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10-18-2007 12:06 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by BYU71
(Post 137458)
I guess I wasn't very clear.
I don't want sex education taught in school. There I am not afraid of some "mullah" instructing the kids, but some liberal who thinks any kind of experimentation is OK.
I think I said I would like the church leaders, Bishops, SP's or whoever to instruct the parents on how to or the importance of instructing their children. I would call discussing the issue with the parents and how to teach their children a church setting, wouldn't you.
Now, as far as instructing the kids in a church setting other than the thou shall nots, you are right. I don't think church is a proper setting for sex education for children. I think that is a parental responsibility.
If you want to make sure it gets taught, tell the parents they will go blind if their kids masterbate.
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I'm currently the 11-yr old scout leader in my ward, as well as the valiant 11/12 primary teacher. And so I'm now wondering how I would handle this subject in my calling.
I seem to have a pretty good relationship with the boys I work with. I'm not expecting them to bring up the subject, but it wouldn't shock me. If one of them broached the subject around the campfire one campout, I wouldn't run away from the subject. But I would be very cautious in what I said, sticking mostly to the clearly defined answers, or perhaps doing some reflective listening to help them process it themselves. I would also almost certainly ask them if they feel comfortable about talking to their parents about the subject, and encourage them to do so. I might even approach the dad afterwards, letting him know that his son is being inquisitive, and tell him he might want to broach the subject with him.
If I was asked to teach a lesson on the law of chastity (which I have had to do as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, but not with any youth), I would not hesitate to do so. However, my teaching style is that I try to relate the key principles being taught to their own lives, to make it more relevant and more interesting. Maybe talking about situations they might see in school, when hanging out with friends, etc. In this case, that might open a can of worms that I'm not sure I would want to have open. I might consider asking one parent of each child to attend, center the lesson on a discussion on chastity with the parents, and use it as an opportunity to encourage a continued discussion after church. (Obviously, I would forewarn the parents).
Again, in general principle, I agree with you to a fair degree, but it seems you've drawn a pretty clear line between the law of chastity and sex education, and I'm not so sure it is always so clear. And I definitely don't want church leaders to feel they have to run away from the subject, because who might my child turn to then? Hopefully me, but I can see that even if we have a good relationship, there might be questions/concerns they just don't want to come to me on. |
