Homeschoolers suck and more falsehoods...

[mareserinitatis]

I saw a post on homeschooling today. I responded. I sensed an argument was about to start, so I bailed. I don't need to waste my time with that, right? I've been drawn into too much of that before.

Later, I saw this article had been posted.

Comments

[mareserinitatis]

This is the biggest problems with public schools. They want to perpetuate a certain set of values, but we live in a diverse population which does not necessarily adhere to all those values.

I do have to take issue with this, though: in other words, religious descrimination against Christians is okay

I don't think that's it at all. There are a lot of religions which share your beliefs on homosexuality, so they aren't picking out Christianity exclusively. What they're doing is attempting to create a homogenous set of values within the population that transcends religion and cultural attitudes and beliefs.

There are good things about this idea: in cultures which are homogenous, you have less crime and political strife. It exposes kids to ideas that they may not encounter at home.

On the other hand, it creates a set of intolerances that's probably on par with the intolerances that exist within other groups already. Also, as you and I both agree, parents ought to have the right to 'indoctrinate' their kids the way they see fit.

And frankly, I think that exposure to many different attitudes and ideas is a good thing. While it can lead to misunderstandings, it can also lead to creativity and a lot of other good things.

[joannaravenclaw]

And frankly, I think that exposure to many different attitudes and ideas is a good thing. While it can lead to misunderstandings, it can also lead to creativity and a lot of other good things.

I agree, but there's a big difference between "exposure" to new ideas, attitudes, etc. and forcing those ideas, attitudes, etc. upon a child -- especially a young child. As I parent, I think I have the right to decide when and at which time my child is exposed to the belief that homosexuality is completely normal, and in what context (i.e., I don't think discussions of sexual orientation are appropriate within an elementary public school educational context).

Stories like this one also make me want to homeschool.

[mareserinitatis]

First, I think you misunderstood me. I meant that I don't like the idea of making a homogenous culture. I meant that I think it's good for people to develop their own ideas and attitudes. Then, as adults, they'll get to develop them more fully with their own experience. The things they learned as children may stay with them, or they may chose a different path than what their parents want.

As far as teaching anything about homosexuality, I can understand why they want to discuss it - some of the things my son has told me fellow students have teased him with have included several references to homosexuality or implications that he is gay (which therefore implies he's a despicable human being). If they teach that homosexuality is okay, maybe it takes the umph out of such perceived insults and does more to protect the people who are having questions or issues about their sexual orientation.

(Of course, this is again an issue that is completely avoided in homeschooling.)

But I do have a hypothetical question for you:
If they (someday, I don't imagine soon) find that there is a biological cause for homosexuality, how would you deal with that in terms of your religious beliefs? If you (or the Catholic church as a whole) decides to continue to teach that it's wrong, you are essentially teaching eugenics. (Once upon a time it was morally wrong to be Jewish.) Aside from that, teaching something that is scientifically proven is wrong based on religious beliefs is more or less what the creationists do.

I guess for me, I'm not going to say it's morally wrong because, if it does turn out to be biological (and there is some preliminary scientific investigation into this question...very inconclusive at this point), then morality has nothing to do with. If it isn't, there are numerous other factors that could contribute to a person being gay such as upbringing...things which they may or may not have control over. So I guess I hesitate to make moral judgements on something that I don't really understand. I've had some wonderful friends who were gay, and I figure that if God doesn't like their choices, he'll have a discussion with them face to face about it. :-)

[joannaravenclaw]

Your first point goes back to what I said before -- we believe everyone should be treated with respect, kindness, and dignity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Teaching that homosexuality is acceptable is not the way to stop insults like "you're gay" or whatnot -- teaching that EVERYONE needs to be treated with respect and kindess is.

As to your second point, it wouldn't make a difference. Catholics acknowledge that same-sex attraction may have a genetic factor, but that doesn't make the behavior acceptable or less sinful any more than it would make alcoholism acceptable for those who have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism.

Let me ask you a question in return (and it's an honest question, I am NOT trying to be snarky or anything) -- if it turned out that pedophelia had a genetic component, would you then think that pedophelia should be considered "okay"? Or would you think it was wrong regardless?

[mareserinitatis]

Would you mind if I posted my reply as a topic of it's own?

[joannaravenclaw]

That's fine with me, although I'll warn you in advance that I don't know if I'll have the time or energy for a long debate on the subject.