Vacation Bible School

Last week, at the last minute, I decided to sign my kids up for Vacation Bible School. I wasn't quite sure I wanted to do it but some other friends were signing up and I'd heard from others how good it was and that kids who've done it before enjoyed it. Besides, only good can come out of Bible school, right?

The first day as I was picking Ryan up his teacher commented to me what a good boy Ryan was. I thanked her and smiled grateful that Ryan was being a good example. As we walked out to the car I asked Ryan how his morning was. He looked at me and said, "My teacher said that some of the things Mormons believe aren't true." What???? I tried to be patient and waited until we got home to hear the whole story. The topic of the day was, "God is Real." The kids were asked how they knew God is real. Some answers were miracles, the Bible. Then it was Ryan's turn. He answered, "The Book of Mormon." Which then led to the teacher making her comment. I was frustrated. While I know that this wasn't our church and they could teach what they wanted I was offended that they weren't respectful of what Ryan believed. And to tell a 7 yr. old boy that the things that his parents teach him aren't true I felt was going a little too far. Come on, he's only 7.

I didn't know what to do but then decided to talk to the teacher. I wasn't going to be confrontational. I just wanted to let her know that her comment made Ryan uncomfortable and I felt that it could have been handled better. I ended up talking with her and then the director. It was a polite conversation and we both expressed our feelings regarding the situation and unfortunately disagreed. What bothered me most was their lack of respect. If someone came into my church I would never tell them and especially if it was a little kid, that what they believed was not true. We teach what we believe and then allow others to choose whether to accept it or not.

The 11th Article of Faith for our church states,"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

I just wished she felt the same.