How do you feel a situation such as this should be handled, both by a Christian, and non-Christian viewpoint?

Question

I was one of the original members of my high school's poetry club which was established during last school year. Over the past year, I have been disgusted by the club.

While this may, or may not be relevant, I am the only Christian in the club. This club consists of poetry about sexual topics, vulgarity, profanity, and even a project where we write a suicide poem.

The poetry, and non-poetry discussions are ones that would never be permitted in a general classroom setting, but this is an after school group, therefore I am under the impression that they are permitted to have a club such as this.

Should I simply decline membership, continue to go to the club anyways, or what?

The vulgarity and such goes beyond the poetry that is being read. The overall conversation would not be tolerated in a normal classroom environment.

Also, I have already sent an email to the club president stating that I am offended and uncomfortable with the conversation and poetry topics and I would like my name removed from the membership list. I explained,very honestly, that I cannot with a right mind be associated with that club any longer, and that my poetry is me opening up my heart to God in prayer and worship, and I can do that without having to spend my time in an environment where I am exposed to such content, especially when I have a say in whether I choose to take part in the activities or not.

Answer 1

This club is making you uncomfortable, and there's no reason for you to continue being a part of such a thing.

Look around for another group (it doesn't have to be poetry) that better suits you.

Answer 2

Christianity seems to have very little to do with this topic, for i am Buddhist and i also agree that while that type of poetry could be explored in moderation it should not be the main point of the group.

My best advice would be to perhaps attend a meeting and voice an interest to open the genre a bit and maybe explore some more classical poetry as well- see what the groups reaction is. Do Not make them feel as if they are wrong and you are the only correct way- it will just start a conflict. If they are open to exploring more of a variety then- yay! if not i would kindly decline the invitation and simply 'Ive got a lot going on right now so i have to cut some things out' or even 'i dont really enjoy this particular genre of poetry really so I'm looking into finding a group that is closer to my interests'.

i hope Ive helped!

Answer 3

Talk to your principal. I'm sure no principal would support an on-site school club that considers a "suicide note" art.

eg. Did the poetry club require a note from a parent or physician saying that classmates are mentally stable enough to participate in writing a suicide note.

The school could get sued if someone became mentally ill or committed suicide from writing such a note.

As for the other vulgarities, unless they are illegal such as intolerance or hatred toward someones race, religion, gender, etc. Forget it and find some better friends. Poetry is depressing anyways.

Answer 4

A poetry club at high school should be a good thing....I would expect to study Keats, Mark Twain, and others....


In a high school setting I would think that the material with a sexual topic, vulgarity, profanity, etc. would not be an authorized part of the curriculum.....(?)

who picks the subject matter?? are we here to study poetry or write bathroom wall limericks.....

Answer 5

Poetry is poetry and you shouldn't try to censure it just because you don't like the topics. You're in high school, so people do have sex and curse, and most people like writing about things that apply to their lives. However, if it's something that bothers you that much, that's fine too. Just stop going to the club. But you have to realize that for the rest of your life, you're going to be presented with people who don't believe the same way as you, and you won't always be able to hide from it.

Answer 6

Sexuality, vulgarity, profanity, and suicide are all part of life. If the majority of this poetry club wants to explore such topics, that is for them to decide.

If you are uncomfortable with such topics, you are free to dissociate yourself from such a group, and form your own group to explore topic more to your liking.

Have a good day.

Answer 7

Well, considering that you are the minority in a private club, you can't expect all of the other members to change to suit your needs. If you don't feel comfortable with the topics that the other members wish to write about, you should probably withdraw your membership. I would let the others know why you've decided to stop attending meetings, however.

If you're not comfortable with the topics that others are choosing to write about, your talent isn't going to grow by being a member of this club.

Answer 8

The Lord tells us not to be yoked in unbelievers. Yet, as the same time, you can take a stand for your beliefs. If there is a teacher "in charge" of the club, I would have a talk with them, explaining that you are not comfortable with some of the topics being allowed, and so forth. You can also let your personal writing shine for the Lord.

No doubt, friend, you will be persecuted by the non-believers for taking this stance. But do not be afraid. The Lord is with you.

In the long run, you may end up leaving because sometimes it is only ours to plant the seed and leave it be. Don't allow the sin around you. It allows satan to find an opening in what you allow in.

You will be in my prayers.

God Bless.

Answer 9

You should ask God to show you what to do. It could go either way. You could end up being a light in the darkness. Could end up learning something. Could be pointless and just a distraction from what God really wants you to do. If you want God will for your life you will have to seek him. There are promises in the Bible that God will hear this and answer. He knows your heart and he does have a good plan for you. I do not presume to know exactly what his will is for you at this time.

David would often seeks God will before he took action. Jesus also asked his own will but that ultimately God will be done when he was in the Garden of "Gesthemani" - dont thing I spelled the garden right but it was before he was captured and taken to the cross. He asked that God would take the cup from him (the cross) but that God will be done. Ultimately God willed he go to the cross and was better for all of us and Jesus.

Answer 10

If you're offended by the material, I would just drop out of the club, and leave it at that.

While poetry is supposed to be art, and art isn't always pretty, it does seem a little graphic for a high school setting.