I picked Alex up from school on Friday. To fill you in, he is at a new school this year. Since pre-school, he has always attended a "non-denominational" classical Christian school. I put that in quotation marks, because every non-denominational school/church, has had some pretty strong beliefs, or core values, and pretty quick to set you straight if you don't agree with them. Why don't they just name themselves something? Sorry for going off on a tangent on that...and all my non-denominational brothers and sisters, you know I love you. Anyway, we moved him to another "non-denominational" classical Christian school (but much more of the teachings of reformation at this one).
Anyway, on with my story. Alex entered the car very distraught when I picked him up. He said that he and some kids in Bible class got into the discussion of Mary. He said they didn't believe that she was sinless, and only Jesus was sinless. Alex explained to them that if Jesus, who was without sin, was carried in her womb, and physically connected to her, how could she NOT be sinless! How could a woman who had sin in her, carry a baby who was and would be forever sinless? He got very upset about this and asked his Bible teacher, "Isn't Mary sinless?" To which he responded that the kids should stop the discussion and continue it with their parents when they got home.
Well, the conversation did not stop, but continued without the teachers knowledge. One little boy told Alex that he was going to hell because he was Catholic, and what Catholics believe is not true!
Really? Ten year olds? I mean, I have been told the same thing (by a teacher when I was in high school...nice), but ten year olds? And 4 short weeks into school mind you.
Alex was devastated, and asked if he could go to a Catholic school. Being the mama bear, I wanted to scoop him up in my lap, and say "yes baby, whatever you want!" But I didn't. I told him why we believe, what we believe about Mary (which he obviously knew, and held his own!), and why he ISN'T going to hell.
I started thinking back about being 1 of 2 families that were Catholic in my high school, and what I had to put up with. Honestly, I think it made me stronger in my faith. It led me to study more, and really be able to defend what I believe. I'm glad I went to a Christian school, and really glad I didn't go to a Catholic school. I know there are arguments for all kinds of schools, and they are all good arguments. I think that the decision has to be made for the individual family. Our decision was more educational, but feel strongly about Christian education as well.
For us, we were no doubt, led to this school by our Lord. So much prayer went into our decision, and we are very glad to be there. I know that this won't be the last time that Alex is challenged. We can only pray that it makes him even more proud to be Catholic, and that much stronger in his faith.
P.S. I spoke with the parent of the boy, and she was very upset. She said that they have talked to him and he is going to work on controlling his mouth (we have that problem in our family too). He apologized to Alex at school the next day, and all is well. Of course we forgive them. I just pray that Alex can move past the hurt really soon.
