posted on May 9, 2009 06:48:01 AM new
"No laughing, no smiling, no music, no dancing, no happiness."
And he was greatly pleased.
FINDLAY, Ohio – A student at a fundamentalist Baptist school that forbids dancing, rock music, hand-holding and kissing will be suspended if he takes his girlfriend to her public high school prom, his principal said.
Despite the warning, 17-year-old Tyler Frost, who has never been to a dance before, said he plans to attend Findlay High School's prom Saturday.
Frost, a senior at Heritage Christian School in northwest Ohio, agreed to the school's rules when he signed a statement of cooperation at the beginning of the year, principal Tim England said.
The teen, who is scheduled to receive his diploma May 24, would be suspended from classes and receive an "incomplete" on remaining assignments, England said. Frost also would not be permitted to attend graduation but would get a diploma once he completes final exams. If Frost is involved with alcohol or sex at the prom, he will be expelled, England said.
Frost's stepfather Stephan Johnson said the school's rules should not apply outside the classroom.
"He deserves to wear that cap and gown," Johnson said.
Frost said he thought he had handled the situation properly. Findlay requires students from other schools attending the prom to get a signature from their principal, which Frost did.
"I expected a short lecture about making the right decisions and not doing something stupid," Frost said. "I thought I would get his signature and that would be the end."
England acknowledged signing the form but warned Frost there would be consequences if he attended the dance. England then took the issue to a school committee made up of church members, who decided to threaten Frost with suspension.
"In life, we constantly make decisions whether we are going to please self or please God. (Frost) chose one path, and the school committee chose the other," England said.
The handbook for the 84-student Christian school says rock music "is part of the counterculture which seeks to implant seeds of rebellion in young people's hearts and minds."
England said Frost's family should not be surprised by the school's position.
"For the parents to claim any injustice regarding this issue is at best forgetful and at worst disingenuous," he said. "It is our hope that the student and his parents will abide by the policies they have already agreed to."
The principal at Findlay High School, whose graduates include Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, said he respects, but does not agree with, Heritage Christian School's view of prom.
"I don't see (dancing and rock music) as immoral acts," Craig Kupferberg said.
___
Information from: The Courier, http://www.thecourier.com
posted on May 11, 2009 11:48:36 AM new "I guess these Christians don't know that dancing is allowed in the Bible.
"These Christians" couldn't tolerate Jesus if he returned to earth.
We must rescue our children from such ignorance. Only then will we be able to establish an educated, secularist society free from the influence of such "loving christians" who corrupt the education of our children with such vengeful actions as this one.
posted on May 11, 2009 12:52:44 PM new
"We must rescue our children from such ignorance. Only then will we be able to establish an educated, secularist society free from the influence of such "loving christians" who corrupt the education of our children with such vengeful actions as this one".
I, for one. don't really look forward to a secularist society free from the influence of loving Christians. I do support the notion of a secular government, an enirely different matter.
Edited to add: the former Soviet Union attempted to free their society from the influence of religion with damaging effects. Is this what you have in mind?
[ edited by pixiamom on May 11, 2009 07:31 PM ]
posted on May 11, 2009 08:52:29 PM new
Pixiamom, I should clarify that I was thinking of Secular humanism which is defined by Wikipedia as a humanist philosophy that upholds reason, ethics, and justice, and specifically rejects the supernatural and the spiritual as the basis of moral reflection and decision-making. Like other types of humanism, secular humanism is a life stance that focuses on the way human beings can lead good, happy and functional lives.
Secular humanism describes a world view with the following elements and principles:
Need to test beliefs – A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
Reason, evidence, scientific method – A commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
Fulfillment, growth, creativity – A primary concern with fulfillment, growth and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
Search for truth – A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
This life – A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
Ethics – A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
Building a better world – A conviction that with reason, an open exchange of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.
This will not happen in our lifetime but it's a goal that we should pursue. I'll add some other comments tomorrow...just returned from Pa. and now it's bedtime in Maryland.
posted on May 12, 2009 06:03:34 AM new
The kid's going to get his diploma, but won't march with his peers. His father plans to sue the school. He'll be fine once he's out of there, and I'll bet this is the beginning of his freedom from superstitious bugaboo.
"the former Soviet Union attempted to free their society from the influence of religion with damaging effects. Is this what you have in mind?"
The former Soviet Union substituted a non-theistic religion that couldn't withstand a reality check. Centrally managed economies don't work in a complex society; there are just too many moving parts. Price-managed economies (i.e., capitalism) do work, but we've also seen how they can turn out if you don't keep an eye on the moving parts.
FWIW, I look forward to a day when atheists can be elected President and are not maligned. I would prefer that people not be religious, but wouldn't deny them the right if they choose to be. Heck, I gladly paid the freight for one of my children to go to Boston College
"FWIW, I look forward to a day when atheists can be elected President and are not maligned. I would prefer that people not be religious, but wouldn't deny them the right if they choose to be. Heck, I gladly paid the freight for one of my children to go to Boston College
We may already have one. And we may begin to speak of loving Atheists rather than "loving Christians".
We managed to pay that freight also to Johns Hopkins, Yale and the University of Maryland. That's why we are still living in the same little house that we purchased when we were married.
By the way, Russia is now teaching the Orthodox Christian religion in some regions. They prefer to keep the population in toe with subjugation and fear...hell fire and brimstone.
posted on May 12, 2009 10:19:39 AM new
You know, Helen, you're right about the President thing, I should have stated it differently. Jefferson might well have been an atheist, and some others too.
What I should have said is that I look forward to the day when a Presidential candidate can state, openly, that he does not believe in God and still be electable.
BTW, I mentioned Boston College because it's largely taught by Jesuits. My daughter survived just fine there nevertheless. FWIW, I did some time as a graduate student at Catholic University. Again, no problem.
posted on May 12, 2009 11:05:19 AM new
When I was a high school student in the Maryland suburbs, I attended a Journalism class at Catholic University. Great School and really outstanding Professor!
posted on May 12, 2009 12:12:44 PM new
Thank you, Cash, for clarifying your statement about Boston College. As one of the most intelligent posters here, your tolerance was not in question and may I say, my tolerance should not be doubted either.
BTW...tolerance is mentioned among the teaching points of the humanistic philosophy. And in addition, "A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us."
