religion. I think that people who believe in NO God can be just as honest as any Christian and a Christian can be just as dishonest as any other person. I just don't understand why someone has to be excluded because they don't have exactly the same beliefs.
Another thing that my group does all the time: Someone will send out an email asking for a recommendation for a car repair shop, a painter, a Dr, or even a hairdresser and the response kind of baffles me. Lots of email come back suggesting someone and then saying that the owner or person recommended is a "Good Christian." I don't really care as long as they are good at their job and have a reasonable rate. If they are Muslim or Jewish are they less worthy of your business? Are you afraid that anyone NOT a "good Christian" will try to trick you or overcharge you? I don't get it. And if you are concerned about everyone's souls wouldn't you want to be in contact with others not of your beliefs to show them your good example and that you are a "good Christian?" Of course you can go to whomever you like but I don't get it.
And third: There is a "good Christian" car repair shop here that gives a discount if you bring in your church bulletin. Is that considered religious descrimination? ;)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Religious Descrimination?
Posted by Lena at 9:18 AM
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9 comments:
There is definitely a double standard! All we can do is keep being good Christians and a good example of truth.
I love the new layout!
I can't even tell you how many times I've cringed at those same things. If we're all sincerely trying to be Christlike, does ANY of this *really* matter??
Those are some very GOOD points!! That would make me very frustrated as well. I think you are doing a great thing by letting people know the double standard that is being set because I think that this very thing happens a lot and people don't even recognizing it.
Also, thank you again for all of your comments you have posted on my blog. I LOVE all of the comments that you make and I love the reconnection we have made. I didn't know you very well when we lived in Arlington but I always thought very highly of you and loved your sister. Speaking of, how is Laura doing these days?
Wow Lena, you make some pretty powerful statements that I know I have given thought too before. Also, I'm dealing with the jekyll and Hyde of all Christendom atm... I currently work at my church, let me tell you BIG MISTAKE!!! I am working my last day next Friday the 16th. If I knew then what I know now I am not sure I would have accepted the job to begin with.
I'm not talking about teaching Sunday School or anything liek that,although I did that too,I'm tlaking about secretarial work.
People that claim to be God fearing Christians, then lie, and other assorted crap( sorry thats the only word thaat fits).
I truly have learned a lesson these past few months and it was a hard lesson learned....
When do u find out how u did onyour finals???
ttyl
hi lena,
good points. i don't think we all have to have the same beliefs and it is narrow minded and shallow to ONLY hang out (be friends with, fellowship, whatever) with people of your exact faith. i love how the people in our lives have so many differences. i used to think i only wanted to know just mormons, but i have so changed and opened up to more than just people of our faith. good job on your post here girl :)
hope the school stuff is going well still.
night to the muchkins and to you sweetie. take care, beany :)
Lena,
I have always wondered those same things. Again I go back to the Judge not lest ye be Judged. So the scriptures say it but the "Good Christians" feel it is their place to judge us even though we are told not to specifically.
Amen, Lena! I totally, TOTALLY agree with you. We've started our own homeschool group that is INclusive for that very reason--ALL are welcome (no matter what religion, curriculum, etc.). It attracts a wonderfully, diverse group of PHENOMENAL people. And every so often we hear of people who see our website and say, "Oh, it's not a 'Christian Only' group so I don't want to attend" and we think, Great! Then the site is doing its job. We want OPEN people who respect and appreciate everyone and not just "their own kind." Way to go on this post, Lena! :)
I guess I would not fit into their little group. I might be a good photorapher, but I'm not a 'good Christian'. I'm a bad one. I sin, a lot. I swear, a lot. I break rules, I make mistakes, oh, and I rejected the doctrine I was brought up in and replaced it with a Buddhist lifestyle that pretty much says I get to choose the path that is right for me so long as I live in compassion for all life around me.
I suppose I would not have any business there.
In my opinion, yes, that is religious discrimination. While you can choose whomever you do business with based on preferences, you shouldn't exclude somebody from a group activity (coaching?) for religious reasons, especially since the group itself is supposed to be separated from religion (unless they are in a private religious school, and homeschool itself is non-deist last I checked).
Sorry, I'm a bit frazzly today.
I want to add that that paper they are making people sign might be ILLEGAL. Just sayin'...
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