Prayer and the Ministry of the Word

Jeff,

Thank you for your comments on our blog. However, I do not want it to become a forum for debate like others blogs might be. Our purpose is to share with others what we're learning about God and update them on our lives. A little debate is great, that's how we learn, but I do not think it's appropriate to rely on a website to do so. I would appreciate if, in the future, you would like to comment on my blog, that you do not turn it into a forum to debate. I welcome all comments, but not those that spurn a back and forth debate. A summary in one comment is appropriate.

I have no doubt that you are a great father and husband, and that we would get along great in "real life." =) I just would prefer that you reserve debating for other blogs besides ours. Thanks!

Stephanie
 

Dear Marc and Steph,

Thank you for saying that I think we would get along well in real life. I'm sure that's true. I really do not pick fights, or even debates with my Christian brothers and sisters.

But if you did not want to have a discussion of this issue on your blog, you shouldn't have started one! On your blog you described my position on this issue as "very disturbing." Then, on Kiki's blog, you said you were "sickened" by my position, and that my position is "anti-Christian." I do not think it's reasonable for you to use these strong terms, and then not expect the target of them to have any response. If you would like your blog just to be a place for you to share "good words" of a pleasant nature, then please do not throw down the gauntlet there.

Well, be that as it may, now that we are here on a blog that welcomes debate, would you please defend your position?

You stated on Kiki's blog that Christian children should be in public schools in order to serve as evangelists, and to have faith-strengthening experiences. Okay, if I grant that position for the sake of discussion, then what is your rationale for placing in the public schools children who have Christian parents, but who have not yet believed in Christ themselves? They can't be evangelists, and they don't have any faith to be strengthened. So, why are they there?

Love in Christ,

Jeff
 

Jeff-

As mentioned in my previous comment, I welcomed people's comments. You are correct, I did invite comments, and it is fair to say that I brought them on by use of strong terms. You have a right to defend yourself for sure!However, the nature of your comments are different than others. For example, my sister in law Lindsay challenged me on my position but it was limited to one comment and did not promote back and forth debate. That is not what our blog is to be used for.

In regards to your "good words" comment, as we both know, "good" doesn't always mean pleasant. It is our intent to spread meaningful lessons, pleasant or not pleasant. Lessons that teach us and hopefully others about God. We are in no way "touchy feely" Christians.

I responded to you in my own blog concerning your question. There is a point where debate is unnecessary and unfruitful, and I feel it is at that point. I will not be responding further.

Wishing you all the best,
Stephanie
 

Dear Marc and Steph,

I understand now the ground rules for your blog. You welcome comments, and it doesn't all have to be feel-good, but you don't want it your blog to be used for an intense, prove-your-point kind of debate on the issues you raise.

Okay. I will honor your wishes. I will continue to post on your blog on the subject of education, but I will not ask for back-and-forth debate.

Love in Christ,

Jeff
 

Thanks, Jeff! Your opinions are always welcome! Glad we got it all cleared up. =)

Stephanie <><
 

Jeff, Just to pick up on the public education issue, I should start with full disclosure and let you know that my father, mother, wife, and sister were or are public school teachers/administrators and I am a Professor at a public medical school, whose hospital is the only place in our region where people who can't afford to pay can get state of the art treatment. All of the above people are life long SBCers, who after working with students all week also work with them on Wednesday and/or Sunday at church. Sorry for the long introduction, but I think you can tell you are not getting an unbiased opinion here, but you are also not getting an uninformed opinion.

My bottom line is that we are directed to be in the world. We cannot fully do that if our kids are sequestered. If we as christian parents are too lazy or busy to do the extra work it takes to give our kids a Christian foundation that will prepare them for the challenges of public school, shame on us. However, the best alternative is not to keep them out of public schools, it is to get off our backsides and get our kids prepared the public school experience and to stay involved with them while they are in it.

I would suggest to you that in the very early years, before before most kids will have accepted Christ, almost all public schools are sensitive to the concerns of parents who believe their kids are being subjected to inappropriate influences. If you believe otherwise, I suggest you are the victim of hype and not broad-based experience. In specific cases where this was not true, I would be in complete agreement with you about the priority of protecting kids and the decision to move them to a religious school. Otherwise, it seems to me that the Bible demands we live in our world in order to reach it and this would have to include public schools.
 

Jeff,

I have been on a sabbatical from blogging, since, kids, laundry and the endless adoption search for just the right puppy have consumed much of my time.

But I laughed when I read this post. Thanks. You are the best.

I also wanted to let you know how much we really enjoyed getting to be at your church. There is such a sweet spirit and fellowship among your members. You have the "real thing".

I was amazed how many people, even the little kids, just walked up and welcomed or hugged us. That was pretty cool.

As far as the things we disagree on--that's okay. We have lived different life contexts. But I do want to clarify one thing--because I think we are still misunderstanding each other on this.

I am NOT a gun control advocate. I still believe in our right to bear arms.

But I'm also not comfortable with the romanticicizing of gun ownership. It's probably related to my childhood, and the fact that those things are very real to me and not hypothetical. Encountering an AK47 "up close and personal", and seeing real people die has a tendency to affect perspectives.

For example, people who have experienced a plane crash will probably have reservations about flying for the rest of their lives.

In the same way, people who have experienced violence first hand, might not enjoy being around weapons.

I wanted to share that perspective, because I think we are cool and respect each other's differences on all the issues except that one. And I don't want to leave it up in the air and unresolved.