Saturday, March 20, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Apparently, it is difficult to find text books that teach Evolution.
By DYLAN LOVAN, Associated Press Writer Dylan Lovan, Associated Press Writer – Sat Mar 6
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_rel_home_school_evolution#mwpphu-container
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Home-school mom Susan Mule wishes she hadn't taken a friend's advice and tried a textbook from a popular Christian publisher for her 10-year-old's biology lessons.
Mule's precocious daughter Elizabeth excels at science and has been studying tarantulas since she was 5. But she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.
"I thought she was going to have a coronary," Mule said of her daughter, who is now 16 and taking college courses in Houston. "She's like, 'This is not true!'"
Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."
"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."
Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.
Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press.
"I feel fairly strongly about this. These books are promulgating lies to kids," said Jerry Coyne, an ecology and evolution professor at the University of Chicago.
The textbook publishers defend their books as well-rounded lessons on evolution and its shortcomings. One of the books doesn't attempt to mask disdain for Darwin and evolutionary science.
"Those who do not believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God will find many points in this book puzzling," says the introduction to "Biology: Third Edition" from Bob Jones University Press. "This book was not written for them."
The textbook delivers a religious ultimatum to young readers and parents, warning in its "History of Life" chapter that a "Christian worldview ... is the only correct view of reality; anyone who rejects it will not only fail to reach heaven but also fail to see the world as it truly is."
When the AP asked about that passage, university spokesman Brian Scoles said the sentence made it into the book because of an editing error and will be removed from future editions.
The size of the business of home-school texts isn't clear because the textbook industry is fragmented and privately held publishers don't give out sales numbers. Slatter said home-school material sales reach about $1 billion annually in the U.S.
Publishers are well aware of the market, said Jay Wile, a former chemistry professor in Indianapolis who helped launch the Apologia curriculum in the early 1990s.
"If I'm planning to write a curriculum, and I want to write it in a way that will appeal to home-schoolers, I'm going to at least find out what my demographic is," Wile said.
In Kentucky, Lexington home-schooler Mia Perry remembers feeling disheartened while flipping through a home-school curriculum catalog and finding so many religious-themed textbooks.
"We're not religious home-schoolers, and there's somewhat of a feeling of being outnumbered," said Perry, who has home-schooled three of her four children after removing her oldest child from a public school because of a health condition.
Perry said she cobbled together her own curriculum after some mainstream publishers told her they would not sell directly to home-schooling parents.
Wendy Womack, another Lexington home-school mother, said the only scientifically credible curriculum she's found is from the Maryland-based Calvert School, which has been selling study-at-home materials for more than 100 years.
Apologia and Bob Jones University Press say their science books sell well. Apologia's "Exploring Creation" biology textbook retails for $65, while Bob Jones' "Biology" Third Edition lists at $52.
Coyne and Virginia Tech biology professor Duncan Porter reviewed excerpts from the Apologia and Bob Jones biology textbooks, which are equivalent to ninth- and 10th-grade biology lessons. Porter said he would give the books an F.
"If this is the way kids are home-schooled then they're being shortchanged, both rationally and in terms of biology," Coyne said. He argued that the books may steer students away from careers in biology or the study of the history of the earth.
Wile countered that Coyne "feels compelled to lie in order to prop up a failing hypothesis (evolution). We definitely do not lie to the students. We tell them the facts that people like Dr. Coyne would prefer to cover up."
Adam Brown's parents say their 16-year-old son's belief in the Bible's creation story isn't deterring him from pursuing a career in marine biology. His parents, Ken and Polly Brown, taught him at their Cedar Grove, Ind., home using the Apologia curriculum and other science texts.
Polly Brown said her son would gladly take college courses that include evolution, and he'll be able to provide the expected answers even though he disagrees.
"He probably knows it better than the kids who have been taught evolution all through public school," Polly Brown said. "But that is in order for him to understand both sides of that argument because he will face it throughout his higher education."
OK, my turn. I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry. Did someone seriously see the need to write this? Are people REALLY concerned that it's hard to find an evolution based science text book?
Please, someone help these people. Let's send them some text books.
Or maybe someone should suggest that if they want an evolution based science text book, they should stop looking through the Christian Homeschool Curriculum catalogs. Just..maybe.
Yes, if you're willing to take your kids out of the public schools because of religious convictions, you're probably going to want them to learn what you believe. Oh the horror. And because of this, the big homeschool text book companies are going to focus on your beliefs.
Several random thoughts that came to mind when I read this, that may or may not directly relate:
1. I once saw a young teen girl pick up an article that said, "Can the Text Books be Trusted?" Her response, "Well DUH. They're text books. Of course we trust them!" Head smacking smiley?
2. Thanks, mom, for not teaching me that I'm an ape.
3. If someone learns that they were created by an All-powerful God, wouldn't that ENCOURAGE them to go into the field of Science? The more you see of His creation, the more amazed you are by how Awesome He is.
4. Look at the first sentence. Why would that woman, who would obviously rather her children learn they came from blobs, even consider trying out a Christian curriculum?
5. If it's so hard to find secular curriculum, maybe they could make their lives a whole. lot. easier. and enroll their kids in the public school down the street (there are typically schools on every corner). Just a thought.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_rel_home_school_evolution#mwpphu-container
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Home-school mom Susan Mule wishes she hadn't taken a friend's advice and tried a textbook from a popular Christian publisher for her 10-year-old's biology lessons.
Mule's precocious daughter Elizabeth excels at science and has been studying tarantulas since she was 5. But she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.
"I thought she was going to have a coronary," Mule said of her daughter, who is now 16 and taking college courses in Houston. "She's like, 'This is not true!'"
Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."
"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."
Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.
Two of the best-selling biology textbooks stack the deck against evolution, said some science educators who reviewed sections of the books at the request of The Associated Press.
"I feel fairly strongly about this. These books are promulgating lies to kids," said Jerry Coyne, an ecology and evolution professor at the University of Chicago.
The textbook publishers defend their books as well-rounded lessons on evolution and its shortcomings. One of the books doesn't attempt to mask disdain for Darwin and evolutionary science.
"Those who do not believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God will find many points in this book puzzling," says the introduction to "Biology: Third Edition" from Bob Jones University Press. "This book was not written for them."
The textbook delivers a religious ultimatum to young readers and parents, warning in its "History of Life" chapter that a "Christian worldview ... is the only correct view of reality; anyone who rejects it will not only fail to reach heaven but also fail to see the world as it truly is."
When the AP asked about that passage, university spokesman Brian Scoles said the sentence made it into the book because of an editing error and will be removed from future editions.
The size of the business of home-school texts isn't clear because the textbook industry is fragmented and privately held publishers don't give out sales numbers. Slatter said home-school material sales reach about $1 billion annually in the U.S.
Publishers are well aware of the market, said Jay Wile, a former chemistry professor in Indianapolis who helped launch the Apologia curriculum in the early 1990s.
"If I'm planning to write a curriculum, and I want to write it in a way that will appeal to home-schoolers, I'm going to at least find out what my demographic is," Wile said.
In Kentucky, Lexington home-schooler Mia Perry remembers feeling disheartened while flipping through a home-school curriculum catalog and finding so many religious-themed textbooks.
"We're not religious home-schoolers, and there's somewhat of a feeling of being outnumbered," said Perry, who has home-schooled three of her four children after removing her oldest child from a public school because of a health condition.
Perry said she cobbled together her own curriculum after some mainstream publishers told her they would not sell directly to home-schooling parents.
Wendy Womack, another Lexington home-school mother, said the only scientifically credible curriculum she's found is from the Maryland-based Calvert School, which has been selling study-at-home materials for more than 100 years.
Apologia and Bob Jones University Press say their science books sell well. Apologia's "Exploring Creation" biology textbook retails for $65, while Bob Jones' "Biology" Third Edition lists at $52.
Coyne and Virginia Tech biology professor Duncan Porter reviewed excerpts from the Apologia and Bob Jones biology textbooks, which are equivalent to ninth- and 10th-grade biology lessons. Porter said he would give the books an F.
"If this is the way kids are home-schooled then they're being shortchanged, both rationally and in terms of biology," Coyne said. He argued that the books may steer students away from careers in biology or the study of the history of the earth.
Wile countered that Coyne "feels compelled to lie in order to prop up a failing hypothesis (evolution). We definitely do not lie to the students. We tell them the facts that people like Dr. Coyne would prefer to cover up."
Adam Brown's parents say their 16-year-old son's belief in the Bible's creation story isn't deterring him from pursuing a career in marine biology. His parents, Ken and Polly Brown, taught him at their Cedar Grove, Ind., home using the Apologia curriculum and other science texts.
Polly Brown said her son would gladly take college courses that include evolution, and he'll be able to provide the expected answers even though he disagrees.
"He probably knows it better than the kids who have been taught evolution all through public school," Polly Brown said. "But that is in order for him to understand both sides of that argument because he will face it throughout his higher education."
OK, my turn. I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry. Did someone seriously see the need to write this? Are people REALLY concerned that it's hard to find an evolution based science text book?
Please, someone help these people. Let's send them some text books.
Or maybe someone should suggest that if they want an evolution based science text book, they should stop looking through the Christian Homeschool Curriculum catalogs. Just..maybe.
Yes, if you're willing to take your kids out of the public schools because of religious convictions, you're probably going to want them to learn what you believe. Oh the horror. And because of this, the big homeschool text book companies are going to focus on your beliefs.
Several random thoughts that came to mind when I read this, that may or may not directly relate:
1. I once saw a young teen girl pick up an article that said, "Can the Text Books be Trusted?" Her response, "Well DUH. They're text books. Of course we trust them!" Head smacking smiley?
2. Thanks, mom, for not teaching me that I'm an ape.
3. If someone learns that they were created by an All-powerful God, wouldn't that ENCOURAGE them to go into the field of Science? The more you see of His creation, the more amazed you are by how Awesome He is.
4. Look at the first sentence. Why would that woman, who would obviously rather her children learn they came from blobs, even consider trying out a Christian curriculum?
5. If it's so hard to find secular curriculum, maybe they could make their lives a whole. lot. easier. and enroll their kids in the public school down the street (there are typically schools on every corner). Just a thought.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Just Saying...
Growing up as a "PK" (Preacher's Kid) I have much experience dealing with Church conflict. Especially considering that in my family there are no secrets. I mean that if something was happening in the Church, be it good or bad, we- even as children- knew about it. We watched my parents pray, discuss the situation, and seek counsel with others. They didn't go behind closed doors to discuss the problems in our congregation. In more recent years we have taken it upon ourselves to pray and seek solutions as well.
It is impossible to be part of a Church without conflict. What is the Church? The Church is a body of PEOPLE, united by baptism and forgiveness through the blood of Christ. But we are just that- people. You cannot be in any group of people for very long without problems. Take a look at the most basic unit of people, the family, and try to tell me there are not problems in groups of people. Also, take a look through the book of Acts, which shows us the very beginning of the Church. My dad likes to talk about the "GPS for the book of Acts". GPS stands for Global Positioning System (which I desperately need, as I find myself lost in the town I grew up in), right? Yes, but in the book of Acts GPS stands for "Growth. Problems. Solutions." Even at the very start of Christ's Church there were problems. God did not, however, leave his Church without solutions to these problems. Thank Him for His Word, the Bible.
I am writing this because lately I have been discouraged by how people see fit to treat the Church. People lie to and about the Church. They slander the Church. They make lame excuses for missing the assembly, thus discouraging their brothers and sisters who DO make it a priority to be there. They Church hop for unworthy reasons. They nitpick and cause dissension. They spread rumors for years after leaving a congregation, just to make themselves feel good.
Do I see this more because I'm in the middle of it as the preacher's kid? I honestly don't know. I have never been anything BUT the preacher's kid. What I do know is that this needs to stop.
Why does it need to stop? Because Jesus Christ gave his LIFE for HIS Church. He is the Head and the Church is the Body. He is the Bridegroom and the Church is the Bride. You cannot be in full fellowship with Christ while stepping all over His Bride. You can't have the Head without the Body. It just doesn't work that way.
This is a plea for several things, and it is not so much written to those who are NOT part of the Church, but to those that ARE part of the Church.
1. Attend the assemblies of the Saints. Yes, Sunday worship is commanded- two times Sunday and once on Wednesday may not be. But why miss out on encouraging your brothers and sisters? I will never understand the reasoning behind doing just enough to get by. And let me take it a step further. Are there Vacation Bible schools, prayer meetings, work days, encouragement meetings, business meetings, or teen events you are missing for one reason or another? Change your schedule to work around them. A church event is a CHURCH event. I don't care if it's for 2 year olds, 12 year olds, 17 year olds, or 80 year olds, I am SURE there is a way you can help out. You are part of the Church, no matter how old you are, and it should be your priority to be there.
Yes, I know there are valid reasons for missing the assemblies. But let me say that I believe there are VERY, very.. VERY few valid reasons. We live in a fast paced society and the Church has started to excuse absences for just about any reason. Think about your reasons. Really, are they worth not being with your brethren? Are they worth forsaking the assembly? I believe your brothers and sisters know if you really want to be there. And let's be honest, GOD knows your heart and if you really want to be there.
I could tell you stories of old women being CARRIED into every meeting of the Church because they were too weak to walk. But why? If you don't want to be there, you won't be.
2. Do not speak evil of or complain about the Church. There are times to speak out against something that has been done which is wrong. There is a time and a place to bring up concerns. But please do not speak evil of Christ's bride. Most men would not appreciate if you spoke evil of THEIR wives.
It amazes me how people can come up with reasons why someone caused them to leave the church, or a congregation. Probably because I'm in the preacher's family, I have had that finger pointed at me more than I would like to say. There are scriptural ways to approach a brother or sister if you have been offended. But could it be that these people KNOW that it is not any individual's fault, but would rather not be honest about their reasons for leaving? Which leads me to my next request.
3. Do not lie to the Church. You can lie by what you say, by what you do not say, and by what you do. Honesty always works. Leaving the congregation for one reason or another? Be honest. Couldn't make it to worship last Sunday because of a valid reason? Be honest. Skipped the assembly for a sorry reason? Be honest. Looking for a new church home? Be honest. Did a brother or sister hurt your feelings? Be honest. In all things JUST BE HONEST. I'm not sure how to state this any more plainly, except to say that it's wrong to lie to the Church. That about sums it up- from "little white lies" to huge lies, from deceit to misleading behavior- it's all wrong.
4. Make yourself accountable to a congregation. I know that it's fun to fellowship with brethren you don't always get to see, hear guest speakers at other congregations, and attend youth rallies. But it's important to be under the leadership of a congregation in order to be held accountable. This is not so much about not treating the Church badly. It's about keeping yourself safe from falling through the cracks. If you are constantly flitting around from congregation to congregation, how do the brethren at home know when to expect you and when not to? If every single special speaker or youth event in the area takes you away from your congregation, are the members at home supposed to call and check up on you? Your congregation NEEDS you to be with them.
5. Don't always look for the greener pastures. Church hopping is common. I'm not against looking at different options and finding the best fit. But find it, and work with it. Don't leave because of any little problem. Don't look at what such and such congregation is doing and wish you were there. Focus on where you are and make it the best it can be. Use your talents and abilities to encourage the congregation you are in. Again, I realize that there are good reasons to leave a particular congregation. But when you make a commitment to a congregation, any little problem should not be a reason to leave. Any exciting possibility at another congregation should not draw you away.
All in all, LOVE Christ's body, His Bride- the Church. When we can look at a group of imperfect people and love them anyway, we have become like Christ. When we can deal with problems within that group of people without tearing each other apart or giving up on one another, we have attained true discipline. When we can speak only good and great things about Christ's Church, He is pleased. When we learn to simply BE THERE, we encourage the Church. When we're honest no matter what, we can truly trust one another.
Remember, you cannot have the Head without the Body. Nor can you have the Bridegroom without the Bride. Love and respect the Church.
Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.
It is impossible to be part of a Church without conflict. What is the Church? The Church is a body of PEOPLE, united by baptism and forgiveness through the blood of Christ. But we are just that- people. You cannot be in any group of people for very long without problems. Take a look at the most basic unit of people, the family, and try to tell me there are not problems in groups of people. Also, take a look through the book of Acts, which shows us the very beginning of the Church. My dad likes to talk about the "GPS for the book of Acts". GPS stands for Global Positioning System (which I desperately need, as I find myself lost in the town I grew up in), right? Yes, but in the book of Acts GPS stands for "Growth. Problems. Solutions." Even at the very start of Christ's Church there were problems. God did not, however, leave his Church without solutions to these problems. Thank Him for His Word, the Bible.
I am writing this because lately I have been discouraged by how people see fit to treat the Church. People lie to and about the Church. They slander the Church. They make lame excuses for missing the assembly, thus discouraging their brothers and sisters who DO make it a priority to be there. They Church hop for unworthy reasons. They nitpick and cause dissension. They spread rumors for years after leaving a congregation, just to make themselves feel good.
Do I see this more because I'm in the middle of it as the preacher's kid? I honestly don't know. I have never been anything BUT the preacher's kid. What I do know is that this needs to stop.
Why does it need to stop? Because Jesus Christ gave his LIFE for HIS Church. He is the Head and the Church is the Body. He is the Bridegroom and the Church is the Bride. You cannot be in full fellowship with Christ while stepping all over His Bride. You can't have the Head without the Body. It just doesn't work that way.
This is a plea for several things, and it is not so much written to those who are NOT part of the Church, but to those that ARE part of the Church.
1. Attend the assemblies of the Saints. Yes, Sunday worship is commanded- two times Sunday and once on Wednesday may not be. But why miss out on encouraging your brothers and sisters? I will never understand the reasoning behind doing just enough to get by. And let me take it a step further. Are there Vacation Bible schools, prayer meetings, work days, encouragement meetings, business meetings, or teen events you are missing for one reason or another? Change your schedule to work around them. A church event is a CHURCH event. I don't care if it's for 2 year olds, 12 year olds, 17 year olds, or 80 year olds, I am SURE there is a way you can help out. You are part of the Church, no matter how old you are, and it should be your priority to be there.
Yes, I know there are valid reasons for missing the assemblies. But let me say that I believe there are VERY, very.. VERY few valid reasons. We live in a fast paced society and the Church has started to excuse absences for just about any reason. Think about your reasons. Really, are they worth not being with your brethren? Are they worth forsaking the assembly? I believe your brothers and sisters know if you really want to be there. And let's be honest, GOD knows your heart and if you really want to be there.
I could tell you stories of old women being CARRIED into every meeting of the Church because they were too weak to walk. But why? If you don't want to be there, you won't be.
2. Do not speak evil of or complain about the Church. There are times to speak out against something that has been done which is wrong. There is a time and a place to bring up concerns. But please do not speak evil of Christ's bride. Most men would not appreciate if you spoke evil of THEIR wives.
It amazes me how people can come up with reasons why someone caused them to leave the church, or a congregation. Probably because I'm in the preacher's family, I have had that finger pointed at me more than I would like to say. There are scriptural ways to approach a brother or sister if you have been offended. But could it be that these people KNOW that it is not any individual's fault, but would rather not be honest about their reasons for leaving? Which leads me to my next request.
3. Do not lie to the Church. You can lie by what you say, by what you do not say, and by what you do. Honesty always works. Leaving the congregation for one reason or another? Be honest. Couldn't make it to worship last Sunday because of a valid reason? Be honest. Skipped the assembly for a sorry reason? Be honest. Looking for a new church home? Be honest. Did a brother or sister hurt your feelings? Be honest. In all things JUST BE HONEST. I'm not sure how to state this any more plainly, except to say that it's wrong to lie to the Church. That about sums it up- from "little white lies" to huge lies, from deceit to misleading behavior- it's all wrong.
4. Make yourself accountable to a congregation. I know that it's fun to fellowship with brethren you don't always get to see, hear guest speakers at other congregations, and attend youth rallies. But it's important to be under the leadership of a congregation in order to be held accountable. This is not so much about not treating the Church badly. It's about keeping yourself safe from falling through the cracks. If you are constantly flitting around from congregation to congregation, how do the brethren at home know when to expect you and when not to? If every single special speaker or youth event in the area takes you away from your congregation, are the members at home supposed to call and check up on you? Your congregation NEEDS you to be with them.
5. Don't always look for the greener pastures. Church hopping is common. I'm not against looking at different options and finding the best fit. But find it, and work with it. Don't leave because of any little problem. Don't look at what such and such congregation is doing and wish you were there. Focus on where you are and make it the best it can be. Use your talents and abilities to encourage the congregation you are in. Again, I realize that there are good reasons to leave a particular congregation. But when you make a commitment to a congregation, any little problem should not be a reason to leave. Any exciting possibility at another congregation should not draw you away.
All in all, LOVE Christ's body, His Bride- the Church. When we can look at a group of imperfect people and love them anyway, we have become like Christ. When we can deal with problems within that group of people without tearing each other apart or giving up on one another, we have attained true discipline. When we can speak only good and great things about Christ's Church, He is pleased. When we learn to simply BE THERE, we encourage the Church. When we're honest no matter what, we can truly trust one another.
Remember, you cannot have the Head without the Body. Nor can you have the Bridegroom without the Bride. Love and respect the Church.
Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Choice
"I had a great career and a child just didn't fit into the picture, so I chose abortion."
"I was too young to be a mother, so I had my child taken out of my womb. Look at me now!"
"My fetus was going to have Down's Syndrome, so the only kind choice was abortion."
Have you ever seen a Super Bowl ad with a woman proclaiming her choice to abort? I haven't. In fact, I've never seen any kind of public proclamation like the ones above. Maybe THAT'S why the pro "choice", pro woman people are in an uproar about Mr. Tim Tebow's upcoming Super Bowl ad. Mrs. Tebow can stand next to her son, peace in her heart and a smile on her face, and let the world know that she made a choice. A good one. It would take a lot of looking to find a woman willing to appear on TV on Super Bowl Sunday and show the beauty of her choice to abort. Because her choice would not be beautiful. Even harder would be finding a woman who could stand with her champion child next to her, thanking her for her choice to abort. Because her child would be dead.
So as I saw the uproar begin, I wondered why people who preach about the right to choose would try to silence this woman. She had the freedom to make a CHOICE. Isn't that exactly their goal? Maybe not. I think the pro choice folks are quickly showing the rest of us what they truly are- pro death.
As far as the pro woman people- I'm beginning to highly doubt that they care much about women at all. Here they are doing everything in their power to make sure respectable, lovely, fully dressed Mrs. Tebow cannot tell people of the intelligent choice she made. My question: Have you people SEEN a Super Bowl ad lately? Naked women hang all over men trying to sell beer. Lingerie models saunter down the runway, letting us all know that they really have no secrets. I would think that feminists and pro woman individuals would see the Tebows' ad as a great improvement. Here is an intelligent woman with character. She has a story to tell because she had the freedom to choose, and her choice resulted in Tim Tebow. Yes, quite an improvement over "you need to be seductive, naked, surrounded by drunk men, with a beer in hand to be attractive and worthy." It's interesting to me that feminists would prefer the current Super Bowl ads, considering that the women on those ads are behaving in a manner that would cause them to have to make that choice in the first place.
On the other hand, Mr. Tim Tebow is a young man who has publicly stated that he is a virgin. Instead of trying to shut him up, maybe those who care about women should be thanking him. After all, his choice of abstinence has prevented him from having anything to do with a young woman making that life or death choice. Maybe we need more men like him, with influence, who are willing to make a stand against promiscuity- which demeans men and women alike. So if you really care about women, stop attacking him and start thanking him. We need celebrities who let young women know "You're worth waiting for, and so am I." I can't think of anything that shows more respect to women.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Establishing Personhood in Colorado
I am passionate about the personhood of the unborn. I am also a firm believer in the fact that our government's job (in fact, one of it's ONLY jobs) is to protect the citizens of this country. As it is in our country right now, the government is failing. Let me be very clear: Our government is MISERABLY failing in the task of protecting its citizens because it can't even protect the most innocent and vulnerable Americans. Let me be very clear again: Our government is not even ATTEMPTING to protect the most innocent and vulnerable Americans.
The fact that I believe the government is meant to protect the people and the fact that I'm passionate about the personhood of the unborn is what draws me to Personhood USA. I know that some Christians and Prolife groups believe in separating politics from abortion. They believe that education and love of people will accomplish the goal of ending abortion. I am thankful for those people and groups and I believe in the work they're doing. But I am very convinced that in a political society politics MUST be involved in ending abortion. Defining the unborn as persons in our laws will be a huge step toward ending abortion all together. Personhood USA is stepping up to involve citizens in the Personhood effort all over the country. Colorado was the very first state to step up to the plate with the 2008 Personhood Initiative (This is very appropriate, considering that Colorado was the first state to legalize abortion.), Amendment 48. Not being successful in voting it in, the Colorado citizens have again stepped up to try try again.
I am not an outgoing person. In fact, I'm just the opposite when it comes to most social situations. If I don't know the crowd I'm in, I tend to like to blend in. Last year I signed up to collect signatures for the Personhood Colorado campaign. The goal is to get an amendment on the ballot, once again, that would define a "person" in the Colorado Constitution as a human being from the beginning of their biological development (i.e. from conception). Being a petition circulator is something that sounded incredibly attractive to me. But I didn't think about it before jumping in. I just went with it. Then I realized that being a petition circulator meant some effort was going to be put out on my part. People weren't just going to run up and ask me if they could sign my petition section. Oh how easy life would be if that was the case. But life isn't easy, is it?
Actually, it didn't start out that hard, to be honest. I knew of a few people who would absolutely sign the petition. When I approached them their enthusiasm encouraged me. So then I had... less than a page of signatures.
From there it got a little more difficult, but not much. I collected signatures at two Tea Party rallies. Nearly ever person I approached wanted to sign it. Some had already signed it. Only a hand full of people said they didn't want to sign it, but they weren't argumentative. One of my greatest encouragements was meeting a young man who was so excited about the petition that he wanted to collect signatures too. I gave him an extra petition section I had, and he started collecting signatures right then and there! His enthusiasm encouraged me. And because he was in the same boat as me, we were able to correspond occasionally about collecting.
With a lack of rallies in the last few months, I felt slightly out of the signature collecting loop. Many events to collect were in the Denver area and it's not easy for me to get down there that often. I knew about the opportunity to collect signatures at Safeway. But I wasn't sure that route was the best one for me. Why? Well, it would take me MAJORLY out of my comfort zone. I'd be "one of those" annoying people that stands outside of a store and chases you down as you try to leave. And it would require me to approach random people. Not people at Tea Party rallies who for the most part are supportive of my cause. People that might.. DISAGREE.
As the deadline to turn in signatures got closer, I realized I needed to do something. My petition section was still lacking. Safeway. That's all there was to do. So I went. What an experience. What a COOL experience. Yes, I was completely taken out of my comfort zone and I had to approach whoever came out the doors. Yes, many people saw me as "one of those" annoying people. They rushed off as I tried to talk to them. Some people didn't want to sign it. One woman became very angry and began arguing at me. AT me because I didn't say much back to her. But in one hour I collected a whole page of signatures. Could have done better. But I could have done worse too, by not going.
Today I read an article by Mr. Bryan Kemper, founder of Stand True. The following is taken from his article:
"When will we as the human race stop discriminating against our fellow human persons; when will be come together and stand for the protection of all life? When will we see relief efforts for the almost 4,000 human children who are facing a horrible death every day in this country, and the over 100,000 around the world?"
I wrote all of this to say that as we live our lives, children are dying. As we are living our busy and comfortable lives it's easy to forget that children in our very own country, state, and city are being murdered. Why? Because we don't see it. We don't hear about it. The media doesn't let us know. It's easy to become oblivious or to just not care. I want to ask you to help in the effort of establishing the unborn as people. We are coming down to the last few days of collecting signatures. My petition will be notarized and turned in at the end of this week. If you happen to see this and are a registered voter in the state of Colorado, I'd be happy to have you sign my petition. If you're not close enough, I'm sure I can find someone in your area who is collecting signatures. Every signature will count. It's going to be close.
Please pray for the efforts of Personhood Colorado in the final days of collecting signatures.
If you are not in Colorado, don't feel left out. The Personhood effort is all over the country. Go to www.personhoodusa.com to get involved.
"Be the saviour of those who are given up to death, and do not keep back help from those who are slipping to destruction." Proverbs 24:11
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Santa vs. The Nativity
Every year I look forward to Christmas. I love shopping. I love wrapping. I love surprising my friends and family with gifts. I like the decorations and the lights and, yes, I like the food a lot.
That sums it up. A time of friends, family, gifts, food, and decorations. A time for me to spend a little (or a lot) of money on my family to show them that I care- and just for fun.
I do like that at Christmas time everyone seems a little more happy. A little more generous and loving. That's certainly an added bonus to the friends, family, gifts, food, and decorations.
However, there is one thing I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT LIKE about this time of year. And that is what Christians have turned it into. I do not appreciate that Christians (and yes, I am one) have tried to make December 25th something it's not- the birthday of Jesus.
First of all, let me state quite clearly that I have no problem with a family or individual deciding that they want to take a day out of the year to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christ's birth is most certainly worthy of celebration. The sacrifice our God and Father made for us- sending His one Son as a vulnerable child who would soon die for all of mankind- will forever make me stand in awe. I cannot describe to you, reader, the love I know when I realize that Jesus was placed into the care of sinful people as a baby. I can't tell you the emotion I feel when I know this world had nothing better for Him than a dirty stable. This is something that I think of often. It is something I thank God for at every opportunity. And please have no doubt that I celebrate the birth of my Lord.
However, the special celebration of Jesus' birth on December 25th of every year is neither commanded, nor is it accurate. Jesus was not born on December 25th (well, I suppose there is a 1 in 365 and 1/4th chance that He was). Celebrate the virgin birth throughout your life. And celebrate it on the 25th of December if you like, but please, please do not proclaim to the world that Jesus was born on that day.
Digging deeper into this issue, I see a great problem among Christians. That problem is that we are being inconsistent. This year, for some reason, I noticed more than ever a theme of "Santa is a lie." coming from Christians. The point being that if you tell your children there is a Santa, you are lying to them and that is sinful. Let me ask, with all respect, is it any LESS of a lie to tell your children that Jesus was born on December 25th? Let me submit to you that saying Jesus was born on December 25th is not only a lie, it is adding to Scripture (Revelation 22:18). God's Word never tells us when exactly Jesus is born, nor does it specifically tell us to celebrate that day. We ARE commanded to gather around the Lord's table to proclaim His death until He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26) But celebrating the birth of Jesus is not something we're told to do on any specific occasion in any specific way.
As far as Santa is concerned, children naturally have an imagination. My sister and I, much like any other little girls, used to pretend we were princesses living in a fine castle. Did my parents punish us and tell us we were lying? Certainly not. My parents know that lying is a sin. But they also know that using your imagination is not a lie.
That being said, if you do not want to play along with the Santa game, then don't. I won't tell you not to celebrate the "birthday" of Jesus if you won't tell me to stop believing in Santa. After all, in our house if you don't believe in Santa you don't get any gifts.
All of this to say, I think Christians really... really need to evaluate how we use Christmas. Do not treat other Christians, or non Christians, like they are wrong or sinful for enjoying the story of Santa and focusing on gifts. Children can enjoy opening presents without being "materialistic". Please realize that Christmas, to most people, really is not about the birth of Jesus. It's about the above mentioned friends, family, gifts, food, and decorations. And is that WRONG? No! A healthy family or individual can keep things in perspective while enjoying a holiday that is really just an excuse to have some fun. So whether you're singing Silent Night or Santa Clause is Coming to Town, realize that your version of Christmas may very well not be any more holy or right than that of your neighbor.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
2009
The Trujillos have been blessed with yet another wonderful year. God is good. Please know that we thank our God at every remembrance of you. (Phil. 1:3)
2009 has been an eventful and exciting year. From seeing Tim Hawkins live, to marching with crowds of TEA Party protesters, our family has been busy. We enjoyed a visit from my mom’s parents in September. We don’t get to see them nearly as much as we would like to, so this time together was greatly cherished. The Trujillo ladies spent a weekend in Estes Park, touring the Haunted Stanley Hotel. (although the Super 8 we stayed in was just as creepy!) The men had their fun hunting once again this year. They love the time spent together in the creation. Sarah and I spent two weeks counseling at Kamp Koinonia in the summer. My dad and Karl joined us for the second week- dad as a teacher and counselor and Karl as a camper. Three of us met Joe the Plumber at a TEA Party rally this year! Fellowship with our church family, homeschooling, football and basketball games, and discussions solving the world’s problems were also a large part of our year. And we only had to call the police to our house one time in 2009!
Marty (aka Dad) worked hard in our community/church garden all summer. This resulted in a fantastic harvest of sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, and lots of other tasty veggies! He spent a week in Arizona with his mom, sister, and brother-in-law. While we shivered in Colorado, he enjoyed palm trees and 80 degree weather! Of course he kept busy visiting with church members, studying for sermons, keeping bees, messing around in his “blow away shed”, and teaching Karl Greek and American History.
Allie (aka Mom) continues to enjoy her job at the post office and her time teaching Karl. The visit from her parents this summer was especially nice for her. Her Grandma Kay also came to visit! The doll collection continues to grow. We are very thankful for our mom, and her dedication to being a keeper at home. Mom is so thankful that her whole family is still living at home, so that we can enjoy the time spent together.
Sarah turned 20 this year! I, with lots of help from the rest of the family, and friends, was able to pull off a surprise birthday party! And she really was surprised when she walked in to find people from all areas of her life in the same room! On a not-so-positive note, Sarah was in a car accident that totaled her 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. However, she is now the proud owner of a 2004 Hyundai Elantra. Maybe one of the biggest highlights of Sarah’s year was a visit from her sister Amber, her brother-in-law Phil, and their three kids. She was able to spend a lot of time with them over the few days they were in town. Sarah continues to teach Bible class every week and work with the treasury and enjoys her job in the Sather’s Jewelers office.
Miranda, yours truly, had an interesting year with a lot of “new” things. For example, I am now driving my “new” old car (although I prefer “classic”). It’s a 1985 Ford Tempo in excellent condition and I couldn’t be any more happy with it! Also, after searching for a few months, I was blessed with two new jobs in February. The first was a job as a lunch lady sub and the second was as a Party Coordinator at Pump It Up. Both jobs have been wonderful. I was moved up to Shift Manager at Pump It Up over the summer, and have just recently quit the job as a lunch lady. I’ll miss it, but I’m enjoying spending more time at the Inflatable Party Zone, working on marketing in addition to managing. In February I officially became Miranda Trujillo, Master Herbalist! Since then I have been making and selling my own remedies, which can now be found at Copoco’s Honey, a local beekeeper’s shop. “Randi’s Remedies” can also be found at www.copocoshoney.com . Last but not least, I was able to spend some time in Indiana last summer with my grandparents. I love the church family there, and the little town of Wheatfield where I can walk anywhere I need to go. I had a blast doing photo shoots with my cousins (who are some of my best friends) Joanna, Emily, and Abby.
Karl started on CLP Jr. High’s Varsity basketball team at the beginning of the year. More recently he started on Poudre Highschool’s Freshman football team and even more recently made Poudre’s Sophomore basketball team! As I am writing this, they have had one loss and one win. Karl is always encouraged by our friend Chuck, who makes it to every game! We had a scare at the beginning of the football season. While Karl was headed to Denver with his team he went into Anaphylactic Shock due to an unknown pineapple allergy. Needless to say, we are much more careful what we feed him these days (which is quite a task, you would understand if you knew how much he eats.) In addition to this scare, Karl sustained a ripped off fingernail, bit into tongue, and broken pinky throughout his sports seasons this year. Some of the newest news about Karl is that he is now employed at Pump it Up as a Party Attendant, which technically makes me his boss. He continues to enjoy air soft wars with friends, and his trading card business.
We hope 2010 will be a great year for you!
2009 has been an eventful and exciting year. From seeing Tim Hawkins live, to marching with crowds of TEA Party protesters, our family has been busy. We enjoyed a visit from my mom’s parents in September. We don’t get to see them nearly as much as we would like to, so this time together was greatly cherished. The Trujillo ladies spent a weekend in Estes Park, touring the Haunted Stanley Hotel. (although the Super 8 we stayed in was just as creepy!) The men had their fun hunting once again this year. They love the time spent together in the creation. Sarah and I spent two weeks counseling at Kamp Koinonia in the summer. My dad and Karl joined us for the second week- dad as a teacher and counselor and Karl as a camper. Three of us met Joe the Plumber at a TEA Party rally this year! Fellowship with our church family, homeschooling, football and basketball games, and discussions solving the world’s problems were also a large part of our year. And we only had to call the police to our house one time in 2009!
Marty (aka Dad) worked hard in our community/church garden all summer. This resulted in a fantastic harvest of sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, and lots of other tasty veggies! He spent a week in Arizona with his mom, sister, and brother-in-law. While we shivered in Colorado, he enjoyed palm trees and 80 degree weather! Of course he kept busy visiting with church members, studying for sermons, keeping bees, messing around in his “blow away shed”, and teaching Karl Greek and American History.
Allie (aka Mom) continues to enjoy her job at the post office and her time teaching Karl. The visit from her parents this summer was especially nice for her. Her Grandma Kay also came to visit! The doll collection continues to grow. We are very thankful for our mom, and her dedication to being a keeper at home. Mom is so thankful that her whole family is still living at home, so that we can enjoy the time spent together.
Sarah turned 20 this year! I, with lots of help from the rest of the family, and friends, was able to pull off a surprise birthday party! And she really was surprised when she walked in to find people from all areas of her life in the same room! On a not-so-positive note, Sarah was in a car accident that totaled her 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. However, she is now the proud owner of a 2004 Hyundai Elantra. Maybe one of the biggest highlights of Sarah’s year was a visit from her sister Amber, her brother-in-law Phil, and their three kids. She was able to spend a lot of time with them over the few days they were in town. Sarah continues to teach Bible class every week and work with the treasury and enjoys her job in the Sather’s Jewelers office.
Miranda, yours truly, had an interesting year with a lot of “new” things. For example, I am now driving my “new” old car (although I prefer “classic”). It’s a 1985 Ford Tempo in excellent condition and I couldn’t be any more happy with it! Also, after searching for a few months, I was blessed with two new jobs in February. The first was a job as a lunch lady sub and the second was as a Party Coordinator at Pump It Up. Both jobs have been wonderful. I was moved up to Shift Manager at Pump It Up over the summer, and have just recently quit the job as a lunch lady. I’ll miss it, but I’m enjoying spending more time at the Inflatable Party Zone, working on marketing in addition to managing. In February I officially became Miranda Trujillo, Master Herbalist! Since then I have been making and selling my own remedies, which can now be found at Copoco’s Honey, a local beekeeper’s shop. “Randi’s Remedies” can also be found at www.copocoshoney.com . Last but not least, I was able to spend some time in Indiana last summer with my grandparents. I love the church family there, and the little town of Wheatfield where I can walk anywhere I need to go. I had a blast doing photo shoots with my cousins (who are some of my best friends) Joanna, Emily, and Abby.
Karl started on CLP Jr. High’s Varsity basketball team at the beginning of the year. More recently he started on Poudre Highschool’s Freshman football team and even more recently made Poudre’s Sophomore basketball team! As I am writing this, they have had one loss and one win. Karl is always encouraged by our friend Chuck, who makes it to every game! We had a scare at the beginning of the football season. While Karl was headed to Denver with his team he went into Anaphylactic Shock due to an unknown pineapple allergy. Needless to say, we are much more careful what we feed him these days (which is quite a task, you would understand if you knew how much he eats.) In addition to this scare, Karl sustained a ripped off fingernail, bit into tongue, and broken pinky throughout his sports seasons this year. Some of the newest news about Karl is that he is now employed at Pump it Up as a Party Attendant, which technically makes me his boss. He continues to enjoy air soft wars with friends, and his trading card business.
We hope 2010 will be a great year for you!
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