Similar to current events, this is an article chosen from 2007 along with my assignment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-445979/Teachers-drop-Holocaust-avoid-offending-Muslims.html
Sphere of Influence: Education
Article Title: Teachers drop the Holocaust to avoid offending Muslims
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Publication Date: April 2, 2007
By: Laura Clark
Summary:
A government-backed study revealed schools are dropping the Holocaust from history lessons to avoid offending Muslim pupils, whose beliefs include Holocaust denial. The study, funded by the Department for Education and Skills, looked into ‘emotive and controversial’ history teaching in primary and secondary schools and found some teachers also show resistance to tackling the 11th century Crusades – where Christians fought Muslim armies from control of Jerusalem. The report said teachers feared confronting lessons that contradict what is taught in local mosques. Christian parents challenged a third school as the classes did not accord with the teachings of their denomination. The researchers also warned that, particularly at a primary level, a lack of subject knowledge among teachers was leading to history being taught in a ‘shallow way leading to routine and superficial learning’. The report concluded: “In particular settings, teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship.”
Quotes and excerpts:
“History is not a vehicle for promoting political correctness. Children must have access to knowledge of these controversial subjects, whether palatable or unpalatable.”
- Chris McGovern, history education advisor to the former Tory government
“The report said teachers feared confronting ‘anti-Semitic sentiment and Holocaust denial among some Muslim pupils’. “ - Laura Clark, article author
Discussion:
Ms. Clark’s informative piece is well-written, leaving a trail of personal opinion. It is fairly clear that the author is opposed to the idea of removing the said teachings from history’s curriculum. Looking to the quotes she selected to inform the reader, a not-so-hidden message is revealed: teachers fear some Muslim pupils. Among the teachers, a relative and secular humanistic worldview is present as they strive to promote tolerance; unfortunately this comes at the cost of withdrawing documented history of prior racial and religious intolerances. The teachers themselves have no roots in the material and therefore are disillusioned and unprepared to handle their own assumptions: Muslims will deny history and react boldly in the classroom. I find it extremely problematic and selectively discriminating that “teachers of history are unwilling to challenge highly contentious or charged versions of history in which pupils are steeped at home, in their community or in a place of worship.” As a Christian student in a public school, I was most certainly challenged and on occasion even mocked by teachers who taught evolution as fact, no matter that I was ‘a pupil steeped at home, in my community and place of worship’ that God Almighty is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and that Jesus is His Son, the only Hope for humanity. Interestingly, teachers did not fear that Christian students would get in the way of their lesson plans; and, sadly, not enough of us did and have now adapted to secular humanism as well.
25 September, 2011
Update from SBFM - September 20, 2011
Here is a letter I mailed out with some feedback on my first week of school -
Hi friend! I hope this letter finds you and yours whole and filled with the joy of the Lord.
I am writing concerning the new school I have been studying through with Youth With A Mission. The program I have recently started is called School of Biblical Foundations and Missions. Last week was basically orientation, and we discussed the importance of Biblical Worldview and took an opinions quiz from the Nehemiah Institute. (PEERS Testing)
Available in website form, we spent a few minutes of class individually answering 70 questions from the answer choices strongly agree, tend to agree, neutral/no opinion or no knowledge, tend to disagree, and disagree; I submitted my answers slightly bashful and feeling clueless. Many of the questions seemed to relate to politics or economics, areas where I am neutral due to my lack of knowledge concerning the matter. The subject I easily recognized was Religion, and as I turned in my work I gave a sigh of relief, thinking to myself, whew! at least I got the important things right…
As the class turned in completed work, Tom, a leader of our school explained to us::
The PEERS test consists of a series of statements carefully structured to identify a person's worldview in five categories: Politics, Economics, Education, Religion, and Social Issues (PEERS). Each statement is framed to either agree or disagree with a biblical principle.
< http://www.nehemiahinstitute.com/peers.php >
My professor’s definition of the PEERS test prepared me mentally… today I got the results back from my test, and I am comforted that God’s grace is sufficient for me; Hallelujah- my cluelessness is curable! Although I got a “B” in the “Religion” category, my knowledge and relationship do not yet meet the essential application of God’s Word and Principles to everyday situations. In fact, my results classified my views of Economics as socialist; and in Politics, Education, and Social Issues I was categorized under secular humanism.
Please continue to pray for me during this time of developing and renewing my mind. Many of you whom I have chosen to send this letter to have been teachers of mine, mentors, or certainly a loved one who has spoken into my life. Please receive my sincere plea for forgiveness as there is an enormous chance you have been explaining the urgency and importance of Biblical Worldview for years. God has softened my heart to authority and correction and I pray you are rewarded by our Father in Heaven for your diligent encouragement and godly patience.
Keep sharing these principles with everyone!
Until the nets are full, Kelsey Maxine
Hi friend! I hope this letter finds you and yours whole and filled with the joy of the Lord.
I am writing concerning the new school I have been studying through with Youth With A Mission. The program I have recently started is called School of Biblical Foundations and Missions. Last week was basically orientation, and we discussed the importance of Biblical Worldview and took an opinions quiz from the Nehemiah Institute. (PEERS Testing)
Available in website form, we spent a few minutes of class individually answering 70 questions from the answer choices strongly agree, tend to agree, neutral/no opinion or no knowledge, tend to disagree, and disagree; I submitted my answers slightly bashful and feeling clueless. Many of the questions seemed to relate to politics or economics, areas where I am neutral due to my lack of knowledge concerning the matter. The subject I easily recognized was Religion, and as I turned in my work I gave a sigh of relief, thinking to myself, whew! at least I got the important things right…
As the class turned in completed work, Tom, a leader of our school explained to us::
The PEERS test consists of a series of statements carefully structured to identify a person's worldview in five categories: Politics, Economics, Education, Religion, and Social Issues (PEERS). Each statement is framed to either agree or disagree with a biblical principle.
< http://www.nehemiahinstitute.com/peers.php >
My professor’s definition of the PEERS test prepared me mentally… today I got the results back from my test, and I am comforted that God’s grace is sufficient for me; Hallelujah- my cluelessness is curable! Although I got a “B” in the “Religion” category, my knowledge and relationship do not yet meet the essential application of God’s Word and Principles to everyday situations. In fact, my results classified my views of Economics as socialist; and in Politics, Education, and Social Issues I was categorized under secular humanism.
Please continue to pray for me during this time of developing and renewing my mind. Many of you whom I have chosen to send this letter to have been teachers of mine, mentors, or certainly a loved one who has spoken into my life. Please receive my sincere plea for forgiveness as there is an enormous chance you have been explaining the urgency and importance of Biblical Worldview for years. God has softened my heart to authority and correction and I pray you are rewarded by our Father in Heaven for your diligent encouragement and godly patience.
Keep sharing these principles with everyone!
Until the nets are full, Kelsey Maxine
18 September, 2011
SBFM - Paia, Maui
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Know I'm missing you all and keeping you in my prayers.
Maui is great and I trust that Paia is exactly where I am supposed to be this fall. The work load has already been keeping me busy. However, I have rather enjoyed putting some disciplines in place as I dive in to the curriculum with my thirteen peers from Scotland, Switzerland, Canada, the U.S., and Sweden. Yesterday I had this revelation: I'm not theee most intellectual person in the world, but my Dad knows ALL things and He's a PERFECT Father... which means He won't give me the answers, but He'll lead me into truth and grant me understanding as I follow His voice of direction.
All this to say thank you for your prayers, and let you know, Hallelujah, that I received the remaining fees needed for my lecture phase!! Please contact me or visit http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=652&MN=5665 to donate towards my outreach fees.
Thank you all for being a part of my life!
Kels
Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear..
Job 11:13-15
As for "Home - Fall 2011"
Maui Travel Book at a coffee shop puts it better than me ::
"East Maui, the Road to Hana
When old sugar towns die, they usually fade away in rust and red dirt. Not Paia. The tangle of electrical, phone, and cable wires hanging overhead symbolizes they town's ability to adapt to the times- it may look messy, but it works. Here, trendy restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and high-tech windsurf shops stand next door to the ma-and-pa grocery, fish market, and storefronts that have been serving customers since the plantation days. Hippies took over in the 1970's; although their macrobiotic restaurants and old-style artists' co-op have made way for Hawaii Regional Cuisine and galleries featuring the works of renowned international artists, Paia still manages to maintain a pleasant vibe of hippiedom. The town's main attraction though, is Hookipa Beach Park, where the wind that roars through the isthmus of Maui brings windsurfers from all around the world, who come to fly over the waves on gossamer wings linked to surfboards."
Maui is great and I trust that Paia is exactly where I am supposed to be this fall. The work load has already been keeping me busy. However, I have rather enjoyed putting some disciplines in place as I dive in to the curriculum with my thirteen peers from Scotland, Switzerland, Canada, the U.S., and Sweden. Yesterday I had this revelation: I'm not theee most intellectual person in the world, but my Dad knows ALL things and He's a PERFECT Father... which means He won't give me the answers, but He'll lead me into truth and grant me understanding as I follow His voice of direction.
All this to say thank you for your prayers, and let you know, Hallelujah, that I received the remaining fees needed for my lecture phase!! Please contact me or visit http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=652&MN=5665 to donate towards my outreach fees.
Thank you all for being a part of my life!
Kels
Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear..
Job 11:13-15
As for "Home - Fall 2011"
Maui Travel Book at a coffee shop puts it better than me ::
"East Maui, the Road to Hana
When old sugar towns die, they usually fade away in rust and red dirt. Not Paia. The tangle of electrical, phone, and cable wires hanging overhead symbolizes they town's ability to adapt to the times- it may look messy, but it works. Here, trendy restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and high-tech windsurf shops stand next door to the ma-and-pa grocery, fish market, and storefronts that have been serving customers since the plantation days. Hippies took over in the 1970's; although their macrobiotic restaurants and old-style artists' co-op have made way for Hawaii Regional Cuisine and galleries featuring the works of renowned international artists, Paia still manages to maintain a pleasant vibe of hippiedom. The town's main attraction though, is Hookipa Beach Park, where the wind that roars through the isthmus of Maui brings windsurfers from all around the world, who come to fly over the waves on gossamer wings linked to surfboards."
09 September, 2011
07 September, 2011
Visit to Kauai
Hi everybody! Thanks for checking in...
In just a few days I will begin secondary with Youth With A Mission; I'm really excited to dive in to the Word of God as I attend the School of Biblical Foundations and Missions. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Praise Jesus! The first $1,000 has come in!
to make a donation or become a monthly sponsor -
http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=652&MN=5665
Summer staff with the Kona YWAM base was a great experience,
I have made some wonderful and lasting friendships and connections!
For the last week, my friend Megan and I have stayed at her family's home.. it has been a wonderful week resting in the Lord Jesus <3 Here are some pictures from our recent adventures! Enjoy :)
1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
In just a few days I will begin secondary with Youth With A Mission; I'm really excited to dive in to the Word of God as I attend the School of Biblical Foundations and Missions. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Praise Jesus! The first $1,000 has come in!
to make a donation or become a monthly sponsor -
http://uofnkona.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=652&MN=5665
Summer staff with the Kona YWAM base was a great experience,
I have made some wonderful and lasting friendships and connections!
For the last week, my friend Megan and I have stayed at her family's home.. it has been a wonderful week resting in the Lord Jesus <3 Here are some pictures from our recent adventures! Enjoy :)
1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Packing for Maui
Organizing my Kelty backpack is exciting for me. It means a new season is on its way!
This venture will also bring me through airport security . Weight limits and safety codes aren't something that generally affect me, but I've been finding a great selection of books and will be toting them with me to SBFM. Last night, as I packed, I weighed my options....
...I figured this was my wisest decision, "I'll have my hands full with my trekking pack, carryon, and shoulderbag --- tying and untying sneakers, no thank you. Flip flops take up less space in my bag and, hey, I've won races in heels, what could it hurt?"
After packing (over 25 pounds of journals, books, and other literature) into my Kelty back pack, it slipped off my back; buckling my knees, flipping backwards with the weight.
It made me laugh and inspired me (finally) to go through some field work video logs-- clipping the bloopers added some goofy creativity to Sara Kristinsson's mashup of songs :: "Somebody to Love" Jefferson Airplane Justin Bieber , and her original "Sky ! High"
I do a bit of video logging, for personal growth and processing, and after replaying the clip again and again I thought I would spice it up and send it to some friends.
The sound quality was so quiet I had to give the silly film subtitles-
This venture will also bring me through airport security . Weight limits and safety codes aren't something that generally affect me, but I've been finding a great selection of books and will be toting them with me to SBFM. Last night, as I packed, I weighed my options....
...I figured this was my wisest decision, "I'll have my hands full with my trekking pack, carryon, and shoulderbag --- tying and untying sneakers, no thank you. Flip flops take up less space in my bag and, hey, I've won races in heels, what could it hurt?"
After packing (over 25 pounds of journals, books, and other literature) into my Kelty back pack, it slipped off my back; buckling my knees, flipping backwards with the weight.
It made me laugh and inspired me (finally) to go through some field work video logs-- clipping the bloopers added some goofy creativity to Sara Kristinsson's mashup of songs :: "Somebody to Love" Jefferson Airplane Justin Bieber , and her original "Sky ! High"
I do a bit of video logging, for personal growth and processing, and after replaying the clip again and again I thought I would spice it up and send it to some friends.
The sound quality was so quiet I had to give the silly film subtitles-
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