My blog has never been one for debates. While I some very strong beliefs on certain issues, debating isn't the purpose of my blog. I have a couple of debatable topics, though, swirling around in my head, and I would love to hear your opinions. I know what I think on these topics, but I'm curious to hear what you think. No debating, just sharing of view points. I'm not above being "enlightened" if I need to be. And also, if I'm being completely honest, I'd love a little distraction for my brain being completely focused on adoption.
So, topic of the day: banned books.
What do you think about books being banned?
Here is a list of some of the books that have been banned in the United States. I have to admit, after I scanned the list I was shocked. But enough of my opinion..... I'd love to hear your's!
*Important note!* I did NOT read the author of this lists little article he wrote before the list. I just scrolled down to the list and scanned over it. So, I have no earthly idea what his opinion is on banned books. I am in no way agreeing, disagreeing, or promoting his viewpoint in any way shape or form.
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4 comments:
You know? I'm not sure what I think. I know that I would want the Bible to be available to anyone who wanted to read it. But also if my kid were in school I would be glad that some of those books weren't available at the school library, you know. So, it's hard to say. I want to be the one to decide what my young kids are exposed to...I guess that is one of the reasons that we homeschool.
Hmmm....I don't know. As I read over the list I saw books that I've read for fun and books I've read as a student for classes. It's a little shocking to see some of the classic books like "To kill a Mockingbird" and "The Canterbury Tales" among other classics on this list.
I don't think it's right, I guess, to ban books. Personally, if I don't agree with what the book teaches then I don't read it and I make sure to teach my children what that book is teaching and I am the filter to their mind. In a society where it's becoming harder to shelter our children from the bad things in the world maybe the censorship of these books is a good thing. I'm a little divided...lol.
I think it's important to make sure that we teach our children the values they will use to make their decisions in the future. If we do that, then they won't be reading things that have anything to do with sorcery or sexual matters or anything else related to unbiblical truths. Therefore, there won't be a need to ban books....but, I guess not as many people would get on that bandwagon, now, would they?? LOL.
I have mixed feelings. There are a lot of books I wouldn't want my children to read, and as a mother I feel it is my job to filter them, and I don't want the government to decide that for us!
That's my .02 cents anyway!
'kay. I already typed this once and then my computer crashed. If it happens again, I'll take it that it doesn't need to be said.
I tend to hesitate to weigh in on controversial subjects but this one is close to my heart because, at base, it involves an argument for or against freedom. There is only ONE Holy Spirit and, if you happen to be human, you are not Him. Therefore, as it is HIS responsibility to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement - and you are not Him - it is NOT your responsibility.
I believe that God intended each person of His creation to walk in relationship with Him. Each is to listen closely to the guidance/conviction of the Spirit and determine which things fall into those areas of conviction and which do not. And then they are to obey. But, according to Romans 12-14, we as humans are responsible to live peaceably with one another and not force those things which are our convictions on others. We are, to paraphrase Rom 14:20, not to "destroy the work of God for the sake of ." We are to show love and respect toward those who differ from us, even as we firmly abstain from those things which we are convicted are inappropriate. (and, from personal experience, those things may change over time as we grow in relationship to Father!) This allows them to grow in grace - listening to the Spirit who surely speaks to them as much as He does to us - without the hinderance of our harshness. (and possibly allows us to grow in grace as we learn to love as He does??)
Banning books means that someone has set themselves up as the authority on that which is beneficial or harmful for EVERY person. It usurps the role of Holy Spirit. And, the problem with that "someone" is that they are invariably human. Human beings - especially human beings in positions of power that would enable them to enforce such a ban - are susceptible to banning things in order to promote self or a personal agenda. Or simply to having a blind spot due to immaturity in some area of their own spiritual life and inadvertently imposing that blind spot on others.
I think that God made it very clear that HE wants to be the one speaking life, guidance, and direction into our lives, purging us HIMSELF and making us pure. And He has made it equally clear that we need to be extremely careful about telling others what their relationship to Him ought to look like at any given point in time. We are all works in various stages of progress, after all. We are to live in love toward one another, at peace with all as much as possible, serving as iron that sharpens iron, and in remembrance of the fact that harshness and condemnation are not found in Christ. We are responsible TO HIM for the convictions He has given us - and for teaching them to our children - but no person is responsible TO US (or to any other human or institution, for that matter) for agreeing with our convictions.
He came that we might be set free, not that we might have clarified which chains were supposed to be worn. But freedom can be a risky, frightening, and sometimes uncontrollable way to live...
*end rant* ;-)
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