In A Perfect World. . . Grades

In a perfect world, there would be no need for grades.  Students would come to class having read the material and have cogent remarks for the class discussion.  The biblical admonition to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul" (paraphrased) would be rule, not the exception.  That would be an educational utopia!  Unfortunately, this scenario rarely (if ever) materializes.  Students are grade mongers.  Please don't view this as a derogatory statement; I was a grade monger myself.  The difference is that I understood that in order to get the grade I wanted, I had to put in a great deal of study.  I knew it was necessary to read the course material and actually study for the exams.  I knew that it was very important that I attend class and take notes.  It never entered my mind to suggest that a professor assigned too much work or ask "Are we doing anything in class today?"  Most students today don't understand what an "A" actually means.  Far too often, students want an A without doing any work.  Newsflash!  An A means that the work was "exceptional!"  It's time to raise our educational standards!  It's been my experience that students will rise to meet those higher standards.  I don't mean to lump all students into this category; I know many students who are very diligent and dedicated.  Applying a biblical perspective to study will result in not only better students but better students.  Teachers and professors will need to spend more time developing quality course work.  It's time to remember that God demands our best in every aspect of life!  Blessings!

In a Perfect World . . . Speech

In a perfect world, we'd all be able to express our thoughts without fear of condemnation.  Unfortunately, in today's liberal culture, dissent is frowned upon.  Apparently, at the present time, we may feel free to express our opinion only when it's agreeable with the dominant view.  Whatever happened to being able to have a civil debate?  Whatever happened to being a able to "agree to disagree"?  That almost doesn't seem possible anymore.  As I watch the protest in in Wisconsin of disgruntled workers (they're employees of the state, after all--which means they actually work for the taxpayer) and see them physically accost a member of the opposing political party, I have wonder where our sense of common decency is?  Why are the senators in this state so afraid of debate?  I wonder if their reaction would be the same if the shoe were on the other foot?  I also follow the NCTE blog where (I thought) members would be able to discuss various issues with each other--free from condemnation of their peers.  However, this also proved to be untrue as a few weeks ago, I followed a vicious attack on a teacher who had the temerity to voice an opinion that went contrary to the thread conversations.  I quickly realized that this site is reserved for liberals who only wish to villify the government and rant against any possible plan that suggests accountabilty.  It's now a blog that I've lost all interest in following.  What a sad state of affairs for our country.  Unfortunately, I don't think things will improve.  In fact, I'm not sure they can.  For Christians who follow Bible prophecy, our spiritual antennas should be tuned heavenward as I believe the return of Christ for His saints (the Rapture) is very close.  Until then, I'll keep praying for civil discourse--the ability to freely express differing opinions without the fear of being attacked by those who disagree.  Even so, come Lord Jesus!