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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Opus 2015-165: In Loco Parentis

Recently as I was reading an article on Power Line Blog, I came across the Latin phrase, “in loco parentis”.  It is one I quote to students at school when they tell me I am not their father.  I use it after I tell them, “And I am thankful for that.”  The term is supposed to mean that teachers are serving in the place of the parents since the parents are not there.  In theory it gives us the authority to deal with many issues that would otherwise be none of our business.

I have always used it as a concept that gives me the right to make the student sit up and fly right.  As I read it today I had another thought:  The parents are obviously basket cases or the kid would not be acting this way.  If I am taking the place of the parent, and enforce the standards of the parent, my response would be to cuss them out, turn the TV up louder and/or get another beer.  This would certainly avoid a lot of confusion and make my life easier.

Several problems emerge immediately.  First and second and third, I don’t cuss or watch TV and I don’t drink.  This seriously cuts down on my options.  I try humor but many students don’t have the mental wattage to understand anything that does not include a four letter word.  I would try reason but that requires them to listen and respond.  Experience has told me that is a cul-de-sac. 

I meet a good number of parents that are on the same team with me.  Usually their children are not the ones I phone home about or kick out of class.  Occasionally they have a bad day.  Everyone does, but antisocial ignorance is not their forte.

So in a sense, I do not want to be a replacement parent for these future voters.

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.