I
recently realized that there were two great thrills in doing
Reddit's, Ask Me Anything! Over 1000 questioners seemed sincerely
interested in what my answer would be and made no judgment of whether
it was right or wrong. Equally exciting were the scores of
responders who suggested that I write a book. What a high for this
junior high school principal who had difficulty writing a weekly
staff memo for his teachers!
Well
there will be no book! I'm not up to that and one who writes a book
is usually perceived as an authority. Working in the field of
education with primary interests in family, religion, and sports, I
have lived in a world where authorities are a dime a dozen. And being
retired from the field of education for over 32 years, I make no
claims to being an expert in education any more. Yet one thing I know
for certain and that is that I have been privileged to have lived an
extremely satisfying life through a fascinating period of our
nation's history.
It's
been extremely gratifying to have an opportunity to share my views
with young people through the mystique of the Internet. Yet all good
things must come to an end and my 15 minutes of fame as a "Reddit
Guru" has been exhilarating. But with energy diminishing and new
adventures before me in my retirement Valhalla, it's time for change.
But inevitably I have a few "Final Thoughts" I feel driven
to share.
1.
The fact that the American electorate resorted to choosing our
present leader is one of the greatest disappointment of my life. No
need for me to enlarge on that, but it causes me to ponder the nature
of humans worldwide in the democratic process. Specifically I recall
another seminal event in my life experience: those "desperate"
people who elected a Hitler: a man who also used fear and hatred in
their quest for economic security. Yet I see in my own country an
entertainer using those same techniques catering to the fears and
base interests of society. Was it a failure of my chosen profession,
education, to provide an enlightened electorate? While that's a
problem demanding a long-term solution, my hope/plea is that the
long ignored voices of our country – women, the economically
deprived, minorities and young people will in a few days come to the
polls in record number to provide a corrective course for our
nation's future.
2.
While I can recall previous periods of rancor and divisiveness in our
country. I have never seen it reach such levels of vitriol and hate.
It seems to be the new "Spirit of America." That "American
Spirit" first chronicled by Alexis de Tocqueville not so many
years ago - in the eye of history - has been replaced by a myopic
view of life incorporating isolation, selfishness, divisiveness,
contempt and suspicion. While studies and books have documented this,
we seem to be in a period of isolationist "know nothingism"
in our fitful and frantic rush to protect our personal welfare,
status and interests. Facts and knowledge and science itself have
been ridiculed. Yet it is knowledge and science that have been most
valuable in fulfilling the American dream. For me, one publication
stands out in chronicling our current dilemma, Robert Putnam's
publication "Bowling Alone," Putnam laments the
decline and loss of institutions and agencies that have been
paramount in fostering a unity of purpose for our nation. These
groupings were essential in providing a commonality for all people
and ranged from churches to bowling leagues to civic clubs. The mass
media followed by most of people were essential in creating community
unity and providing a commonality of information through just a few
newspapers and radio/TV channels. Knowledgeable journalists were
respected for their thoughtful analysis expressing a variety of
viewpoints
With
scholars highlighting such a problem, one wonders why this is not
been given greater national attention. My next three points briefly
focus on areas where this has been particularly prevalent.
Unfortunately, because of my desire to "go to press"
quickly. I'll only be able to give them cursory attention.
3.
There is little question that America has prided itself on being a
"religious (yea Christian) nation." Yet it's a topic that
is shunned by many as being "too personal or divisive" for
polite discussion. And while lip service is given to religion with
extremely high percentages of the citizenry avowing divine belief and
religious affiliation, national statistics show a diminishing
interest in participation in religious institutions. Putnam's,
"Bowling Alone" was followed up by another book "American
Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us" forcefully
documenting this decline. Yet there are many signs that there is a
growing "hunger" or something.to give meaning to life.
It
is my contention that Religion has been given a bad rap as
modern society, seeking meaning for life, has found new words and
labels such as spirituality and "a search for meaning."
“Can Religion Survive Worship" is a book that cause me
to appreciate anew my lifelong interest in this topic. Making no
bones about it, the book clearly describes that ALL RELIGIONS are
created by humans in their search for giving meaning to life
(spirituality) and structuring a moral code for the enhancement of
communities of people living together. Worship has become idolatry.
Could there be a greater American Heritage than providing space for
all religions espousing love to find freedom and expression?
In
my perception, unfortunately, organized religion has an extremely
negative connotation. And as a long time adherent, I can understand
why. Yet in my lifetime I have seen tremendous change led by
progressive religious leaders in changing our society. I would
contend that the progress made in civil rights for every minority and
disadvantaged cultural group would not have occurred without the
leadership of progressive, religious communities.
Yet
I am most concerned with the dying church: there is an understandably
urge for change. young people particularly have discarded religious
traditions that still reflect a pre-scientific mindset. The last
time the foundations of Christianity were challenged was 500 years
ago when Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis. The concerns of that
era, including words such as indulgences, justification by faith and
bondage of the will mean nothing to young people today. I contend
that the hypocrisy of blindly affirming dogmas is no longer
acceptable to young people as they leave the church in droves. Yet
is the spirituality, community and search for meaning in life that
churches have and can provide that can give a much-needed moral tone
to our society. Particularly as we discover the pride of giving all
religions equal stature and status.
On
a very personal level, I feel compelled to offer the following
observation about religion. (Given my early heritage, I might say
"testimony") I am tremendously grateful that my parents
sought a neighborhood church to attend. I am confident that the
teachings and moral values we were taught established the foundation
for my life. I believe they were also instrumental in helping my
wife and me provide a home that attempted to install the same values
in our children. Yet I vehemently denounce the claim of any religion
based on love and welfare of all to proclaim superiority over another
religion. From my personal experience in attending them I must state
that whatever it is called: synagogue, mosque, church or
meetinghouse, it is there that I have found direction and peace.
4.
I am extremely concerned with the public support of the public
schools of America. Once the innovative pride of the world, Horace
Mann's creation suffers from that neglect which was once a source of
national unity. Raised In southern segregated schools, I can
personally attest to the harmful effects of that divisiveness. But I
know full well that there was community unity and doors open for all
of my neighborhood rubbing elbows together. My cross-sectional
enclave in my large southern city had rich and poor (admittedly
segregated) people of all faiths, nationalities and abilities
together. The proliferation of both private schools and Charter
Schools inevitably has undercut the spirit of unity within our
country.
5.
In my day we played sports for fun and to fill our idle hours. From
this outsiders view of the current scene, it appears that the
emphasize is on winning teams, excellence, possible college
scholarships and creating a harried home life. In my day we dabbled
in a variety of sports according to the weather and the "professional
season." There were even quasi legal prohibitions on
participation in sports outside the season. We had no trophies
telling us we were winners or participants. We found plenty of good
competition nearby rather than feeling the need to travel great
distances that require family contributions or community fundraiser.
While lamenting the erosion of family time. I also question the
effect on a child's outlook as we glorify winning and excellence. I
discuss this with some reluctance as one who had many doors opened
for me because of my involvement on teams. Certainly the basketball
hoop my father put in the backyard that gave me an initial skill
would not suffice today in competition with those participating
year-round at professional camps.
That's
about all the energy a 92-year-oldster has in relating experiences
from a good life. But I feel compelled to once again recall one of
my continued concerns regarding a failure of our current affluent
society. There's no question that the health of the world is
endangered by human lifestyles. While young people have been in the
forefront of citing this problem, I contend that current lifestyles
increasingly contribute to the problem. Lip service is given, but a
variety of practices in the name of comfort and convenience only
exacerbate the problem. Where is the protest and demand that would
lead to strict laws that would force national and recognized
practices ameliorateing the problems?How can it be that we remain
one of the only developed countries that has only 10 of the 50 states
having a bottle deposit law that has been universally recognized as
important, but lobbied against effectively by the beverage industries.
So
that's it! It's time for me to move on to my next endeavors. Thanks for reading my rants to the end.
