Boycotting the Christmas Program

[Tim]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set well with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

 

[Binaca Chugger]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set sell with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

Their kids - their choice.

I walked out of a conference at my church because the speaker made up heresy to defend the KJV.  I have chosen not to attend other functions.

 

[Tim]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set sell with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

Their kids - their choice.

I walked out of a conference at my church because the speaker made up heresy to defend the KJV.  I have chosen not to attend other functions.

Did you make this known to anyone other than yourself?

 

[Izdaari]

No, I've never had a problem with a Christmas program or anything like that.

I've left a church because I didn't like the political and cultural views prevalent in the movement they were part of, but that's a rather different matter.

 

[Binaca Chugger]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set sell with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

Their kids - their choice.

I walked out of a conference at my church because the speaker made up heresy to defend the KJV.  I have chosen not to attend other functions.

Did you make this known to anyone other than yourself?

Walking out?  I was on the fourth row with my family.  People noticed.

 

[subllibrm]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

 

[Tim]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set sell with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

Their kids - their choice.

I walked out of a conference at my church because the speaker made up heresy to defend the KJV.  I have chosen not to attend other functions.

Did you make this known to anyone other than yourself?

Walking out?  I was on the fourth row with my family.  People noticed.

How do you know they didn't just assume you were ill or something?

 

[Tim]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

I am very curious what your position could be.

 

[Binaca Chugger]

I am not a church-splitter, but I do not have to sit through blatant heresy.  I would not go around the church and organize a boycott.  I would be willing to state my position to a serious enquirer.

I recall my days at HAC.  A speaker was coming with whom many people disagreed (imagine that - politics at HAC!?!)  Several students tried organizing a walk-out.  I was talking to Bro. Hyles about the topic.  He suggested that I sit in back and endure the service because I was a part of a group and he was the speaker (we would get demerits for skipping chapel).  He told me that the speaker was a very good speaker and might preach on any number of topics without mentioning the politics of the NADD.  JH also sugggested that if politics were brought up, I should walk out and feel no shame in doing so.  However, it would be inappropriate for me to join ranks with those planning an act of rebellion.  I still pretty much stick to that position.

 

[Tim]

I am not a church-splitter, but I do not have to sit through blatant heresy.  I would not go around the church and organize a boycott.  I would be willing to state my position to a serious enquirer.

I recall my days at HAC.  A speaker was coming with whom many people disagreed (imagine that - politics at HAC!?!)  Several students tried organizing a walk-out.  I was talking to Bro. Hyles about the topic.  He suggested that I sit in back and endure the service because I was a part of a group and he was the speaker (we would get demerits for skipping chapel).  He told me that the speaker was a very good speaker and might preach on any number of topics without mentioning the politics of the NADD.  JH also sugggested that if politics were brought up, I should walk out and feel no shame in doing so.  However, it would be inappropriate for me to join ranks with those planning an act of rebellion.  I still pretty much stick to that position.

I agree, organizing a boycott is way extreme. But, you should share with leadership your views.

 

[Binaca Chugger]

I am not a church-splitter, but I do not have to sit through blatant heresy.  I would not go around the church and organize a boycott.  I would be willing to state my position to a serious enquirer.

I recall my days at HAC.  A speaker was coming with whom many people disagreed (imagine that - politics at HAC!?!)  Several students tried organizing a walk-out.  I was talking to Bro. Hyles about the topic.  He suggested that I sit in back and endure the service because I was a part of a group and he was the speaker (we would get demerits for skipping chapel).  He told me that the speaker was a very good speaker and might preach on any number of topics without mentioning the politics of the NADD.  JH also sugggested that if politics were brought up, I should walk out and feel no shame in doing so.  However, it would be inappropriate for me to join ranks with those planning an act of rebellion.  I still pretty much stick to that position.

I agree, organizing a boycott is way extreme. But, you should share with leadership your views.

Oh, I shared

They didn't care, but I shared.

 

[subllibrm]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

I am very curious what your position could be.

Your curiosity is likely to get this cat killed.  ;D

1. I blanch at the notion that 3-4 year olds are "ministering". Few if any are able to articulate faith beyond what they hear and repeat. So the spiritual reasoning holds no water to me.

2. I have more respect for them than to put them on parade. My sense is that we are entertained by their "cuteness" much like we are by chimpanzees in bib overalls and squirrels that water-ski.

3. The skits are generally lame and the lines are written to appear to be the "darnedest thing" while I much prefer a child coming up with his/her own darnedest thing to say.

Now that I have answered the question I will put on my asbestos suit in advance of the flame war that will soon follow.

BTW I love little kids. Maybe too much for other people to understand.

Merry Christmas
Bill

 

[Binaca Chugger]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

I am very curious what your position could be.

Your curiosity is likely to get this cat killed.  ;D

1. I blanch at the notion that 3-4 year olds are "ministering". Few if any are able to articulate faith beyond what they hear and repeat. So the spiritual reasoning holds no water to me.

2. I have more respect for them than to put them on parade. My sense is that we are entertained by their "cuteness" much like we are by chimpanzees in bib overalls and squirrels that water-ski.

3. The skits are generally lame and the lines are written to appear to be the "darnedest thing" while I much prefer a child coming up with his/her own darnedest thing to say.

Now that I have answered the question I will put on my asbestos suit in advance of the flame war that will soon follow.

BTW I love little kids. Maybe too much for other people to understand.

Merry Christmas
Bill

LOL!    I love your reasons.  At least you have some!

 

[MTJ]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

I am very curious what your position could be.

Your curiosity is likely to get this cat killed.  ;D

1. I blanch at the notion that 3-4 year olds are "ministering". Few if any are able to articulate faith beyond what they hear and repeat. So the spiritual reasoning holds no water to me.

2. I have more respect for them than to put them on parade. My sense is that we are entertained by their "cuteness" much like we are by chimpanzees in bib overalls and squirrels that water-ski.

3. The skits are generally lame and the lines are written to appear to be the "darnedest thing" while I much prefer a child coming up with his/her own darnedest thing to say.

Now that I have answered the question I will put on my asbestos suit in advance of the flame war that will soon follow.

BTW I love little kids. Maybe too much for other people to understand.

Merry Christmas
Bill

Nothing here really that I can argue with.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

I am not a church-splitter, but I do not have to sit through blatant heresy.  I would not go around the church and organize a boycott.  I would be willing to state my position to a serious enquirer.

I recall my days at HAC.  A speaker was coming with whom many people disagreed (imagine that - politics at HAC!?!)  Several students tried organizing a walk-out.  I was talking to Bro. Hyles about the topic.  He suggested that I sit in back and endure the service because I was a part of a group and he was the speaker (we would get demerits for skipping chapel).  He told me that the speaker was a very good speaker and might preach on any number of topics without mentioning the politics of the NADD.  JH also sugggested that if politics were brought up, I should walk out and feel no shame in doing so.  However, it would be inappropriate for me to join ranks with those planning an act of rebellion.  I still pretty much stick to that position.

Reminds me of the time I was in HAC chapel and my mom walked out while Hyles was preaching his...umm....ideas. She got called into Evans' office and lit into. Didn't change her one bit though.

 

[Tim]

I don't go to the Children's Christmas program. I have never found a good way to articulate my position so I just stay home. Would never seek to encourage anyone else to stay away with me.

I am very curious what your position could be.

Your curiosity is likely to get this cat killed.  ;D

1. I blanch at the notion that 3-4 year olds are "ministering". Few if any are able to articulate faith beyond what they hear and repeat. So the spiritual reasoning holds no water to me.

2. I have more respect for them than to put them on parade. My sense is that we are entertained by their "cuteness" much like we are by chimpanzees in bib overalls and squirrels that water-ski.

3. The skits are generally lame and the lines are written to appear to be the "darnedest thing" while I much prefer a child coming up with his/her own darnedest thing to say.

Now that I have answered the question I will put on my asbestos suit in advance of the flame war that will soon follow.

BTW I love little kids. Maybe too much for other people to understand.

Merry Christmas
Bill

I actually agree with your post for the most part. Though, I wouldn't share it with many people for fear of misunderstand - probably just like you do. I personal find the testimony from some of the children heart warming - but, yes, many just do what they are told and give great photo Hallmark moments.

I do appreciate the effort my pastor gives at the end of our program to share the gospel from his heart to the unsaved. He did say this year the best parts are the "unscripted" ... and this year we had some cute moments.

But, yes, I agree with you. These really seem mostly programs for grandma and grandpa and less about ministering.

 

[ThatGirl]

We had a lighter attendance last night for this years Christmas Program- a few boycotted it.

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

It was honestly really silly IMHO. The mother of the original girl chosen to play Mary found the play's use of the word virgin and pregnant inappropriate. The play was written as if children were telling the story, so for example, the part where Mary says she was pregnant she giggles .... and, a few times she speaks of being a virgin ... and Joseph talks of the struggle to accept a pregnant woman to be his wife ...  the mom felt it was all too mature .... and having giggles the word "dude" ... well, it just didn't set well with her.

The mom brought me the play and asked if I looked at it, she was certain she was right in her views, and after I looked it over I thought it was fine. She was the only parent of a child in the play who didn't like it, so we all agreed to use the play and move on.

Anyway - they pulled their daughter out of the play and boycotted it.

I've never boycotted anything but your story made me grin.  Many years ago when my daughter was around 8 (she's grown now) we were all involved in our church Christmas program.  On the way home after one of the practices she said "Mom, I've been meaning to ask you...what's a virgin?"  I think I blacked out for a moment but when I came to I decided that the straight truth was best.  I am an adult after all.  So I gathered all of my parental courage and told her it was someone from Virginia.

We have since cleared the whole thing up.   

 

[Ransom]

Ever boycott something at your own Church?

Boycott? No. If it isn't intrinsically wrong, and it just doesn't interest me, I just don't go. No need to go all Rosa Parks over it.