When I was a kid, admittedly a long time ago, we used to sing a lot. Kids at school learned the hymns off by heart, because we sang every day, before most were able to read. And we sang the songs often, so we learned them. I remember one time in a class in primary school, at about the grade 2 or 3 level I guess, sitting on the floor in the gym by my friend John Stevens. We were sitting right by Mrs. Glover as she played the piano. I sang so loud and heartily - I enjoyed it, and I suppose the mentality was that it was a good thing to do, so why not. I sang so well that my friend John got complimented by the teacher, who assumed it was him, 'cos he was known to have a good voice. Ah well, the praise is not the object of the game, is it?

These days we are more enlightened. Children are not indoctrinated with things about God when they go to school. There is little moral teaching and not so much singing. These days kids are taught from Kingergarten up the important issues of life that will help them when they are older. That homosexuality is normal and healthy. That any god anyone wants to pick is fine. No god at all is also a good decision, if it seems "right for you." The issues of sexuality are particularly touchy. I may get a call from the sex police for just writing this. I'm not sure. Homosexuality is unhealthy, its easy to demonstrate, its also wrong, becauses God says so. Oh, yeah, I forgot..... God's not allowed in school any more.

The new age of a different indoctrination has radically changed the way a child's thinking is shaped at school. In the latest move parents are no longer part of the equation, as teachers will not notify them when their kids are being taught something that may be totally the opposite of what they believe and  tell their kids at home or know to be true. What chance is there for parents then? Teachers spend more time with your children than you do. There are many good teachers out there - I know some. Even these are constrained, however by the rules of modern education and classroom conduct. I know one teacher yelled at by a student, ("Turn that crap off") because she was playing Christian music. On her own time, mind you. In private until the student entered the room. More importantly, what chance is there for the children? School is surely no longer a safe place to send them. I'm past parenting now. In some ways I can add, "thank God!" but on the other hand, it seems there is a battle that may not be raging but needs to be, and I'd probably enter the fray.