Holy blast from the past
I have wanted to discuss my upbringing in a conservative, private, Christian school system, but I've worried that nothing I wrote would properly convey the experience. I will try, because I feel that it would be a great exercise for both my writing and mental health. For now, I'm just going to start off with a link to Emmanuel Baptist's 2005 student handbook. Especially good is the bit on EBHS's stance on homosexuality, which according to my reading, qualifies you for expulsion if someone in your family is gay. If you need help finding it, it's shortly after their "Non-Discriminatory Policy."
posted by Skim at Tuesday, July 19, 2005
13 Comments:
My Fav:
"Corporal Punishment
In accordance with Ohio state law, the school reserves the right to administer corporal punishment for instances of lying, cheating, fighting deliberate disobediance, and disrespect for those in authority. Swats will be given in the presence of an adult wisness. ..."
What ever happened to turn the other cheek?
Sarah, although that is one of Christianity's favorite sayings, it doesn't apply here--when it comes to schoolchildren or indigenous populations, violence and belittlement is always the way to go.
I was a recipient of some first class corporal punishment in eight grade. What makes it even funnier is why I got in trouble in the first place. I got caught cheating on a Bible verse test :-D
EBHS is the the perfect example of conservative "Christianity" that I find utterly repugnant. Best of luck trying to convey the experience. If anything, there is at least one other person from that day who was as frustrated as you. Thank goodness for a good shrink.
Brent, i remember that day. You were looking over my shoulder, right? I was flattered that you thought i was smart enough to cheat off of.
As for Emmanuel, what can i say. I'm sure there are some Christian schools that do it well, but Emmanuel sure didn't. I think most of us graduates are bitter about the experience. Brent summed it up perfectly: "thank goodness for a good shrink," i know i do.
I also remember that day. It never struck me how funny the circumstances were until you mentioned it. What a stupid test anyway - memorize twenty bible verses word-for-word. You hear this people??!! And this only scratches the surface!
yes, we could go on and on.
We three should get together and see if we can turn our stories and experiences into a money-making venture - I'm picturing people cringing and shrieking in terror.
considering all this christian punishment... are you sure they didn't say "turn the other ass-cheek" in the bible?
He signed his letter with "'Til the trumpet sounds"? Really? People do things like that? Really?
Yes, people really do things like that. I remember this one teacher I had in 8th grade, she would say that if you looked older then you were then you were sinful (though she was 40 and I swore she was 60). Another good quote is that from I think Mr. Barrows saying that "God put aids on earth to punish the gays" or something to that affect.
If you are poor then God is punishing you for a sin. Very Christian that one is, wonder what bible they got that out of.
my favorite: if you are having a lot of difficulty in your life, then you must have a lot of sin in your life, and God is punishing you for it.
From my generation:
Does anyone remember when a certain Mr. B told the class that collagen in hand lotion is derived from aborted human fetuses? And that these same aborted fetuses could sometimes be heard crying in back-alley dumpsters? Anyone?
No, I missed that particular "Understanding the Times" video because I had to do something outside of school. Ah Mr. B... how he hated abortion, gays, and the jv girls basketball team.
its amazing you didnt end even more damamged than you already are....nothing like living in sin to make up for lost time though eh? (yes that is sarcasm in my voice)
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