My last post shared a victory. This one, reflecting the same day, shows a total fail.
In my U.S. History class we are examining the struggles the country went through over slavery. In the discussion I point out that the bigger picture is states rights and go through the issues that have already been dealt with: Slavery, women’s suffrage, Voting age and such. Then I look at the struggles that are still going on: Abortion, education, welfare, gun control, prayer in schools, term limits, etc. As often happens the issue of homosexual marriage came up.
A short time back the citizens of California passed a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. That is all it said. It was thrown out by a federal judge who happened to also be an active homosexual. It continues to be debated in the courts. My question to them is, “Who has to right to tell us how we live.”
Within moments they were screaming that I hated gays, that I wanted to murder gays, that I had killed Harvey Milk and so forth. This is one of the classes that is always yelling “racist.” It is a small group, about 15 students but there are only two in the class that are serious about passing and getting an education. For the rest school is like a low tech video arcade and they want a lot of action.
I failed when they asked me why I did not approve of homosexual marriage. They call it “gay” marriage but I reject that term. There is nothing lighthearted and carefree about homosexuality. What I should have clearly stated, since they asked, is that I am a follower of Jesus Christ and my standards of right and wrong are expressed in the Bible. The Bible has two things to say about this. First, I am not allowed to hate people just because I disagree with them. I am commanded to love my neighbor as myself. Second, the Bible is very clear that homosexuality is not acceptable. I could have, and should have, made that simple statement. I failed.
One reason I failed was because they were having such a good time yelling and carrying on that they did not want to listen. The other was I did not think fast enough. I am sure it will come up again. I hope I am better prepared next time.
We need to express the love of God and the righteousness of God. It can be done.
I am so glad that God is patient.
homo unius libri
Unfortunately, you also have to walk that fine line between keeping or losing your job. You will be of no help to those kids if you're somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteYour recent post about insurance was very sobering. I joke about getting fired for taking a moral stand but it isn't funny. One issue though is that if I cease being who I am I will do them no good either.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, a fine line. Pray for me as I will be praying for you.
Grace and peace.
Sounds like a fair trade, Pumice. God bless you.
ReplyDelete