More from “Hoss”
In the flurry of blog activity over Dr T’s CCOG, accusations were flying about. I wanted to verify some statements attributed to David Pack, which were found near the end of a typically long sermon. Along the way, Dave went into a mini-tirade on child-rearing. Inspired by his remarks, I wrote this little story, loosely based on a story in Luke:
The church service had just finished.
A couple and their son were still sitting, quietly talking, when an elder approached. He solemnly informed the parents that the minister must speak to them immediately. Leaning over toward the father, he quietly said, “about the parking lot matter”.
The minister apparently was told of a small incident that had occurred in the parking lot at end of the Feast. While the couple and their extended families were packing their cars in preparation to head home, they noticed their son was not there. Thinking he was with some of the other children, they at first thought nothing of it. After all, he was a very responsible child.
But when they other families were ready to leave, he wasn’t to be found. After another quick search, they headed back to the conference center where the Feast had been held. They soon found their son, looking through some of the ‘free literature’ and talking with some ministers from Headquarters who were milling about.
Trying not to draw too much attention, they called out to the boy, telling him they were about to leave. “If you don’t mind”, he politely answered, “I have a few more questions I’d like to ask these gentlemen”. One of the minsters told the parents how pleased they were that the boy was reading the literature and asking thoughtful questions. Another minister said, “I wish there were more children who took such an interest in the Truth!”
Now back to the church. The elder and the couple waited as the minister attended to another matter. As the minster turned to the couple, the elder scurried off toward the crowd at the Pot Luck table.
The minister turned and gave the couple a menacing stare. “What’s this I hear about your rebellious son?” he demanded. “Before making a decision on what action must be taken, you tell how you dealt with him.”
After glancing at each other in disbelief, the couple told the minister what had happened. The minister interrupted in a raised voice, “And how did you punish him?”
The father replied that their son had not really done anything wrong. It appears he had mentioned to someone where he was going, but the message wasn’t passed on.
“That doesn’t matter! Your son is at a rebellious age and will use any excuse to disobey you! You have take children and break their will! Haven’t you studied our booklets and articles on God’s way to raise children?” Yes, they had read the Church literature, and believed they provided proper parenting.
The mother quietly added that she felt some of her questions their son raised were quite profound, and stuck in her mind. “So!” the minister retorted, “You listen to your son questioning our doctrines! What can a child understand? He should only think about doing what he is told without question!”
Turning toward the father, the minister continued, “As for correct understanding, he should have asked you, and you should have given him the answer from the Church’s lessons for children. If that wasn’t enough, you should have asked me!” Looking around the room as if searching for something to yell at, the minister asked, “And as for wasting the time of our Headquarters ministers, do you realise how that makes you look as parents?”
A deacon, pointing at his watch, caught the eye of the minister. “I’ve got to go”, he scowled, ”but this matter isn’t over”.
As the couple turned to leave, the minister called out, with a false tone of cheerfulness, “I’ll see you at Spokesman’s Club, Joe, and you’ll get my decision. And I’ll talk to you again at Ladies Club, Mary.” The couple smiled and walked back to their son Joshua.
And Cogwriter’s video on parenting (which I haven’t watched) was purely a coincidence. I wrote the above story a few weeks ago…
Hoss