Etc.

As is noted by the title of my weblog, not all of my posts will consist of theories and/or practice of education. Though it's all education after all isn't it?

I was thinking of what we discussed at our newly formed Broad River Community Church this morning. Paul says that he was "not ashamed of the gospel"--of the good news. Matt O. reflected this morning that he was not ashamed of the gospel either, but that he was ashamed of some of the folks--especially in the good ol' USA--that claim this same good news. Pat Robertson is a good example. Anytime the gospel of Christ is brought up to an unbeliever or simply to a skeptic, the association is likely to be made with Mr. Robertson's comments about Hugo Chavez, et al. But the Truth is not the Truth because Pat says so or because I say so or not. It is. He is.

Now, I've gone round and round and round the arguments and postulations of relativism and absolute Truth. The snagging point for me comes in the fact that at some point folks simply have to agree to disagree. The message that Jesus brought was not one of condemnation, but one of salvation. He even urges his followers to try his message out (John 7) and see for themselves. The criticism of Christianity in modern circles usually focuses on the misdeeds of the faith (i.e. the Crusades, Inquisition, Slavery, etc), but if Christianity is followed to the point of leaving your father and mother and all that you hold dear in this physical reality, then the Lord himself says that it will work. Loving one another through the Father seems so unlikely to cause so much division, yet it is so offensive to so many. Or does that offense generate with often self proclaimed followers who foul up the perfection?

I understand that on the practical level confusion over Truth is inevitable, and that because so programs that are implemented or espoused will necessarily cause division--even among fellow believers. But the students that I see parade through my classroom year in and year out are yearning for genuine, authentic love. We theorize on learning styles and debate on best methods and even agree that disparities exist. We are concerned and even heartbroken to see dismantled families and moral bankruptcy in our children. Yet we are unwilling to even allow the discussion of Truth in the halls of scholarship.

I'm sure much of this is logically flawed, and I apologize for the rambling nature of my second attempt on the ol' Blog, but my motivation is pure. Despite all of the horror and destruction that we all have witnessed over the past several years--or 5000 but who's counting?--, that I still hold a bit of idealism somewhere deep inside. The hope that I know, I also know can and will sustain generations. Hope and Love and Peace and Justice and Compassion and Humility and Honesty and Faith.... These are not illusions, they are Reality. Eternal Reality.

dt

First Days of School

Every year about this time, I get really excited. All summer long, I've been linked to several blogs and 21st century literacy sites by my new media savvy brother; I got to spend a week in Philadelphia as part of a Teaching American History grant, and I've had the chance to read several books. I get really excited about entering the classroom. I spent more time than ever making plans, fixing up my room, and rehearsing the first few plans over in my mind.... But after the first few days a little steam has been knocked out of me. The students just aren't excited as I am. It is always a wake up call for me. They have little to no interest in education, world affairs, and certainly not history.

So, this weekend I'm forced to step up my game another notch. So I'll let you know how that goes...

No longer a blog virgin,
DT