Suter: For lack of a teacher – The Hutchinson News

Jeanie Suter| Special to The News

I wish you would write a column recruiting teachers for our parish religion program. We arent getting much response. The request nagged at me even after I laughingly dismissed it. I rethought my answer when Harvard, a once prestigious Christian college, appointed an atheist as the lead chaplain. I rethought it again when, according to Pew Research, 10% of the population is atheist. Another 20% is not affiliated with any religion.

I rethought my answer, not in the light of organized religion, but in concern for the integrity of our nation. In each of the 50 state constitutions, God is mentioned at least once and 200 times in all. The Declaration of Independence states that our right to independence is rooted in the fact that the ultimate source of our rights and duties comes from God.

Who is God? Do people learn about him in the air they breathe? When children handle currency do they wonder who this God is that we trust? Or what it means to be one nation under God? Will they question Google searches defining Islam as the most peaceful religion? Will they be capable to compare our legal system, based on the Judaeo-Christian tradition, to Sharia law?

Without well-versed teachers of our countrys history regarding religion, we are cultural citizens and cultural members of our respective religious denominations. In short, we dont know our own religious or civil history. We dont know the why of who we are and what we are about.

The founders of our nation came from divergent religious backgrounds. They all believed that the most acceptable service we render to God is in doing good to others. They recognized the possibility that at the end of life each person will answer to God for how they lived that Golden Rule. They did not establish a state religion. They worked as though it all depended on them but prayed for divine assistance as though it all depended on God. The result of this tremendous conviction is a nation that allows people to practice the religion of their choice or to practice no religion at all.

This past summer various church educators assumed the risk of providing vacation Bible schools in the Hutchinson area. The media continued dire predictions of future Covid outbreaks and the dire consequences thereof. Many denominations, quietly prepared their campus and classrooms. It was an act of faith, courage and an outward sign that our soul suffocates without prayer and the presence of God in our lives. Teachers and volunteers risked their health and reputations; pastors risked these as well in the decision to provide the summer Bible schools.

I had the privilege of assisting in my parish summer program. It was the best Ive ever seen there. Maybe the caution was the energy that made the program so joyful and successful. On Wednesday students, parents, relatives and church members gathered for a potluck. Extra tables were hurriedly set up to accommodate a record number of attendees. Surrounding the students were the people who are the foundation of a childs faith and spiritual journey.

Of great importance is the teacher who presents a simple, orderly set of lessons. This is a necessary structure to support faith which, if based only on emotion, can fizzle, especially if questioned or persecuted.

Teachers can select lesson plans and creative resource materials from Christian publishers. Lessons and supplemental videos can also be lifted off the internet.

Some church members are willing to help in a classroom but dont want the full teaching responsibility. Their help as aides is often what makes each child feel special and capable of learning. The rest is left to Divine Providence.

I have heard numerous adults recall childhood memories of fun and educational times in vacation school, church camp or Sunday school. They remember the love, security and faith example of church members. Occasionally I have heard others admit that they know nothing of God. They recognize advertising slogans and know all the characters in current movies but they are strangers to Bible characters or Bible verses.

I would hope that their lack of knowledge comes from choice, not from a lack of a teacher. Every child, yes, every person, deserves to know the why of who we are and what we are about.

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Suter: For lack of a teacher - The Hutchinson News