PROGRESS

Whose biblical truth shall prevail?

By Michael Findley, STAR Writer

Recently a grade one teacher, who was very concerned, pointed out to me a picture found in one of their new text books. The picture showed Christ being represented as a Rastafarian, raising Jairus' daughter.

Now, I know what I'm about to say may offend a whole religious sect, but I think this was a gross misrepresentation of the fact and was in all sense taking things to the extreme. The text I'm speaking of was from the Carlong book series for Primary Integrated Studies entitled Living Together as a Family.

Now, to some this may be seen as cute or even laughable, but I think it's a gradual encroachment of the new liberalism in schools which tries to encompass all minority sectors in their curriculum which, although well intentioned, is an outrageous lie and a reckless and offensive attack on biblical truth.

In a note to the teachers, the authors, with the full acknowledgement of the Ministry of Education, said that the objective was to include and I quote, "A rich variety of activities that require students to talk with each other in small groups in a whole class discussion." But I have to ask, discuss what? And, are the small groups supposed to become excited in the new revelation that Christ was a rasta and probably drew from his holy sacrament of ganja before performing his miracles?

Teachers upset

Naturally, the teachers I spoke with about this "new Bible truth" were very upset to say the least. They were agitated about this picture in their text book but were unwilling to be named in this article probably due to a perceived retaliation from the Ministry of Education. One said it was a misconception as children are not used to seeing Jesus with locks.

When a child asks if Jesus was a rasta, what do we tell them? This is not what we were taught in the Bible. Because children believe in print material, it might change their belief and start them thinking that what they were brought up to believe was wrong. This teacher thinks the picture is misleading and needs to be revisited by the Ministry. "These are young minds and we should not play with them," she said.

So the controversy continued as I showed the picture to the pastor of my church. He too became upset and thought the authors of the book were taking things too far. He pointed out that Rastafarianism was basically a new religion founded in the last century, while Christ lived 2000 years ago. So, it was impossible for the locks, which was a new phenomenon, to be sported by Christ.

It is clear to see that the Ministry of Education has opened a can of worms by introducing this picture in an otherwise good text book. The fact that they would go so far shows the dilemma they have in trying to integrate all different minorities in our school system. There was a time when rastas could not send their children sporting the locks to a public school. All this has changed and for the better I might add.

We need to bring all sectors of society in the learning process. But, with that learning comes the responsibility in adhering to the basic truths and to do otherwise would be defeating the purpose of education. Although education is meant to enlighten, it should preserve honesty, clarity and above all, the truth should never be a casualty.