Giving Christians a bad name…
This crap is just ammunition for liberals and moonbats who look for any way to attack Christianity! Well, I am beating all of you lefty’s to the punch and saying this is completely unacceptable. This is why so many people see Christians as judgemental and as bigots. If these people are true “Christians”, I want my membership revoked:
A 14-year-old student was expelled from a Christian school because her parents are lesbians, the school’s superintendent said in a letter.
Shay Clark was expelled from Ontario Christian School on Thursday.
“Your family does not meet the policies of admission,” Superintendent Leonard Stob wrote to Tina Clark, the girl’s biological mother.
Stob wrote that school policy requires that at least one parent may not engage in practices “immoral or inconsistent with a positive Christian life style, such as cohabitating without marriage or in a homosexual relationship,” the Los Angeles Times reported in Friday’s edition.
Thank God that He does not judge me on what my parents have done or not done. I have enough faults and sins on my own without worrying about my family’s! This is absolutely insane!
When did parents’ sexuality become criteria on who can be a part of a Christian school or not?
Just a quick Sunday School lesson for this “Christian” school: If you kick the people who may need Christ most in their lives out of the church, then you might not be the most effective witness. How about judging the 14-year old girl on her own merits and not on who her parents are? How about showing some love and compassion instead of bigotry and hate? How about showing a little common sense and a little bit of Christianity?
How about learning what the true “positive Christian lifestyle” is before enforcing your rigid standards on someone who has no control on what their parents do or don’t do?? The “positive Christian lifestyle” according to the Bible is simple and eloquent. It can basically are comprised of two commandments: Love God. Love your neighbor. Christianity is the religion of love. It is people like these administrators who twist the true meaning of Christianity and the “positive Christian lifestyle.”
What do you think?
Update: I changed the link because people were having problem accessing the full article without registering (I hate registration sites!). Also one person raised the question about if the parents were “flaunting” their relationship; from the article it appears the school only found out about the parent’s relationship because the girl was involved in some kind of disciplinary action.
Also MacStansbury in the comments, makes the point that maybe the school is intentionally hiding under the “christian” school label to exclude these type students. Which could be a valid point, but does it make it right?
Update 2: I probably have not made myself clear. Whatever. My point won’t change. But just to reiterate: My whole point is that this is why Christians have such a bad name. These people aren’t following biblical principles of love and compassion. I understand we can’t change the private schools and their admission standards and I don’t want the government to have that power over of them, I just want us as Christians to be willing to stand up against these groups who exclude on the basis of someone not fitting a certain mold. Jesus didn’t, what makes us think we should?
I’m done. Next subject please.
noname says:
Sounds like you are judging others by there actions. It also seems like you are may not be a true Christian yourself.
Jody says:
Yeah because me saying that what these school officials have done to this 14 year old child because of her parents is insane is so the *same thing* as kicking out a child from her school. So the same thing. And if Christians don’t call them on it, who will? Freaking moonbats who only want to tear down Christianity? Get real and get a clue.
And a hint for next time you want to comment: If your comment is so ridiculous, you don’t want to leave your name, then *don’t leave a comment.*
MacStansbury says:
had to seriously think about this for a minute. since I couldn’t get to the article (I don’t do subscriptions), I can only go with what I got here and my own experience.
you asked “When did parents’ sexuality become criteria on who can be a part of a Christian school or not?” valid question, only it’s a rather recent phenomena. till really the 90s, a homosexual couple wouldn’t want their child in a Christian school. but it didn’t click at first what was going on.
back when I lived in Mississippi, we had that racism going on. bad. it’s tough to admit, but I knew a lot of Klan candidates.
something else about Mississippi, they got tons of Christian schools. like, a lot of them. at least one in every county.
in Mississippi, the Christians schools have children from all walks of life, rich and poor. well, except one walk of life: black. or Mexican. or anything other than lily-white. and it isn’t a big secret, either. that’s just how it go.
so it got me thinking about this school, and these parents. just wondering about their motivations.
MacStansbury says:
and as far as this:
“Sounds like you are judging others by there actions. It also seems like you are may not be a true Christian yourself.”
I guess you never bought a car before. I bet you never picked which line to get into. I figure all your decisions are made by random chance, and not by weighing the relative merits of each’s actions.
cause your way is SO much easier.
Mad Dog Vinnie says:
Great post Beth!
Dave says:
This is a tough one for a lot of Christians.
On one hand it is quite clear that Jesus example to us is to forgive sinners. Think of the Samaritan woman at the well and the adulteress whom the Pharisees wanted to stone. These women were guilty of sexual immorality just as the lesbian parents are. Quite clearly we should forgive them, pray for them, and try to witness to them so that they change their ways. Anyone with good intentions should be welcome in church.
On the other hand, caring parents don’t want their children exposed to immorality. I can understand their reluctance to have their children exposed to a lesbian couple. Also, it is a private school and they have every right to make their own rules.
Personally, given the sparse facts, I would not be in favor of expelling the girl if my children attended the school. However, if the girls parents were openly flaunting their relationship at school functions then I might have a different opinion. My children come before others.
Beth says:
I kinda have to wonder if my daughter would be allowed at that “Christian” school, seeing as how I’m a twice-divorced single mother and don’t go to church. How farking depressing!
For what it’s worth, I agree that since it’s a private school they CAN do whatever they want.
That said, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s right.
An analogy (other than my own marital non-status) that I would use is this: the school could also kick a hooker’s kid out, or maybe a Mafia boss’ kid (stupid idea, but you know what I mean). It’s their prerogative to do so because it’s a private school, but is it fair to the kid? What choice does the kid have, declaring emancipation from his/her guardian(s)?
Besides, it does feed anti-Christian rhetoric, when I think we all know “WWJD” in that situation.
I really don’t think Christianity guided their decision at all; I think it was just a convenient excuse.
Beth says:
Oh, and by the way, “noname,” blow it out of your ass, chickentroll.
J Rob says:
Based on the original excerpt I was prepared to side with the girl and her parents. I followed the link and read the whole story. Now I’m not so sure.
What swayed me is this from the school’s policy statement:
” school policy requires that at least one parent may not engage in practices ‘immoral or inconsistent with a positive Christian life style, such as cohabitating without marriage or in a homosexual relationship’”
Now most schools require those matriculating, or their guardians to sign a statement to the effect that they have reviewed the school’s policies, etc and agree to abide by them. The signator of that statement obviously lied because she was in fact engaged in such a relationship. This creates a breach of contract (based on fraud). She made a false representation of herself to the school. In other words, she covered up her sin by lying about it. This goes back to MacStansbury’s question about motives.
REmember, also, there are very few church, denominational or otherwise, that do not take seriously the biblical prohibitions against homosexuality and obviously this school is an arm of a church that takes it very seriously. The school even allowed wome “wiggle room” in the policy by requiring that only one of the parents refrain from such activity.
Yes, this is going to be an easy target for those who look for any excuse to throw rocks at Christians. Just remember, Jesus warned that there would be times that following him is going to bring the hatred of others upon you (including your own family). The church, that is the body of Christ, exists on its own terms. Not the popular opinion of the day.
Finally, if you are going to cite the examples of the Samaritan woman and the woman caught in the act of adultery please cite the whole story. Namely his parting words to both of them, “Go, and sin no more”, or in a more more modern vernacular, “Don’t do it again”. he did not say, “Go, and for God’s sake be discreet about it”
Those are the reasons I am having trouble feeling too sorry for this family. Yes, I am saddened that this child will never know the joy a relationship with Christ. At the same time, it looks to me like her parents were looking to make a mockery of the school.
eLarson says:
What a shame.
A kid shouldn’t take a hit for the lifestyle choices of her family.
Amy P says:
Christian schools have the right to determine admission based on whatever they please. Freedom of religion. I’m not sure how wise it would be to expell the girl because of her “parents” (and I use the word “parentS” loosely), since this school may be the main exposure to Christian teaching she may get, but that’s up to the school.
Homosexuality is a violation of Christian doctrine. The same arguement could be, “We should allow practicing gay clergy.” Sure, allow it, but understand that it’s a violation of Christian and Judiac morality.
It is a different situation to say that the lesbian mothers are not practicing gays, but this isn’t the case. They are a practicing couple. St. Paul in the epistles calls for excommunication of such persons, whether hetrosexual, homosexual or whatver,of “so-called” Christians living in a state of mortal sin yet pretending to be true practicing Christians. This is to jolt them from the community and force them to see the decision they are making: to live in a state of danger contrary to their faith or to renounce sin and return to the community.
To have say a pediphile, people living together outside of marriage or PRACTICING gays as welcomed part of the community as if there were nothing wrong with their actions has historically always brought scandal to the Church. Ever hear, “They’re just a bunch of hypocrits?” or “Why be a Christian? They’re as big of a sinner as the rest of us.” To destroy the distinction between moral rights and wrongs hurts people and hurts Christianity.
Finally, the Catholic Church’s position on homosexuality is very compassionate. (I know this isn’t a Catholic school.. sounds Protestant). It is that homosexual BEHAVIOR is contrary to the faith but that homosexuals themselves carry a cross that we should help them bear. Just as we’d point a single person toward sexual chastity, so we point gay people toward a life of chastity and holiness.
The REAL reason Christians don’t have “a good name” in your opinion (which I dispute, but that’s another argument) is because Christians say “Up yours, Church: I’ll live my Christian life any damn way I please”, thus stripping true Christianity of it’s Christness. It’s called “Cafeteria Christianity” and it waters down the true message of the gospel.
Amy P says:
PS… if you don’t think Jesus was tough on sin, read the Gospels. Love & compassion doesn’t mean looking the other way. This school has the right to set it’s own admission policy. There are plenty of other wishy washy schools the girl can attend.
J Rob says:
Had the parents been honest the kid never would have been admitted. The parents perpetrated a fraud to get her in.
Are you suggesting that the perpetrators should reap the desired benefit of their actions? That would condone the lie.
It looks like the parents were attempting to mock the school and used a child to do it. Don’t blame the school for that. Yes, it is sad a child was stuck in the middle, but it was the parent, and not the school that put her there.
MacStansbury says:
well, after reading the story, it turns out the parents weren’t even going to argue the decission. seems like they understood they were in the wrong - as far as I can tell. in fact, had the parents NOT been gay, and they broke some other rule for the school, I doubt it would’ve mad the papers.
but…you know….they were gay….
Jody says:
Right. The parents are gay. A sin. I am not advocating homosexuality in anyway. But why does the child have to suffer for a sin that she had no part of? Especially in a “Christian” environment.
Again, private school; their rules. But I’d be leery sending my child to any school that discriminates a child on what their parents do. Especially a Christian school, this could have been an opportunity for that school to reach the girl and her family.
As Christians, we tend to fail those who need Christ more, by secluding ourselves and refusing to associate with others who don’t fit our standard. Jesus *never* did this. And yes, he did say that the 1st commandment was to love God and the 2nd to love your neighbor, because if you do these things, all the other commandments will follow.
Tim says:
“noname’ get a clue. Not only was your post weak, it isn’t even logical.
“Sounds like you are judging others by there actions”-so judged you?
BTW I believe the word is “their” But Beth’s english is better than mine
J Rob says:
Matthew 5:17-20
” 17″Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This passage is, by definition, exclusionary.
What has been lost here is that the parents perpetrated a fraud to get the child into the school. I have already posted my speculation of their motive. Is the school supposed to honor that fraud by allowing the child to continue there? Once they had condoned that fraud they would not be able to enforce any other policy because that would be selective enforcement for which the courts could hold them liable. The parents knew full well what they were doing.
Now, let’s step into the Wayback machine, or TARDIS or whatever time travel device you have. Set the date to the day of the admission interview. In an ideal situation the dialogue would have started like this:
H:Have you read over our policies?
P:Yes
H:Is there anything in there that you might have a problem with?
P:Well, yes. You see, I am a lesbian and I am currently in a committed relationship.
H:I thank you for your honesty. Before we go any further, in all honesty I must ask this question. Why would you want you wish to enroll your child in a school that holds a position in opposition to your lifestyle?
Now from there the outcome would have most likely been the same, that the child
would have not been admitted. But at least she would not have an expulsion on her record. If it were me I wouldn’t have used the word, “expelled” but, “removed for reasons of parental dishonesty”.
J Rob says:
Amy, the United Methodist Church position on homosexuality is roughly the same as the Catholics, drawing the distinction between the behavior and the person and does not exclude them from participating in the church’s life, HOWEVER, that does not mean they can hold positions of leadership. Is that position reserved only for homosexuals? No! Bigots, gossips and dishonest businesspeople (among others) also have no business in positions of leadership in the church.
Now, before I get painted as a homophobe. I do not dissociate from all homosexuals. Having been victim of a homosexual rape at 13, that is now small feat. I also play rugby and the second-rower who reaches between my legs and grabs the front of my shorts in the scrum is gay (for those unfamiliar with the game the grabbing of the shorts is mandatory).
This may seem to be trivializing the matter, and it may. This is part of the tension in the post modern church. So much of scripture is held in a dynamic tension with much of the rest of scripture that we are faced with hard choices that sometimes we have to proceed and pray that we are right. Perhaps that was the position the biological mother found herself in. But when you start letting the ends justify the means, you soon have nothing but a whited sepulchre.
thesecularist says:
I look at this from a strictly secular viewpoint as I do most things. The church might have felt compelled to expel the girl not based on Christian teaching but on the potential for lawsuit. Most of the advances of the gay rights movement have come via lawsuits. Activists will get into a situation where they know someone’s going to say ‘no’ to them b/c they’re gay and then sue. That could be why the school kicked this girl out. They didn’t want to take the risk that the girl’s moms would come up w/a convenient lawsuit as a result of teaching their daughter that homosexuality is a sin or whatever. It might be that these 2 women have no ulterior motive, but given the ulterior motives of the movement in the past, I can’t blame the school for covering their ass. They could be bankrupted by a lawsuit. If the women do sue as a result of the expulsion, the church has a very strong case now, b/c the women did apparently perpetrate a fraud to get their daughter admitted into the school to begin with.
As for the point about Christians showing love & compassion, however, I totally agree. If American Christians had met the beginning of AIDS in this country by building AIDS hospices instead of saying AIDS was God’s punishment, I think our political discourse on social issues would be very different today.
Matt says:
The school obviously has the right to set whatever standards they wish and to uphold those standards by contract. Anyone wishing to be part of the school is responsible for understanding and upholding any contract that they sign. (Both parties being subject to the law)
However, Ezekiel 18 (particularly verses 19 & 20 which follow) is appropriate.
“Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of the father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.”
If an institution declares itself to be ‘Christian’ then it is subject to the standard of the Bible. I would seriously question such a schools commitment to teaching sound doctrine if they judge a child based on a parent’s life, not the child’s life and achievment. The purpose of school is to teach and serve the student. Would this school reject the child of a felon? A murderer? Would this school reject the child of an physically abusive parent (a felony) or would it follow the law and report such to the authorities and act to protect the child. Would this school reject a student who honors
their father and mother (according to the scriptures) even when that parent is of ‘questionable’ character.
I don’t know the whole story, but this does sound like intolerance and un-biblical judgement.
Judge me by what I do, not what I say. (how else can I get out of this world ‘alive’)
Hardcore Conservative says:
As long as the school gets noe funding from Big Brother the should be allowed to have or not have anyone they choose
Darleen's Place says:
Despite my bias, I’m obligated to speak
I actually read the story of the 14 y/o girl expelled from a private Christian school because her parents are lesbians a couple of days ago. I hesitated to write about it, but after reading Beth’s excellent piece on the…