I am working on an anger issue right now. A young person in my congregation made a very age-appropriate profession of faith and requested baptism, a request that I gladly complied with. The child had not been baptized as an infant. A some point, a few weeks past this joyous day, this child was apparently told by a teacher at the local public school that re-baptism would be required later because there would be no memory of the occasion in a few years.
I spoke with the child extensively about this. I do not see how the idea of re-baptism would have arisen unless someone spoke about it. The child was adamant that “Teacher” made that statement. The child’s primary teacher, when asked about this by the understandably upset parent, insisted uttering only admiration for the baptismal cross the child was wearing, and stated that the parent was questioning the teacher’s faith life.
That is not the case. However, the child clearly heard this from some authority figure in the school.
As frustrating as the separation of church and state may be at times (as in “What to do about religious Christmas carols?”), it is also an important part of creating a vital religious life. The church carries the corporate responsibility of teaching, nurturing, and admonishing the children so they may learn about the things of God. Parents have the responsibility to build those principles into home life and to model for the children mature Christian living, thinking and actions.
It is not the school’s job to provide this kind of instruction in the religiously plural world we live in. The public school, speaking with authority in any form–and to children, all a teacher’s utterances are ones with authority–may and must not speak of faith and doctrinal matters to enrolled students.
In the “he said/she said” type scenario we have here, there will be no quick resolution. Upset parents, upset teacher and a confused child inhabit this circle of unhappiness. Rebuilding trust on all levels will be difficult, but it must be done.
It’s one of those days I wish words could just be withdrawn and memories wiped clean again. But they can’t, so we live with the consequences.
But its a reminder to me that my job is to live, teach, preach and model authentic, consistent, grace-filled Christianity while making disciples of Jesus that the world might be transformed.
I am not a public school teacher and I do have not the skills for that work. My admiration for them and the work they do is just about boundless. They awe me.
I also know I’m often too quick to offer critiques of the work of others and to hold some exalted idea that I could do that better. I couldn’t. I can barely do what I’m called to do, much less someone else’s calling.
So, I’m setting my anger down, and am praying for all the parties involved here. As little as this is, it’s a tough situation.
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