talking it over with Dr. Clyde M. Narramore
Dr. Narramore, graduate of Columbia University, New York City, is a pschologist and Consultant in Research and Guidance with one of the largest school systems in the United States. W H A T A B O U T DANC ING ?
teachers — she reasoned with them. She took her stand firmly, but sweet ly- Sometimes, however, a person has to bring the matter before the Board of Education. Dancing, of course, really has little, if any, place in a sound modem curriculum program. It’s there because unregenerate peo ple have introduced it. And they don’t know any better until you bring it to their attention. As a public school official in one of the world’s largest systems, may I suggest that you talk to your princi pal personally. If he does not elimin ate the dancing or provide your child with another activity during that neriod, talk to him again. If he does nothing about it, have a committee of parents or your attorney take the matter directly to the School Board. Remember that the public schools in the United States are administered and supported locally and that you have a responsibility to determine what is and is not to be included in the school program. Dear Dr. Narramore: I have been reading some of the recent numbers of King’s Business, and I am impressed by one of your discussions. I was especially interested in the letter “ Out of Darkness into Light” written by a lady who had been a member of a cult. She was asking to be able to trust Jesus all the way. She stated that she did not want to talk with her pastor since so much of the false teaching of this cult still stuck in her mind. I, too, was a member of a cult (SDA) for 20 years. I was faithful to the things that were presented to me (and I might add my family, my husband and children, also belonged). But there was always a tugging at my heart and mind, something sug LEAV ING TH E CULTS
gesting that I did not have the real truth, but something counterfeit. However, from force of habit we went on even when my husband who had commenced to study the Bible for himself without the beneft of their prophetess’ interpretations, began to express doubts. He found so many things in the clear Word that con tradicted the so-called message of the cult. Finally a friend gave us some lit erature that caused us to really com pare Scripture with Scripture. In a few months, we found our freedom— to some extent—but not all the way, as it is very difficult to shed over night the teaching of years, which seemed so sincere. Also as the lady in your article said, there was fear. I understand about praying “ in fear.” I did that for years. Also, giving up the Seventh - day Sabbath was the hardest thing to do, as that is about their most important teaching and the most binding. However, we stepped out at last, and joined a fine church, similar to the one in which I had been brought up — and praise the Name of the Lord, we found a per sonal relationship with Jesus that we had never had in all those 20 years. We found Salvation, sure and eternal. Now all our family are dedicated Christians, and our sons and daugh ters are serving the Lord. One studied for the ministry. With the gift of a glorious voice which God gave him, he is singing to the honor and glory of God. Others teach Sunday school classes, and the Lord has permitted my husband and me also to teach classes of adults. So you can see how we came out FULLY from error. Iam writing this word as encouragement to those whom God is leading out of darkness. God will enlighten, God will strength en, God will give wisdom, knowledge and strength! Sincerely yours in Christ, A servant of God.
Question: W e do not want our girl to take the dancing lessons given in the curriculum of the public school. What is your suggestion and advice? W e would appreciate hearing from you. Yours very truly, A regular reader Answer: I am glad you have written me about this problem, in as much as I am employed in the public school as a Psychologist, and like you, I do not want my children to learn to dance in school. This, of course, is a common prob lem. Nearly every Christian parent faces this situation as his child goes through school. One time I was talking to the late Mrs. Aldrich of “Mixing Bowl” fame. She told me what she had done about her ten children. “ Each year,” she said, “ I made my pilgrimage to see the principal of the public school. Then I recited the fact that I did not want my child to learn dancing, and I explained why. After a long discus sion with the principal each year, en couraging him to talk also, he usual ly understood and made other ar rangements. Some years, I had to go to school more than once. Sometimes, I had to talk with the individual teacher involved. I explained to them, that no one in our family danced, and none of their friends did. I pointed out that if the school taught my child to dance, they would be dividing my family and would be bringing in companions which we did not want in our home. By explaining the social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the problem, the school people usually saw the reasoning. But, of course, I still had to make my annual trip when a new son or daughter was in volved or when we had new teachers and administrators.” I think Mrs. Aldrich had the right approach—she didn’t scold the school
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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