Ren Allen

~-=-The problem with religious talk is that it either degenerates into
proselytizing or bashing -- and I don't find either one an
enlightening way
to converse. -=-~

That's interesting. I am certainly glad my friends don't feel the same
way...some of our best and most interesting conversations swirl around
religions and the history therein. Everything is connected.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com

Sandra Dodd

-=--=-The problem with religious talk is that it either degenerates into
proselytizing or bashing -- and I don't find either one an
enlightening way
to converse. -=-~-=-

It seems, too, that if someone who actually has been involved heavily
in religion and then leaves says something, from her own experience,
someone else who knows little to nothing about it will defend the
religion just on some general principle. Trying to keep all things
equal might "seem fair," but all things are NOT equal, in any given
context.

This might bring us back to the seasonal discussion of what it means
to "respect everything equally," a claim that some people proudly
make. "I respect all religions" or "I respect all opinions."

Since the subject line is "respect for kids," the idea and ideal of
respect might be an appropriate one.

There is such a thing as disrespecting an entire class of people or
segment of society, and there are most definitely people who consider
children's opinions of little consequence.

Sandra

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

sandalmom

--- In [email protected], Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...>
wrote:
>>
> Since the subject line is "respect for kids," the idea and ideal
of
> respect might be an appropriate one.
>
> There is such a thing as disrespecting an entire class of people
or
> segment of society, and there are most definitely people who
consider
> children's opinions of little consequence.<<<

Yes, this is what has been on my mind lately. The normalization of
disrespect for children. The catch phrases and patter of
conventional
parenting discussions are wrought with the idea that its our turn to
be in the driver's seat. What we say goes. Our needs must be met
first in order for happines to prevail in the household. If one
does
not go by this creed, then that parent is seen as permissive, loose,
and their child doomed to failure. It's parenting as competitive
sport.

Even in our homeschool group this dynamic can get played out from
time
to time. Oftentimes other moms are looking for support about how
to "get more out of their kids." Not to help the kids, but to show
themselves and/or spouses and family that they have done the right
thing by letting them be home. It's all about the performance.

Christa

Lesa

I've certainly found that too, Ren, at least from my *open minded* friends.
I can even tolerate the conversations that turn into the proselythizing or
bashing because I like a good debate. I don't mind standing up, standing
out, and standing against for what I believe is the Religious Right
overtaking what my beliefs are all about. I also like discussing how so
many different beliefs tie together. We don't have to agree on everything
but it's nice to talk and maybe see someone else's POV on a matter... maybe
their right, maybe their wrong... but it doesn't hurt to have an open
discussion on issues.

Lesa
http://lifeacademy.homeschooljournal.net

-------Original Message-------

From: Ren Allen
Date: 09/18/06 21:36:25
To: [email protected]
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] pleasure in and respect for kids

~-=-The problem with religious talk is that it either degenerates into
proselytizing or bashing -- and I don't find either one an
enlightening way
to converse. -=-~

That's interesting. I am certainly glad my friends don't feel the same
way...some of our best and most interesting conversations swirl around
religions and the history therein. Everything is connected.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]