A truly Christian school...!

There have been debates in Australia around sex discrimination and in particular whether private schools should have the right to exclude gay teachers or even gay children

But you can't beat the Yanks for demonstrating how a serious "Christian" school goes about this process.

Immanuel Christian college has a "parent agreement" posted online that says their policy bans gay students and parents from the school. ..

"I understand that the school reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission to an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of the student are counter to, or are in opposition to, the biblical lifestyle the school teaches," the agreement states.
'This includes, but is not limited to contumacious behavior, divisive conduct, and participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school. (Lev. 20:13 and Romans 1:27.) I acknowledge the importance of a family culture based on biblical principles and embrace biblical family values such as a healthy marriage between one man and one woman. My role as spiritual mentor to my children will be taken seriously."

What makes this even more interesting is that Karen Pence, wife of the current US Vice President will be teaching at the school.
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/15/politics/karen-pence-art-teacher/index.html

 

Immanuel Christian School partners with families to provide Christian education. We believe those who will
benefit most fromour program know the Lord as personal Savior and desire that their children be educated with a biblical worldview.

It is our experience that families who do not share a biblical worldview will be
uncomfortable with the expectations we have and the philosophy we practice. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic background. We do, however, attempt to be discerning in the area of Christian belief and practice

 

I have lots of thoughts about this very prescriptive series of policies for a school.

1) It is uncomfortably close to the way A Handmaids Tale defines and controls human behaviour. It is interesting to remember that the premise of The Handmaids Tale is the rise of a religious based group to power in the US.

2) It represents the beliefs of Milke Pence who is a heartbeat or a impeachment away from Presidency of the US. We know he is born again Christian. Spelling out the degree of control this group attempts to establish on it's members doesn't sit well with how Mike Pence would use Presidential power.

3) I wonder how these rules are implemented and the effect on children and families ? Obviously anyone who is gay or shows any tendency is in the firing line. And looking at the rules that goes for their their family, friends or anyone who just accepts them. It looks far too close to cult like rules and expectations. Of course this would depend on how strictly the rules are enforced but my reading was that the school was playing for keeps.

 

Aunt Lydia in The Hand Maids Tale.
Truly Gods work.

 

You want it spelled out Cynic ?
1) The control of behaviour demanded by the Christian school is, in my view, excessive and very similar to the controls imposed by other religious sects. And it does end badly. That alone gives me concern. Check out this example of another Christian sect that was also very rigid in its interpretations of God Word.

My life in a religious cult: 'The most dangerous place in the world is the womb of an ungodly woman'
After her childhood in a secretive cult founded by her grandfather, New Zealand woman Lilia Tarawa risked hellfire and damnation to escape. In this book extract, she shares a slice of her life at Gloriavale Christian Community

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...-in-the-world-is-the-womb-of-an-ungodly-woman

2) The risk of the US becoming an authoritarian state and using born again Christian values as a model for the community is not farfetched. Donald Trump is already considering invoking a State of Emergency. His VP endorses the zealous principles of born again Christians. The evangelical right is still one of the key supporters of Donald Trump. If you watched that clip the last lines of Auntie Lydia should resonate.

" I know this must feel very strange. But ordinary is just what you're used to. This may not seem ordinary to you right now but after a time it will. This will become ordinary."