Posted By: debbie
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/02/04 06:39 PM
Good for this boy! I hope it turns out well for him, however.
Posted By: Daryl
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/03/04 01:40 AM
I hope it turns out well for him too!
Could this be considered a religious liberty issue?
Posted By: Andrew Marttinen
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/19/04 01:39 AM
How far do you take a principle like this? I wonder if the exam the boy took had the correct date at the top of it. Adventists used to be so sensitive about writing the names about pagan gods that their publications were dated, for instance, "The Fifth Day of September, 18--" so that they weren't bringing up the name of the pagan god Thor (Thursday). Do they get a "good for them" or were they just being unduly picky?
Posted By: D R
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/19/04 03:06 AM
This is another example of why we have the SDA school system! and if the SDA school system is not available "home schooling" and if that is not an option, contract the homeschooling out, if that is not an option...?
Posted By: vastergotland
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/19/04 03:11 AM
Depends on if you believe the "god" Thor exists or not. I think the principle behind the "meat sacraficed to idols" theme works here.
If the percieved problem would instead be having to read a book about witchcraft (havent read it so I dont know what it says) that may or may not teach you about it, it would be a different problem.
Comments?
/Thomas
Posted By: Andrew Marttinen
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/22/04 03:14 AM
The James White Library at Andrews University library had copies of Mein Kampf and the Satanic Bible (Anton LeVay's essay on selfish, cynical living) on their shelves (know because I worked there and had to "read" shelves for endless hours). They are available. Should a Christian be found reading either of them--or what in the world are they available there for? I noticed that both had been checked out quite a few times.
This is my experience: For the sake of scholarship and integrity it is much better to read from original sources rather than what others say about a certain topic. For instance, if I would want to study the New Age Movement, I'd read a book from someone in the New Age Movement. I'd never go to a "Dangers of the New Age" book written by some nervy blond guy.
Posted By: Sarah Moss
Re: Pupil appeals over 'Harry Potter' exam question - 11/22/04 07:15 AM
Personally, I would be very irate if a school required my child to read Harry Potter and then write an exam which based 30% of his grade on it. I was appalled as a teenager at the content of Hamlet and that was required reading as well. (I don't think I even thought to complain about it to my teacher.)
I have not (and do not currently plan to) read any Harry Potter novels, however it is my understanding, from those who have read them, that they are not even of the best literary material. That, of course, is beside the point. A student should be allowed to appeal the requirements of certain books and given opportunity to chose a different book from a pre-approved qualifying list to replace any "controversial" books.