Clarification
image found here
There are a few points in regards to my last post that I feel must be clarified and instead of re-posting this 100x in the comment section, I am going to post it here in plain sight once and for all. Therefore, please do not continue to try and raise the same points continuously because I will not continue answering the same questions. I will not speak on this subject again, unless something is brought to my attention (see * below) and I feel the need to correct myself. So DO NOT leave argumentative comments because they will be deleted. This is not a forum for arguments. I believe everyone's opinions on both sides were voiced clearly enough in my last post.
First of all, let me remind everyone that this is my blog. The expressions voiced here are the thoughts and opinions of me--a stay-at-home Orthodox mother. I have every right to speak those thoughts and opinions. I have never made any claims to have authority over any priest or bishop or church cleaning lady, for that matter, and am quite honestly offended by such ridiculous accusations.
For those of you who were offended by what I have said in regards to the program in question, I will say this. Forgive me, it was not my intention to upset you. However, my opinions are based on what is going on in my community. I had no idea this situation ran so deep. What I do know is that a once strong and thriving community now stands divided since the introduction to this program.
I have been in touch with a woman who was one of the first to head this program here in the States and I am awaiting her response. What I have discovered so far is that the woman who was in charge of training our teachers has been referred to by other people in the program as a rogue. She is taking the Episcopalian version of the program and teaching it to Orthodox Sunday School teachers with no adaptation to our faith. I had no idea that my experience with the program was not a normal experience.
For those of you "demanding" I retract my statements...I will do no such thing UNLESS I am proven otherwise. My statements are based on what is happening in my community, not yours. I pray I am wrong. Some of the people I have spoken with have showed much kindness and love in trying to explain the way things are supposed to work and others have been more judgmental and accusing than they accuse me of being. I will however, try to clarify several points:
I APOLOGIZE for saying that you should pull your children out of the program. If your program is not the same as the one I am referring to and your family is comfortable with it, then it works for you and that is your choice.
I APOLOGIZE for any offense that my opinion has caused. I never imagined so many people would be affected by my simple opinion.
I APOLOGIZE (though I NEVER insinuated any thing of this sort, some people got this idea) for in any way, shape or form giving anyone one the impression that you should take my advice over that of your priest and/or bishop.
For those things, I ask your forgiveness.
That being said...
I WILL NOT be forced to remove something that I posted, that I believe, no matter how many people disagree with my beliefs.
I WILL NOT apologize for believing that the Orthodox Church, which has sustained herself for 2,000 years without ever straying or adapting to the times, alone contains all the elements necessary to guide our youth and adults in sharing in a "common religious experience".
I WILL NOT apologize for believing that our holy icons, which are written through prayer and fasting, that have performed miracles for generations, are capable of providing a "hands on" learning experience. I WILL NOT.
*I have asked for teacher's guides, curriculum outlines, photos, ANYTHING showing me that Orthodox life is involved in this program and I hope that I will receive something.
Until then, I will not be forced to change my opinion. I truly pray that I am wrong on this matter and that somehow the experience here is unique and not a typical experience.
Until then, I ask you to put yourself in my shoes. Many of you have sent emails and left comments asking me to put myself in your shoes. Now I ask you to do the same. I am not making any assumptions of what I think this program is. I am telling you what it is in my community.
If the things I have described where happening in your community, tell me, how would you react to that? How would you react to not being allowed icons in Sunday School? How would you react to someone telling you they are creating a common religious experience with your Church and other churches of different denominations in your community? Would you be angry? You should. And I am. So before you're so quick to tell me not to be judgmental, perhaps you should follow your own advice.
UPDATE: Due to the uncommon circumstances with this program in our town, I am taking down the previous post. Considering the fact that I am still not 100% sure of its presence in our Church, I do not want to misrepresent it. So for the time being it will be removed and if I feel it's necessary to re-post it at a later time I will do so then.
