Hello to all,
I apologize for the late posting on this subject. I have been a bit
behind on my listserv reading, but couldn't let this subject pass without
contributing something to the discussion. I have read all the books, am
familiar with their content and background, and I have also
studied the portions of the Bible upon which they are based. The
literary style and writing do leave something to be desired. However, I
was disapointed with the response that was given to them of being biased,
hateful, vengeful, etc. I wonder how many have read the books or are
merely going with the published reviews? I was relieved to find that
some on the listserve had begun their own research and reading of them.
The authors were careful to cite passages from the Bible (especially
Revelation) regarding the events of their book. Yes, they have
definitely FICTIONALIZED a futuristic account. Does this make the
Biblical account untrue? No, it certainly does not. They have merely
added imagination to what has already been prophesied. And by the way,
the Bible also states that God's thoughts are far above man's thoughts
and so whatever they could imagine will not even come close to what God
will actually do. If proper research is done of history, one will find
that the prophecies of the Old Testament were literally fulfilled.
Personally, I am encouraged that children desire to read something which
actually challenges them to think about things and not just provide weak
entertainment and "fun" times.
As a group of professional specialists and thinkers, I believe we hold
that it is important to have a free flow of information and research. I
challenge this group not only to keep these books (and others of
controversial nature) within their collection, but also to do the
research for oneself. Read the books, read the portions of Scripture on
which they are based. Do you think these children won't have questions
when they are finished reading them? Provide yourself with your own
information and conclusions about them firsthand. Uphold the standards
of your profession. Do not have a double standard regarding censorship
merely because of personal biases. I close with the conclusion of the CA
Supreme Court regarding a similar issue (in 1924). ""The mere act of
purchasing a book to be added to the school library does not carry with
it any implication of the adoption of the theory or dogma contained
therein, or any approval of the book itself, except as a work of
literature fit to be included in a reference library." ( Retrieved
January 24, from
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/firstamendment/courtcases/courtcases.htm#rrf)
Sincerely,
Lydia Lansberry
LMS Grad Student
Tucson, Arizona
lml04f@garnet.acns.fsu.edu
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding."
Proverbs 3:13
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