I teach art a Christian-based university. Faculty are asked to start the class with a devotional or spiritual message of some kind. I don't generally do that, but I do read quotes about art from one of my favorite artists. He happened to have been a bisexual atheist. Should I get in gear or keep with my program? I am Christian, after all. I think his vews of art were very consistent with a healthy view of the world.
2007-04-07 19:47:06 · 21 answers · asked by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Check your intent, trust your instincts.
2007-04-07 19:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that it's wrong. I believe that everyone should be able to express themselves.
However.....You have to think about this from the schools prospective and the parents too. You could jeopardize your job by doing this.. When it comes to religion people can get pretty upset. Parents may want the kids there for the sole purpose of the Christian way and finding out they are hearing quotes from a bisexual atheist could really start some complaints. The school unfortunately would have to back the parents. So I say that you have to ask yourself which is more important to you. Reading the kids something you think is wonderful art or Reading the kids what the parents and the school wants you to read/do. You just have to be prepared for what happens.
Good luck! :)
2007-04-08 02:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should get with the program, in a creative way. no where in your statement did I think that you were a Christian. So are you?
I am a Bisexual Christian, so maybe I have a little sight into this.
If you are a Christian, this shouldn't be so difficult.
When Iook at how an Atheist thinks, I have loads of scripture that I can compare it to. So I can take the most extreme view of the most extreme Atheist that I have experienced and draw analogies with what is said in the Bible, or what I know about God.
Give me an example of what your artist says, and I will give you an example.
2007-04-08 03:03:35 · answer #3 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an atheist, yet long time friend of a devout christian I learned something very interesting from her. We were walking through a christian book store when I picked up a CD and pointed out that one of the bands was notorious for bad lyrics. All she said was "Even those who act in ways we don't agree with, may produce something we both can." I believe that now too. So maybe they were a bisexual atheist (yahoo!), but if they have the same views on art so be it.
2007-04-08 02:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by Instigatorof truth 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if the intent of the school is to have devotional or spiritual messages and you are faculty there and knew when you were hired that this is one of the expectations of you as part of their staff than yes, I think it is wrong
not because he was bisexual or an atheist but because by reading things that are quotes from an artist you are not following the expectations set forth by the administration
you agreed to do a job there, and by agreeing you need to follow the rules....you do not have the option of picking and choosing which rules to follow, that is not your role as teacher, but the role of the administration
you need to find and read things that follow the spirit of the expectations
if, after you have done this you would ALSO like to read of other things, that is fine....but you must do what is asked of you first
2007-04-08 02:54:24 · answer #5 · answered by Rhymes with Camera 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because a person is gay, bisexual or an atheist does not mean he was not a good artist. Now, if you were condoning his lifestyle in a Christian-based university, it would be time to start looking for another job were I the head of your department.
2007-04-08 02:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by The Nana of Nana's 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get in gear. That bisexual atheist may have had swell things to say about art, but that's hardly a devotional or spiritual message, now is it? If you're a Christian, I think you already knew the answer to this one.
Happy Easter!
2007-04-08 02:53:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
"Faculty are asked to start the class with a devotional or spiritual message of some kind."
Ask yourself, " Is this message spiritual in nature?" If so, there should be no problem. Someone's sexual orientation doesn't preclude them from wisdom.
2007-04-08 07:14:32 · answer #8 · answered by Kallan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, being a Christian does not mean you have to ignore or look down upon all non-believers. They deserve the same respect as the rest of us. If you agree with this artist's views, don't stop quoting him. Unless it will cost you your job. Then I would tone it down a bit.
2007-04-08 02:58:44 · answer #9 · answered by golden_sunset_xiii 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian also. I think you should follow your own convictions,(which sound like they lead toward the artists quotes). Who is your university to say that God didn't speak to or though him? I believe sometimes God speaks through goats.(btw,if this don't work out for you,please don't come to me for a job.)lol
2007-04-08 02:55:06 · answer #10 · answered by nil_queen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NonChristians have insights. The only question I would ask myself is what kind of spirit would be attached to the words he spoke and is it the type of spirit I want to pass to my students? That's one I'd spend some time mulling over with God I think.
2007-04-08 02:55:54 · answer #11 · answered by kaehya2003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋