An interesting thing happened at our local library today. Rory asked the librarian why there were "scary" things up on the walls. I didn't hear her response, but I think it had something to do with Halloween coming up, because Rory then went on to tell her that he didn't believe in Halloween. He thinks God is against it. Just for a little background, this conviction of his came about a year or two ago, when he came out of the bathroom and informed me that he had been speaking with God, and God said He didn't like Halloween. How can you argue with that? Anyway, back to the library. A while later, the other librarian came to me and asked me to have Rory not discuss Halloween with the other children, because those were his "personal beliefs." This was after she had acknowledged a little girl informing her she would be dressing as a princess for Halloween with a "Won't that be nice?" or some such comment.
Okay, so here is my question. I agree. Personal beliefs are supposed to be personal. But why in the world are my son's beliefs in God censored, when other children's beliefs in Halloween are encouraged? The librarian was also nice enough to inform me that they would be doing pumpkins the next week for storytime, and something else related to Halloween the following week, in case I wanted to stay away. Does everyone believe in Halloween? I don't think so. However, there were children's books featuring witches and skeletons and things prominently displayed for the season.
My other question is, how do I tell my eight-year-old that he is not allowed to talk about God? He hears in church and in our home how we are supposed to tell others about our faith. After all, Jesus told us to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every nation. I don't think he meant every nation except the United States of America. To Rory, God is as real as you or I. I'm having some trouble in this day and age convincing him that vampires are not. Now, I'm supposed to tell him that God is only his "personal belief," and not real either?
I love taking the kids to the library, and to the activities there. As a homeschooler, it is sometimes necessary for finding information. And, the librarians are all very nice. Please understand that this was not a disrespectful conversation in any way, but it put a piece of lead in my stomach and a pain in my heart just as if it was. I'm not sure I'll be able go back to the library with the same attitude again.
