Posted by
Playful Walrus on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 7:03:27 PM
In case you haven't heard yet, an eight-year-old boy was sent from school and ordered to undergo re-education - er, uh, a psychological evaluation - because he understands that Christmas is about Christ. He drew a stick figure of Jesus on a cross. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker has the story.
Chester Johnson told WBZ-TV that his son made the drawing on Dec. 2 after his second-grade teacher asked children to sketch something that reminded them of the holiday.
The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to Christianity, and why many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. God came to this world as a boy, taking on a human nature, and ultimately, dying for our sins, offering us a gift beyond comparison.
Johnson said the teacher became upset when his son said he drew himself on the cross.
In a sense, we were all crucified with Jesus.
Johnson, who is black, told WBZ he suspects racism is involved.
I wonder why he suspects that? Sounds to me like Christophobia.
He said he thinks the school overreacted and wants an apology.
They did overreact.
An educational consultant working with the Johnson family said the teacher was also alarmed when the boy drew Xs for Jesus' eyes.
Was the teacher unaware that Jesus died on the cross?
The boy was cleared to return to school on Dec. 7 after the evaluation found nothing to indicate that he posed a threat to himself or others.
He may pose a threat to the sensitivities of the historically and religiously ignorant.
In June 2008, a Taunton fifth-grade student was suspended for a day for a stick figure drawing that appeared to depict him shooting his teacher and a classmate.
That is apples to oranges. The Christian boy was not implying a threat against against anyone.
I'm sure it is a mere coincidence that this happened in Massachusetts. I wonder if the great classical artists who depicted violence against Jesus would have been sent home as well?