You may have heard about the Pennsylvania high school teacher’s blog that is catching a lot of attention. Evidently, she has the need to let off some serious steam about her “rude, disengaged, and lazy” students. If you want to catch up on the story you can find it on Yahoo! here:
Most people react to this teacher’s comments with a conflicted sense that she spoke the truth about these teens but, because of her position, she shouldn’t have been so blunt. She’s a hero to some and a villan to others. Whatever your opinion of her blog may be, I believe the sensation behind this blog brings to light a certain reality I’ve been discussing with fellow youth pastors: The Sin of Institutionalism.
The Sin of Institutionalism
This is the name I’ve given a certain attitude I’ve observed from so many parents and adults in general. The Sin of Institutionalism looks for some faceless institution to hold accountable for things for which only an individual should be held responsible. Take for instance, the spiritual upbringing of children. The Sin of Institutionalism says, “that’s a job for the Church”. I say, “what about parents?” The Sin of Institutionalism asks, “aren’t the public schools supposed to teach things like good behavior and manners?” The Sin of Institutionalism says, “the job of government/church/charity is to provide for me.”
I believe this sin permeates many realms of American society well beyond the public education system. You better believe the Church is a victim of this too. I can say from experience, Institutionalism can cause youth pastors to feel the pressure to take responsibility for elements of their teens’ behavior they have no ability to control.
Where are the families? Where are the parents?
Interestingly, the sensation caused by this high school teachers blog also draws attention to the blessing/curse of internet technology. Social media like Facebook and blogs only blurs the lines between personal and professional when it comes to student/teacher interaction. I’m intrigued by the blurring of the lines as it forces a shift in regard to the …the things we don’t talk about. As in, why are teachers expected to be responsible for supplying to students the motivation to learn? And, why are youth ministers responsible for how a girl or boy dresses in your youth group? This Pennsylvania teacher’s blog said what she was really thinking. The question is not “did the behavior of her students warrant her comments?”
The question is, “are you depending on some institution to raise your children?”
“Two combined influences make a greater impact than just two influences.”
Reggie Joiner, ‘Think Orange’
Good stuff dude.
By: Mark Cox on February 18, 2011
at 12:09 PM
Good catchphrase, Aaron. The teacher is right. Kids are lazy, mouthy, entitled, and rude. This isn’t just at school. I see it at church too. I called a kid down a couple of years ago for speaking rudely to her mother for making her walk around the side of the building to open the door for her mother who had her arms full. When she got to the door to open it for her mom, I had just let her in with a key. She scoffed and gave her mother “what for” which, when seeing mom was going to let it slide (inconsistency) I had strong words with her. Still, the system is broken. The school can’t do anything about it. Their hands are tied. You can’t be politically incorrect anymore without a lawsuit. The system says they are trying to be neutral on all issues so as to not favor any particular side. This is obviously a load of hooey, but until enough parents stand up for what is right and say enough, we’ll just lay down and take it.
By: Andy on February 18, 2011
at 11:21 AM
“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” -Ronald Reagan
It starts at home and should fall on the church to supplement.
By: jeremy zach on February 17, 2011
at 1:54 PM
Preach it. I totally agree with you. We live in a society where the majority of people don’t like to take responsibility for anything… and are actually rewarded for that behavior. We all need a gut check. Parents – it’s your responsibility to teach your kids in the way of the Lord. Can the church assist parents in doing that? Of course, but the burden isn’t the church. Churches – it’s your responsibility in aiding Christians – in teaching them what it means to be a Christlike parent – or a family that fears the Lord. Is it ALL of the church’s responsibility? No – but they should set the example. This may be a soapbox issue for me…
By: Rachel on February 17, 2011
at 12:03 PM
Yes, Rachel, …this may be a soapbox issue for you.
Another place we all get switched up is referring to these institutions as if we are not, in essence, what makes up the institution. Christians tell me how the Church ought to do this or that …but forget that they ARE the Church.
By: Aaron Shaver on February 17, 2011
at 1:21 PM
[...] The Sin of Institutionalism (aaronshaver.com) [...]
By: Free Speech and a Teacher « An American Point of View on February 17, 2011
at 8:30 AM