Re: Fwd: Amazon suggestion
Posted by: Blc914 <Blc914@...>
[email protected] writes:
> I've always been a big reader - when I was in junior high/high
> school/college, I enjoyed reading classics (Jane Eyre, A Tree Grows in
> Brooklyn, Russian literature) and mysteries (Agatha Christie, Phyllis A
> Whitney, etc) and some historical fiction. As a young woman, I continued
> reading those plus some fiction that was popular at that time. As time
> went
> by, the books contained more and more garbage. And then, about 11 years
> ago,
> I had a real turning point in my own faith and now I read VERY few books
> that
> aren't Christian (actually I don't read many novels - most of the books I
> read are non-fiction, but that's just my preference). It wasn't really a
> conscious decision, it was more a natural transition as my faith grew. I
> don't even WANT to read secular novels.
>
OK Susan -- you were peeking into my life as you read that -- weren't you!? I
am an avid reader -- have been ALL my life -- literally! When I was small my
mom said I sat for hours looking at picture books and reading along with my
little record player -- you know those read-long-books? I taught myself to
read at the age of 4 -- yes 4! and I haven't stopped yet! I love to read --
it is my favorite pastime!
Like you, Susan, I read lots growing up -- the classics, mysteries (love
Whitney never got into Chrisite). I majored in English in college with my
emphasis on literature -- specifically English lit -- love Shakespeare! I
also read lots of secular stuff -- popular novels, etc., over the years. Like
you as I grew in my Christian life, I read less and less secular and more and
more Christian. And life you it was not a real conscious decision ... it just
happened.
> I don't watch much TV either (I much prefer this screen ) - I think that
> the values (or lack thereof) that are depicted on TV are also in books and
> obviously in so much of the secular music.
I am here right now -- we listen to Christian music in our home and classical
-- very little secular music here. TV is another story. I would like to pull
the plug on it .... my DH loves it! He does watch decent stuff and we are
extremely selective about what our kids watch and how much, but still.... I
was raised on TV and now so much of it disgusts me -- even stuff I watched
growing up! I can't believe I was allowed to watch it!
>
> I'm not saying that I disagree with your wanting Amazon to warn their
> readers
> of objectionable content, I'm just saying that we have to make responsible
> choices in what we read and the books we bring into our homes for our
> children to read.
This is true -- I know what my kids read and we are very discerning. My dd
has always struggled with reading and years ago I was desperate and said "As
long as she reads I don't care what it is!" I bought her several books from
the Babysitters series and some others. Fortunately dd was born with a
discerning spirit and read just part of one and said "I don't think these are
good for me to read" -- I read one and agreed, so out they went! As a result
of our diligence and prayers, both kids are great at making wise choices when
we are at the library etc. We tend to shy away from some of the newer works
for children -- they can look great, but are often very new-agish and also
they tend to portray situations and attitudes that I think are inappropriate.
>
> Also, if you have children in the public schools, you should be vigilant
> about what your children are reading in school, or for school assignments.
>
> My children went to public school and did very well and they had many
> wonderful opportunities they wouldn't have had elsewhere (speaking mainly
> about band, marching band, orchestra, choir, musical productions, etc). I
> had very few problems with what the school taught with the notable
> exception
> of 2 books that I didn't allow them to read - middle daughter in 8th grade,
> youngest in sophomore year of high school.
>
I agree with this too -- whether in Public School or even a private one --
even Christian. Never assume that all Christian's have the same view. Be
nosy! Know what is going into your child's mind -- it is you right and duty
as a parent! They may not like you for it at the time, but they will
appreciate it later.
We Homeschool our 2 and one of the advantages is controlling what they are
exposed to AND teaching them to look at everything they come in contact with
through a Christian worldview -- I think that is sooo important these days
-- the Christian Worldview -- I want my kids to realize that their
Christianity isn't something they can take off and put on at will -- it is
24/7 -- all the time! and everything should be views through that Christian
viewpoint.
Barb C.