Monday, July 16, 2012
When You Do Not Agree With What You Are Reading
That is what I am reading now. A political book. It proclaims opposite life views of mine. While I am reading it I sometimes gasp out loud. I cannot believe the audacity! The first few concepts he describes I have thought about for many years, considered opposing views and solidified my views with supporting information. So when I read the authors opinions I feel secure knowing he is wrong. But then the book takes a different path, to all new territory for me, that I know nothing about, and have never much thought about either. I have no idea what goes on behind senate doors or how politicians negotiate. And as I was reading it occurred to me that I was accepting and believing everything he wrote to be true, and adopting the beliefs I just read. Oh my gosh! What does that mean for so many things? Panic really. That we send our children to liberal colleges and all the new information they learn is new information! And they believe it! And adopt those same positions, by just drinking the kool-aid and not thinking, and by never being exposed to other viewpoints. Oh no! How awful! What are we as parents to do now? Hope and pray? That we have instilled enough of a desire in their minds and hearts to seek the truth, by insisting there is truth.
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I hope you don't throw me out with the bath water. I think we have to look at and evaluate other views. We validate our own views by considering others. I'm not in the place where I must put things in corners. I have to respect the views and opinions of others. Where I do draw the line is where some one is going to work me over to change and agree with their views.
ReplyDeleteIt upsets me that our politicians (Canada) use a divide and conquer strategy to gain and maintain power. We do have a third party and that puts a lid on some of the divide and conquer.
When it gets down to it our kids become adults and make their own way.
I have one kid who is so freakin' right wing he's embarrassing. My daughter i just as freakin' left wing. So be it. They have more than this one facit.
I hope that you will find some satisfying answers.
So am I thrown out yet?
That's what you have to do, I think.. Teach them Truth from day 1...
ReplyDeleteHopefully and prayerfully it will stick..
Hi Annmarie,
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts!! Here's something my daughter wrote today...as believers, we shouldn't be spoon-fed all the time. We have to learn to think for ourselves. On an entirely other topic, (switching gears COMPLETELY, lol) we should be simplistic and straight-forward in the way we explain the gospel to those who don't believe. Those who have just given their lives to Christ, then, must be spoon-fed for a time, because they have not learned to think and pick apart Scripture for themselves. However, if they don't learn to do this over time, something is wrong.
This thought process can be used for all things we learn. My daughter is doing her Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology, she is going into her 3rd year and everything she is learning she balances it against God's Word. She says to me so many times, "Mom, I just don't understand how anyone who studies biology or any of the sciences can be atheist. All of what I am learning points to a Creator."
Key here is just what you said, And adopt those same positions, by just drinking the kool-aid and not thinking, and by never being exposed to other viewpoints.
Thinking, discerning and taking it to God and yes, lots and lots of prayer!!
Blessings,
<><
I totally agree with you. I love what your daughter wrote, and its soo beautiful that she sees God in everything that has to do with science!
DeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteI think having family/friends on both sides of the asile makes life much more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI guess in a way it is like sending your child to school and they learning the big bang theory or evolution while you teach them creation at home. You have to just pray and believe that you have been the greater influence in their life than just a teacher they have for a semester.
ReplyDeleteVery well said dear.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer a good old murder mystery. LOL It is good though, what you are reading, is causing you to rethink many things.
ReplyDeleteIt is scarey to be sure. My oldest son, taught by precept and example from infancy about God and Jesus Christ went to college (a well regarded university -- on of the "top 100 in the world") to study biology. He was taught that there is no God and to our chagrin and dismay, he adopted the viewpoints of his professors. He made a choice to NOT believe and he has his free will to make such a choice. He has left his faith behind, but I still love him very much. He is always my son. My two oldest daughters also are college graduates but did not lose their faith when they went to college. They still practice their faith and are raising their children in it. It is a frightening thing as a parent, but we pray and do our best to teach our children. I have read books I did not agree with and pretty much just get disgusted and disregard what I read. I think it is a mostly a matter of maturity and strength of testimony. Some people, whose faith is not well founded, are more swayed by what they read and see. Excellent, thought-provoking post.
ReplyDeleteI like to read opposing view points often. For me, it usually affirms me own view, plus, I think it's good to know what your opponent is thinking. And I also think that it is okay for one to question things. Whether an old dog learning new tricks like me, or my much more sponge-like children. As long as they know they ultimately have to choose a side. At the end of the day, they have to be true to something. So, I don't think I mind if they do a lot of questioning, searching, and Soul Searching before they make that decision.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post.
I taught my children to be good people, to know how to love, to think for themselves, and to seek the truth, no matter where that leads. They all are different, right, left, center, and don't care, but they are happy with their beliefs and I am proud of all of them. I made up my own mind about things and so must they.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! We have a mind for a purpose and that is to be able to listen, learn, evaluate and weigh, compare, seek honesty and truth in all things and make up our own minds on issues that we encounter throughout our lives. Sometimes, if we are very lucky, we'll find someone who has come to similar conclusions and that person is even someone you love. Not everyone we love will see the world in the same way. But that is all right because we love them anyway! No one is ever 100% right about everything 100% of the time!! I'm pretty sure that's the way it's supposed to be! I sure wouldn't want it any other way!
DeleteInteresting that you use the phrase "liberal colleges." I think what you're commenting on involves conservatism as well.
ReplyDeleteI guess that's a good case for making sure our children have a firm foundation, and are able to think things through for themselves before we send them out into the world - so they don't just swallow the first strong opinions that are offered to them. I think it's good to hear out opposing views - it's good to try and understand where people are coming from - but they need to first of all KNOW what they believe, and then be strong enough to stand up for it. It's not always easy, is it? The greatest thing we can give them is the encouragement to seek a firm knowledge of what they believe, rather than just follow blindly along with the program. Knowledge is power, whether it be book knowledge or spiritual knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI think it important to consider other views. But when you have a stance to be strong enough not to waver...When it comes to spiritual matters I think that is between the person and God. Standing firm but being open, a tough thing to do sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI am basically conservative on fiscal issues, liberal on social issues. I like to read both side's opinions though I seldom change mine. I talked with my kids and tried to always give both arguments on a subject.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to school the teachers would always argue the opposite view of the class. THey taught HOW to think, not WHAT to think. I think that is up to parents today as I don't think most teachers believe the importance of learning to think.
I work at a public liberal arts college. Tenured faculty can say any crazy thing they want at any time. And, yes. We need to train and teach our children their values long before we let the faculty get to them. Btw, everything, and I mean everything begins with being entered into curriculum. EVERY POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteI use to take everything I read and even heard from the pulpit as truth. In the last few years I have started realizing that sometimes I disagree with the "experts". I am trying to run everything through the filter of the Truth of the Word of God and then make my decision. I want to be open minded and not judgmental even when I disagree with something. This was a very thought provoking post. I really appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to form honest opinions when we are not fully informed about a subject, isn't it? The older I get the more critical I am in accepting what is being promoted as the truth. You are a wise reader! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI was raised Christian by my parents -- still have those beliefs -- but as a teenager, I wanted to learn other religions...not because I wanted to join them, but because I wanted to educate myself on others beliefs, so that if they started 'slinging mud' -- I would be educated enough to defend my beliefs, but yet still understand theirs -- I think we can read anything that is out there and not always be persuaded to join that way of thinking, but instead become educated at to what is out there besides our little box...
ReplyDeletei think it is healthy to understand all sides of an issue...i dont have to agree with everything i read...i get pretty sick of uneducated opinions on either side of an issue when people fail to understand what they are for or against...
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be well rounded & see all sides :)
ReplyDeleteOne of the saddest parts of my kids growing up and leaving home, was the realization they wouldn't always stick with the way we raised them and eventually would make their own choices. Choices I haven't always agreed with. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteI have a hope that truth will out. However, the interest in finding truth is not always what we look for, sometime the easy way is what we are really wanting. Truth is not easy. As for kids, ugh is often the thought. I keep giving a consistent example of truths I love, with hope truth will out.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Mom in California with a 22 yr old son that hasn't adopted any of the ideals in life of how I raised him. He went out in the world and is still deciding what appeals to him even though he knows I probably won't agree with it. I then have to turn around and teach my seven year old that there will always been times in life that we won't agree with everyone, but we still have to love everyone like Christ did even though ethics, morals, politics we won't always agree with everyone.
ReplyDeleteYES! I agree. I have a 19 yr old grandson that is not living any of the ideals for which he was raised right now. He is out there floundering around trying to find himself. He sits with his mom and I and spews his opinions and "knowledge" knowing full well that Mom and Gramps won't agree. But, I keep telling myself that he is only 19, has gone to college for one year and still has time to "see the light." My most fervent prayer daily is that God will lead him in the direction he needs to go. His family has laid a good Christian foundation, now it is up to him to build on it. Hopefully he will choose to do so, and not on the sand of life.
DeleteRead more different views, as what we seek for more doctors' opinion.
ReplyDeleteCannot simply believe them.
Books told me.
i can totally get what you say! i think we all need to read different views!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see you on my blog
www.faashiongeek.blogspot.com
yes...I also felt converted once when I read one of the biography of a lady political worker...and then I understand that everyone has a view point and we...are sometimes so biased to understand at all...
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, and you explain it so well and I agree... there fore i do not read lol haha, honest.
ReplyDeleteoff course I do read, but not like that, I dont tent to listen to much on the politicians as I feel most of them are full with shit.
And if they not, they usually some how get dragged down in papers about them getting a blow job of some nice little Secretary.
So... I follow my own path of thinking of whats right or wrong and bad and good.
I dont follow all the other parents that put bubbles around their kids, or talking to them like they have been hurt for 24-7 a week.
I follow my own heart and guide them the way I want them to be guided.=)
I don't mind taking ideas from others, but if my stomach says "Na" then its No. =)
I hope you have a wonderful day, have a ice cream and watch some cartoon, and life feels so much easier. =)
Hugs. =)
Too many kids leave home and leave the things they were taught by their parents and the church because they feel that they were manipulated into believing one way of life. It's important to teach kids what the world believes alongside of your own teaching so that they don't get shocked or drawn away some new, shiny idea they come across. Give your children over to the Lord, teach them the ways of the world without being part of that life, and trust that God will direct them when they leave home. We are told by the Bible to question everything and since God is Truth, they will always come to Him as the conclusion if they seek fully and honestly.
ReplyDeletei'm not reading a political book. ... but a another sort of book & why do i keep reading because i surely don't agree but for some reason i keep reading. maybe because i hope the outcome will change ... maybe? just maybe? i always have been a person who hopes for the best outcome. always. (:
ReplyDeleteI think it is so important to instill our values in our children and not let others do it for us. I read part of a book written by someone I admire and was shocked at what kids are taught in school today. It's important to interact with young people and learn how they feel. I applaud you. You are a very good mother.
ReplyDeleteSam
The only book that I have read that I trust explicitly is the Bible. I have been reading Anna Karenina for 8 years and it's so gosh dang boring I can't complete it..but it's on my life list. There is only one book that I started that I didn't finish...Eat Pray Love...I finally just scanned the end. btw..the Bible is full of politics!
ReplyDeleteOpening a can of worms? College is frightening..Our daughter went to a 'Christian College' in Oregon..we thought she was safe spiritually but were shocked to hear her reports of the struggles she had with ONE of the FAR LEFT professors and the grade she received for standing up for her own beliefs.
ReplyDeleteOur daughter is a strong Christian and has been all of her life so that was a plus. Also, she only went for 2 yrs. to get her degree and did not live on campus because she was already married and worked as a para legal too, so no time for extra activities at school.
If I had to have a child in college now, with what I know, I would be on top of everything all of the time and constantly be having open dialog with my child about things going on at school. xo
We have to read many different options, that makes us open minded!
ReplyDeleteMaryFashionLove
God tells us to guard our hearts for a reason because I know I can easily slip into believing something that isn't to be true. That's why we need to always be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings about the things we take in. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThe wonders of living in a free country - it's great that we can disagree and live in peace and freedom. I wouldn't trade that for anything.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteThis is something that often troubles me deeply. I always believed that school should be a forum of open thinking where you can express your opinions and discuss that next to facts not just be indoctrinated but these days with all the ways we've got to communicate it seems there's a lot more shouting talking points memos than actual discussion. I try to actually use the art of listening and certainly that requires God's grace.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say, is teach your children your beliefs and values, and then vote for politicians who have your same values (which in itself is a good trick!).
ReplyDeleteJust reading about you reading this and all the comments gives me a headache. . oh boy
ReplyDeleteTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. and pray pray pray!
ReplyDeleteI agree with McVal. (And having my kids go off and ignore all the values I'm trying to teach them terrifies me...)
ReplyDeleteWe raise our children the best we know how. While both are important, hopefully we teach more by example than by words. I am sure there were areas when I overprotected my daughter, but I tried very hard to expose her to the world from an early age. It is not my belief we can hide the world from our children then expect them to miraculously know the road to choose when faced with decisions on their own. We learn from experience. We gain experience one day at a time from the moment we take that first breath. As parents it is our job to give our children the tools with which to make good decisions by allowing them to have multiple experiences at a time in their life when we can be there to listen and to catch them when they fall. Mostly we must have faith in our children.
ReplyDeleteMy first semester in college was filled with professors that pushed their personal views on us. One day my English prof after stating that he didn't believe in God (using expletives) saw the reaction on my face said that anyone who didn't like his class could leave and just show up for tests. I left. I showed up for just the midterm and final. At the final he said to me "you don't like me do you?" I said "I came here to learn about English literature and found I did just fine at home reading the material." believe it or not I got an A in the course
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Blessings, Joanne
i hear ya--we are thinking about all of those issues now and are finding the Christian colleges way out of our price unless she can get a full ride----great topic!!!
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed to admit how old I was before I figured out that others with different views than mine really believed in them. I always thought they knew they were wrong, but were just too stubborn and/ or evil to admit it. It doesn't mean I have to agree or that there is no wrong or right. I do believe I'm correct and they are wrong, but many of them are just as sincere as myself. I believe it's actually good to explore other ways of thinking and it has helped strengthen my own beliefs. It makes it easier to support my positions if I know more about where someone else is coming from. It's hard to let my children go out and be exposed to all kinds of stuff. It happens in high school and even lower grades. Some parents in other families have very different standards than we do. Anyway I just try to set a good example of doing what I preach and not do as I say and not as I do. I pray always that my children have a strong enough foundation to move forward as strong, righteous, knowledgeable, and kind adults with the courage to stand up for truth and still keep the doors of communication open to all.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what you are reading, but the outside influences in our society are pushing their values (questionable word to use for what I consider to be wrong) on our children and mocking the Biblical standards. We do have to prepare them and give them that foundation from Prov. 22:6 and yes, pray continually, as McVal above stated.
ReplyDeleteI do think that many people absorb without question what their professors and books say in the first year of college/university. But that changes later on. All part of the learning process.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion you have to pass through your own thoughts-filter everything you read, you have to analyze it and not read and follow the thoughts of the writer sheepishly. I think most people do that, but it's difficult nowadays, as the manipulation techniques used by people are more and more subtle.
ReplyDeleteExcellent.
ReplyDeleteLife is full of choices and we are responsible to sort through and pick out what we believe as truth. For me a good christian foundation helped me to figure out things.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important that our children learn and find their own ways, just like we have had to do. Sometimes we don't agree, but hey, I don't always agree with both my parents either. I trust that they are smart enough and that I have raised them well enough to be able to make intelligent decisions based on research and good moral standings. But yes, sometimes it's difficult to decipher truth behind all the political mumbo jumbo :)
ReplyDeletehttp://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Around 236 years ago, free thinkers of great minds and courage came together to form what is now as I know it, the good ole USA. They gave us a Republic. I wish the well intended "free thinking liberals" would leave it alone and maybe, just maybe, if they taught History in schools and colleges the way History really happened and how this great country came to be a great nation, we wouldn't have so many free thinkers trying to change our Country.
ReplyDeleteGive me Liberty or Give me Death, has never meant more to me than right now.
Please share what book, had you in a panic
Sometimes I feel like you are worse off if you go to college. Some how, the common sense seems to drain out of people. Obviously this doesn't happen to everyone, but if they don't have a solid foundation they're goners.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it happens the way you describe it...that we hear something or learn something for the first time, believe it, and consequently adopt it as our own position. Our opinions, beliefs, and positions form and evolve over time, after listening to many different teachers. Those teachers can be parents, school, clergy, the media, friends, colleges, life experiences - they all collaborate to shape our beliefs.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to raise up a child in this day and age. We teach them one thing, and they learn another. I am just hoping that mine will balance out and process his own opinion, values and belief.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. ;-)
DeleteSadly, many of our schools (yes, I'm saying it out loud) are producing lazy learners. They aren't being asked or expected to think for themselves or ASK questions. They are being taught to ask for what they need to know for the TEST. I can say this from experience in SOME schools I've taught in. Other schools were completely different. But the majority expected students to open up their head hatch and wait for the dose of wisdom. Sad and discouraging. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've seen this video. So, do you agree or no?
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U
Sometimes I get too mad and have to stop reading...
ReplyDelete=)
It's like giving your kids fish to eat, or teaching them how to fish. I hope I can teach my kids to question everything and learn as much as they can. They will either reaffirm their beliefs or change their views, and I am ok with either. If they disagree with my beliefs, that's ok. I just want them to make up their own minds and think for themselves.
ReplyDeletecan you please tell me why i dont understand a text when it has something with 'political' in the beginning?!
ReplyDeleteXD
Great point! I totally share your sentiments! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
ReplyDeleteHope and pray?
ReplyDeleteEasy answer...yes.