By Dr. James Keaton Sr.
I once heard a story about a lightning bug convention that was held on Farmer Smith’s back 40 acres. Lightning bugs came from all over the country to this great convention. They came by the thousands; perhaps even millions came for the event.
They spent several nights flashing their lights and discussing things of special interest to lightning bugs. Finally the last night of the gathering arrived and they all met for one final business session. The Chairbug gave his final address and before closing the meeting, asked the great crowd what they thought the greatest problem facing lightning bugs was. Without hesitation someone declared the greatest problem was sunlight.
Instantly a great cheer of agreement went up from every bug present. When the sun comes up, they exclaimed, lightning bugs are out of business. Their little flashing light cannot be seen during daylight hours. Something had to be done!
It didn’t take long for a motion to be offered, declaring the sun would never rise again. Several quickly called out a second to the motion, and a vote was taken. To no one’s surprise the motion passed unanimously. The sun was never to come up again.
Well, we all know what happened a little after six o’clock that morning: The sun came up over the eastern horizon.
If you are wondering what this silly little story has to do with education, let me point out the similarities between lightning bugs declaring the sun was never to come up again, and educators declaring that God has nothing to do with science, history and math. The fiction story about lightning bugs evokes a feeling of pity for them. They really thought they were so important and powerful they could command the course of nature as it was created by the Almighty.
Any writers of curriculum, teachers, school boards or other engineers of society who believe they have power to overrule what God has established will no doubt someday have the same startling discovery as the lightning bugs when morning comes. Perhaps they, too, should be pitied.
Volume 3 Issue 2 - The Renewanation Review