I thought the name of the book would at least end up in the punchline or somewhere... The message was great- homeschooler of 4 here. But the Who Done It structure of the piece with no denouement (besides the decision) never showed up.
Robin, I really struggled with that but chose to omit it for a specific reason. Sometimes people want to know the general pattern of God's guidance. Obviously that varies by person and circumstance--and even by one's personality--so I decided to describe the phenomenon at large rather than focus on the one particular book that sparked it. I would guess there are at least ten other equally egregious books out there circulating in high school curricula, so parents really need to get the summer reading lists and course details to know what kind of selections may be troubling.
To your point, though, I certainly could've done more with the title, especially had I been in a literary or creative mood. I was drained and really pressed for time this week, yet I was full of relief. The source of that relief was what I'd hoped to somehow describe.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I agree that the "who done it" model would have made it more fun to read. Writing is art and truth combined; I'm hoping to develop both more fully in my next piece!
I was wondering if she was going to name the title as well because of whatever potential conflict it might produce in those who didn't see anything objectionable in the book, e.g. those who felt it was "powerful." etc. I'm also one of those people who doesn't necessarily have a problem with those who are adamant about defending their false doctrines, beliefs or dogmatic assumptions. However, these days people can get completely bent out of shape by anyone who looks askance at their seemingly endless list of sacred cows.
I agree--it would be nearly impossible to include any decent books should all the sacred cows be honored. In this case, my belief in ultimate truths means that not al literature is good or worthy of contemplation. In addition, knowing how minds are influenced and shaped (and damaged), I cannot pretend that an author's decision to include gross details of a homosexual rape scene is just "good exposure to what's out there" or "art" or whatever. My own experience has taught me that it's important our guard our minds from graphic trash. I would be less concerned about her reading Marx, Freud, etc, for example. I hoped to describe the goodness of God in guiding my indecision.
Some will point out that 'art imitates life', but there really is no life in a society that has become corrupted and fallen into depravity. In scrutinizing the gnat we swallow the camel. We shrink in horror at Lot's offer of his daughters to the crowd in Sodom, but what else does he have to offer when he doesn't have enough sense to see he doesn't belong there in the first place?
I used to hear people ask, 'would you feel comfortable watching that movie/tv show etc. if Jesus was sitting next to you?' Jesus wouldn't own a television or pay for cable if there were 999 channels broadcasting the unadulterated gospel message and one offering pg 13 prime time propaganda.
Too many children today aren't the least bit phased by what they're reading because it's become a pervasive feature of reality. The books are boring by comparison to the relatives and friends who have already been raped. We're already living in a Marxist nightmare. Freud was a pervert and his influence is still seen in our overly sexualized society.
I applaud your struggle and am encouraged by your decision, but still no less amazed at how many are still unable to even see what's going on all around them. Critical thinking skills are not just in short supply, they've become scornful, shunned vices.
Very nice. There was only one word which flagged me as not belonging in this piece. "Unlikely" (gift). You asked for help. You did the leg work. You kept your mind open to the help asked for even through the ups/downs of the process. I may be able to go along with "not expected." With a little experience myself at having received 'help' and seeing many others also receive it, unlikely just didn't seem to fit.
Paul, I think you nailed it! It really wasn't unlikely. I asked God, in full faith that he would show me what I needed to know, and answering my request for wisdom was in full agreement with his promise. You are correct that "unexpected" would have been a better choice (although I think I used that word elsewhere). What a wonderful comment, and I appreciate your thoughtful reading.
Way, way, back in the day,I homeschooled my kid when it was still a strange thing to do. We found a school for "high school." Older kids need different things. Best wishes!
Thank you--always nice to hear from someone who understands that dynamic. Parenting (and homeschooling, for that matter) is not for the faint of heart.
Thank you for illustrating the process so well. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit provided just the needed insight. I am prone to let my hopes and wishes overpower warnings, and your example is helpful.
I'm sure there will be a few open-minded types who don't mind a slog through the graphic scenery. The book is The Kite Runner. Not for me, and certainly not for my girl.
Regardless of the book, I know when God is shaking his head, "No."
I thought the name of the book would at least end up in the punchline or somewhere... The message was great- homeschooler of 4 here. But the Who Done It structure of the piece with no denouement (besides the decision) never showed up.
Robin, I really struggled with that but chose to omit it for a specific reason. Sometimes people want to know the general pattern of God's guidance. Obviously that varies by person and circumstance--and even by one's personality--so I decided to describe the phenomenon at large rather than focus on the one particular book that sparked it. I would guess there are at least ten other equally egregious books out there circulating in high school curricula, so parents really need to get the summer reading lists and course details to know what kind of selections may be troubling.
To your point, though, I certainly could've done more with the title, especially had I been in a literary or creative mood. I was drained and really pressed for time this week, yet I was full of relief. The source of that relief was what I'd hoped to somehow describe.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I agree that the "who done it" model would have made it more fun to read. Writing is art and truth combined; I'm hoping to develop both more fully in my next piece!
I was wondering if she was going to name the title as well because of whatever potential conflict it might produce in those who didn't see anything objectionable in the book, e.g. those who felt it was "powerful." etc. I'm also one of those people who doesn't necessarily have a problem with those who are adamant about defending their false doctrines, beliefs or dogmatic assumptions. However, these days people can get completely bent out of shape by anyone who looks askance at their seemingly endless list of sacred cows.
I agree--it would be nearly impossible to include any decent books should all the sacred cows be honored. In this case, my belief in ultimate truths means that not al literature is good or worthy of contemplation. In addition, knowing how minds are influenced and shaped (and damaged), I cannot pretend that an author's decision to include gross details of a homosexual rape scene is just "good exposure to what's out there" or "art" or whatever. My own experience has taught me that it's important our guard our minds from graphic trash. I would be less concerned about her reading Marx, Freud, etc, for example. I hoped to describe the goodness of God in guiding my indecision.
Some will point out that 'art imitates life', but there really is no life in a society that has become corrupted and fallen into depravity. In scrutinizing the gnat we swallow the camel. We shrink in horror at Lot's offer of his daughters to the crowd in Sodom, but what else does he have to offer when he doesn't have enough sense to see he doesn't belong there in the first place?
I used to hear people ask, 'would you feel comfortable watching that movie/tv show etc. if Jesus was sitting next to you?' Jesus wouldn't own a television or pay for cable if there were 999 channels broadcasting the unadulterated gospel message and one offering pg 13 prime time propaganda.
Too many children today aren't the least bit phased by what they're reading because it's become a pervasive feature of reality. The books are boring by comparison to the relatives and friends who have already been raped. We're already living in a Marxist nightmare. Freud was a pervert and his influence is still seen in our overly sexualized society.
I applaud your struggle and am encouraged by your decision, but still no less amazed at how many are still unable to even see what's going on all around them. Critical thinking skills are not just in short supply, they've become scornful, shunned vices.
Very nice. There was only one word which flagged me as not belonging in this piece. "Unlikely" (gift). You asked for help. You did the leg work. You kept your mind open to the help asked for even through the ups/downs of the process. I may be able to go along with "not expected." With a little experience myself at having received 'help' and seeing many others also receive it, unlikely just didn't seem to fit.
Paul, I think you nailed it! It really wasn't unlikely. I asked God, in full faith that he would show me what I needed to know, and answering my request for wisdom was in full agreement with his promise. You are correct that "unexpected" would have been a better choice (although I think I used that word elsewhere). What a wonderful comment, and I appreciate your thoughtful reading.
So like our God to answer your prayer in such a unique way. I am always amazed at His love for us and desire to guide us when we ask!
Way, way, back in the day,I homeschooled my kid when it was still a strange thing to do. We found a school for "high school." Older kids need different things. Best wishes!
Thank you--always nice to hear from someone who understands that dynamic. Parenting (and homeschooling, for that matter) is not for the faint of heart.
Thank you for illustrating the process so well. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit provided just the needed insight. I am prone to let my hopes and wishes overpower warnings, and your example is helpful.
Thank you for this encouragement!
What was the book?
The Kite Runner
Oh my goodness!!! As I read your piece, I wondered if it was that book.
What was the book?? Great commentary, but don't leave me hanging like that. :-)
I'm sure there will be a few open-minded types who don't mind a slog through the graphic scenery. The book is The Kite Runner. Not for me, and certainly not for my girl.
Regardless of the book, I know when God is shaking his head, "No."